2016: Shaq Lawson
In 2015, Rex Ryan inherited a Buffalo Bills team that boasted Mario Williams. He was coming off of a 14.5 sack performance the previous year, and expected to do more. However, Williams never bought into the system and he ended up being released following the 2015 season. His production dropped to five sacks and he was never the same in the Ryan system.
Ryan needed an edge rusher, and with his son Seth attending Clemson, he had a close scouting report. He chose Lawson with the 19th pick in the 2016 draft. Unfortunately he missed significant time due to a shoulder injury, sitting on the PUP list. He did flaunt some of his talent when he returned, recording his first of two sacks as a rookie against Tom Brady in October. His second came the following week against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
Overall, one would say Lawson flashed in his first year. In addition to the two sacks he posted 13 total tackles, a forced fumble and a pass defense. It will be interesting when Lawson finally has the opportunity to play a full season. However, being able to get to both Brady and Wilson shows a player that has ability. How much NFL ability remains to be seen, but Lawson has the makings of an exciting player.