Deontae Lawson

NFL Draft Profile: Deontae Lawson

Position: Inside Linebacker (MIKE) | School: Alabama | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 228 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Signal-Caller / Run Stopper)

College Career Summary

Deontae Lawson finishes his Alabama career as one of the most respected "Green Dot" leaders in program history. After redshirting in 2021, he became a fixture in the middle of the Crimson Tide defense. His 2024 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury against Oklahoma, but his 2025 "revenge tour" was nothing short of legendary. Lawson became just the 16th player in Alabama history to be named a two-time permanent team captain. Despite playing at a slightly lighter weight (228 lbs) to increase his lateral range post-injury, he remained the physical heartbeat of the Tide. He led Alabama in 2025 with 85 tackles, proving that his surgical recovery was complete and his football IQ was higher than ever.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 49

• Total Tackles: 279 (85 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 18.5 (4.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 7.0 (1.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 4 (2 in 2025)

• Fumble Recoveries: 3 (2 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Florida State	6 Tkl	B+	Emotional return; showed no hesitation on the knee.
vs. ULM	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Efficient and disciplined in limited reps.
@ Wisconsin	9 Tkl	A-	Stamina was elite; chased down plays in the 4th.
vs. Georgia (Reg)	4 Tkl, 1 FR	B+	Huge fumble recovery; high Play Recognition.
@ Vanderbilt	4 Tkl, 1 PD	B-	Struggled slightly with Vandy’s option speed.
vs. Missouri	7 Tkl, 1 QBH	B+	Anchored a shutout; excellent Leadership.
@ Tennessee	6 Tkl	B	Solid in a loud environment; secure tackler.
vs. South Carolina	7 Tkl, 1 FF	A	Clutch. Forced the fumble to seal the win.
@ LSU	9 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	A-	Motor was high; sideline-to-sideline pursuit.
@ Oklahoma	5 Tkl	B	Emotional return to the site of his 2024 injury.
vs. Eastern Ill.	1 Tkl	B	Senior Day; played one quarter and sat.
@ Auburn	7 Tkl, 1 FR	A	Competitor. Sealed the Iron Bowl with a FR.
SECCG vs. Georgia	6 Tkl	B+	Directed the defense perfectly in a high-stakes game.
CFP vs. Oklahoma	10 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Redemption sack and double-digit stops.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Master Communicator: Lawson is the ultimate field general. He has worn the "Green Dot" for years and processes offensive shifts faster than most veterans.

• Tackling Consistency: He rarely misses. Lawson uses a "wrap-and-roll" Technique that neutralizes even the most powerful SEC running backs.

• Instinctual Blitzing: While not a pure pass rusher, his timing on A-gap blitzes is surgically precise.

• Mental Toughness: Returning from a season-ending knee injury to become an All-SEC performer speaks volumes about his character.

Weaknesses

• Frame Concerns: Listed at 228 lbs in 2025, he is light for an NFL MIKE. He can be overwhelmed by "climbers" (OL reaching the second level) if he doesn't win with initial quickness.

• Injury History: GMs will look closely at that right knee. While he looked fast in 2025, long-term Durability is the primary question mark.

• Coverage Transitions: While sound in zone drops, he can struggle to "flip his hips" and run with elite NFL slot receivers or 4.4-speed tight ends.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-2-5 or WILL in a 3-4 scheme that protects him with a massive nose tackle.

NFL Comparison: C.J. Mosley (Jets) / Josey Jewell

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 20/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Deontae Lawson is the "coach on the field" that every NFL defensive coordinator wants. What he lacks in "freakish" 250 lb size, he more than makes up for with elite Play Recognition and Leadership. His 2025 tape showed a player who had fully regained his Acceleration and Agility. He won't be the flashiest tester at the combine, but he will be the smartest player in the room during interviews. Because of his positional value as a signal-caller, he will be a high-priority target for teams looking to stabilize their middle.

Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round