With the twenty-second pick in the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected defensive end/linebacker Manny Lawson of North Carolina State. The 49ers had an outstanding first round in selecting both Lawson and tight end Vernon Davis. Lawson is the perfect addition to their defense, and was even named team-MVP at NC State over Mario Williams, the first pick in the draft.

Scouting Information on Lawson: Manny Lawson is a defensive end from North Carolina State. He recorded 58 tackles with 10.5 sacks during his final season at college, which puts him just behind Mario Williams in a class of talented defensive ends.

Lawson played both outside linebacker and defensive end at NC State, but he will be drafted as a defensive end. He is unbelievably quick around the corner, making it tough for offensive tackles to keep him contained. His long arms don't make it any easier for offensive lineman either. He will continue to get a pass rush on quarterbacks throughout the game due to his ability to get to the outside. He will often find a running back in the backfield too and take them down before they get past the line of scrimmage. His height, along with his leaping ability, allows him to get in the quarterbacks vision and bat passes down at the line. He can also drop back enough into coverage, which improved via his time as a linebacker. If teams run the ball all day though, Lawson could be in trouble. He doesn't have the size to take a beating from the offensive line all day.

Lawson will be selected near the middle of the first round of the draft. He has a lot of potential and will make an instant impact for anyone who selects him.