2021 IDP Breakout Candidates: Carl Lawson

Uncategorized Posted on  —by IDP+ Staff  1

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The dust from the free agency frenzy is beginning to settle! There are still a few big names out there who have yet to be signed, while other players have chosen their next destinations. When a player finds himself landing in the right situation, it can put them in a position to become more relevant for fantasy IDP managers. Carl Lawson signed a deal with the New York Jets and now finds himself in an ideal landing spot to become a 2021 IDP breakout candidate!

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Carl Lawson, DL, New York Jets - 2020 Statistics: 18 Solo, 18 Ast, 4 TFL, 32 QB Hits, 5.5 Sacks,  and 2 FF

Carl Lawson is another defensive line player who I believe has the potential to become a 2021 IDP breakout candidate. He agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets during the free agency period. This deal also came with a $30 million guarantee, currently making him the highest-paid player on the Jets.

New York has invested quite a bit of money in their new defensive end. They hope that the satisfying performance he displayed in 2020 continues for them into 2021. With a new head coach, Robert Saleh, New York plans on using a 4-3 defensive front. Lawson should benefit from this. Along with some of his teammates, Lawson should be able to contribute wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.

Lawson seems genuinely excited about this new opportunity he has been given -- he knows the Jets have invested a lot in him. Carl definitely wants to prove himself to be a top talent in the NFL at the defensive end position. Saleh should be giving him plenty of chances to get the production needed to make fantasy IDP managers happy if they have him on their squads.

Last season, Lawson didn't see much playing time until after his former teammate, Carlos Dunlap, was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. He registered career highs in all important categories except tackles for loss. His sack numbers may not jump out at you, but he created 44 pressures on the quarterback. Lawson also ranked 14th in the pass-rush win rate category.

Situation:

Carl Lawson now finds himself in a very sweet situation. He will be a starting defensive end under the new regime for the New York Jets. With the money the Jets spent on him, they have given him all their confidence to become a star on their defense. Lawson and his new teammate, Quinnen Williams, should be able to become a formidable duo along the defensive line.

Lawson logged 723 defensive snaps in 2020. Barring injury, it's likely he will see roughly the same amount of snaps for the Jets, if not more. "The best ability is availability," so they say. I believe the Jets defense will take a step forward under Saleh in 2021, and Lawson could be one of the main benefactors of it. This is also the reason I have him pegged to become a 2021 IDP breakout candidate.

Overview:

With the Jets bringing in Lawson on a three-year deal, he's in a good spot to be productive for IDP managers during that time. He certainly has the ability to become a star under Saleh in New York. Saleh is an astute defensive mind and knows how to use his weapons to the best of their abilities. All you have to do is look at what he did in San Francisco during his tenure there. Lawson should be able to unlock his true potential now. I know some people may not be as high on him as I am, but I believe this opportunity is too good to pass up. Carl Lawson should be able to give you DE2 numbers on the regular, and he may even surpass my expectations. Don't sleep on the possibility of what Lawson could become.

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