BroncoTalk Draft Prospect Profile – Trevor Laws

For the next several weeks leading up to April’s draft, BroncoTalk will be profiling some of the hottest prospects out there, particularly ones that could potentially be available for the Denver Broncos in the first two rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. Today we feature Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws.

We now turn the mic over to Christopher Hart, who covers the Broncos draft at The Beat. Enjoy!

If anything is certain heading into Draft Day 2008 for the Denver Broncos they will need to find a defensive tackle unless they’re able to pull a deal for Dewayne Robertson of the New York Jets. It’s unlikely that Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis will fall to the Broncos at #12, and #12 is far too early for Kentwan Balmer who is widely regarded as the next best after the two top ten locks.

A name that Broncos fans should get to know and become familiar with is Trevor Laws out of Notre Dame. Laws is the epitome of a blue-collar defensive lineman with that “lunch pail” mentality. Laws is one of the most underrated defensive tackles available in this years draft and would be a solid addition to the Broncos interior defensive line. If Mike Shanahan is serious about finding players who want to work hard compared to some of our recent departures, Laws would be a nice place to start looking – especially at a position of need.

First, let’s take a look at his positives. Laws’ work ethic is one of his best qualities. Defensive tackle is a demanding position, and it’s a position where a non-stop motor is required. While players like Alan Branch (2007) fell due to concerns regarding their motor, effort and consistency; Laws is rising because he has those qualities. Factor in those qualities with scheme/position versatility, good run support and exceptional leadership skills and you have one of the brightest prospects available at defensive tackle in the NFL Draft.

When it comes to negatives, size is the first that stands out with Laws, but after measuring in near 6’1 and 305 pounds at Indianapolis – those concerns have lessened – but still make impact where he plays in the NFL. Laws has got by in college by his hard work ethic, but his lack of moves in tricks in his technique arsenal will come to hurt him in the NFL; but those can be learned, added and corrected. On a final note, there are many people who believe that WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) with Laws; which is an extremely hard working, productive college player with limited upside.

The same was said with Elvis Dumervil, but we’ve seen him erase concerns regarding his size and become one of the league’s best young defensive lineman. The Broncos have spent multiple picks and made various trades to add questionable players to their defensive line such as Jarvis Moss and Marcus Thomas looking for the big splash; but need to emphasize more selections on players like Dumervil and Tim Crowder who might not have the biggest upside, but have the work ethic, character and attitude to succeed at the NFL level. Laws is one of those players and would make a fine addition to the Broncos organization.

The grade on Laws right now seems to hold some ambiguity. As seen by the action over the off-season in a variety of trades involving defensive tackles; there’s an emphasis on the position. This could lead for defensive tackles to go higher than expected so players like Laws, Balmer and Pat Sims will all be vying for the third tackle after Dorsey and Ellis.

Laws is certainly not worth the #12 overall selection, but would be excellent value with the Broncos second round selection slot of #42. Even a trade down into the the middle or late part of the first round might be an adequate place to select Laws based on his redeeming qualities and overall need at the position.

There’s a chance that Laws won’t be there at #42, but if he is he’d look fantastic in orange and blue. A duo of Laws and Thomas would set the interior starters of the defensive line for the future. However like Thomas, Laws will have to adjust to the nuances of the position in the NFL and would be used best as a wave player until he proves he can handle a starting load in the NFL. Laws might never be a star but he’ll enjoy a long career in the NFL and would be an upgrade over those on the roster now.

Keep in mind, the need for a defensive tackle may lessen if Robertson is acquired, but even so – a name like Trevor Laws should be kept fresh in the minds and on the draft boards of Broncos fans looking for an upgrade at the defensive tackle position.

Thanks again to Chris of The Beat for the write-up. Some great information, and I have to admit that I like the sound of Laws in Mile High. What do you all think?