After missing a total of seven games in 2016, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence claims he can be better and will become a beast in 2017.
A second-round pick out of Boise State in 2014, defensive end Demarcus Lawrence has not yet lived up to the hype that he entered the NFL with. The Dallas Cowboys were so sure about his potential that they traded their second- and third-round selection that season to move up for the former Bronco, who they hoped would fix their issues with rushing the passer.
After injuries limited Lawrence as a rookie, he was able to start carving a name for himself when he registered eight sacks in his second season. Then heading into year three, things got worse. Lawrence was suspended four games for violating the substance abuse policy, then missed three more games due to injury. The end result was just one sack for the edge rusher, but he vows that won't be the norm going forward.
Here's what Lawrence had to say about last season and moving forward per Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram:
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"A one-sack year? That's not me," Lawrence said. "I've already got that in my mind, you know, that I'm going to be the best. When my son grows up, I want him to say, 'Man, my dad was a beast.' The film don't lie. I've just got to make sure I put it on the film now."
Lawrence not only said he wants to be viewed as a "beast" but that he feels 10-or more sacks each year should be his minimum. Considering he has nine in three seasons, many may shrug at such lofty goals.
However, Lawrence has showed up to mini camp in better shape and appears to be fully healthy. He also won't miss the first quarter of the season thanks to a suspension as he seems to have learned from his mistake.
If he can return to his 2015 form, the Dallas Cowboys would have to be thrilled. If he becomes a full-fledged beast, they would be ecstatic. Should he continue to struggled with consistency and health, they could move on from him after this contract season. Time will tell what the final result will be, but at least he seems to have the right mindset.
