The Cincinnati Bengals were ecstatic when Carl Lawson fell to them in the fourth round during the 2017 NFL Draft. A pass rushing specialist from Auburn, Lawson encountered multiple injuries during his college tenure, which is the reason he dropped to the fourth. But he bounced back in 2016, racking up 9.5 sacks, leading the Tigers in that category.

Nonetheless, Lawson showed the team why it was right to be excited when he blew away coaches and players alike during OTAs. In fact, he was so impressive during OTAs that Cole Thompson of Draft Wire predicted Lawson to be the heaviest contributor in a talent-laden 2017 draft class for Cincinnati.

It’s often difficult for defensive ends to transition to standing linebackers at the next level. Lawson isn’t one of those cases, as he has blown everyone away at OTAs and mini camp so far. Comfortable in space, the former All-American has seen quality reps with both first and second-team defenses this offseason. If he’s able to prove he can play up to speed game situations, the Bengals could find their long-term strong side linebacker in a Day 3 pick.

That’s an impressive feat for such a late pick, especially one they’re asking to transition from his more natural position at defensive end into a hybrid stand-up linebacker. However, if all goes according to plan, coach Marvin Lewis may have finally found the hybrid linebacker/defensive end prospect he’s been searching for since he coached Peter Boulware for the Baltimore Ravens.

During Lewis’ tenure in Cincinnati, he tried to find this type of player through the draft and free agency, though never quite getting it right. He drafted David Pollack in 2005, who looked promising but had an unfortunate career-ending neck injury. Lewis nabbed Ahmad Brooks in 2006 during the supplemental draft, but he didn’t work out either due to multiple clashes with the law. (He instead he went to the 49ers and flourished. Go figure) Dontay Moch was drafted in 2011 with the hopes of filling that role, but we all know how he turned out. And finally, James Harrison somewhat filled that role when he played for the Bengals in 2013, but not quite to the extent fans had hoped.

Related Carl Lawson continues to get rave reviews during OTAs

So if everything works out with Lawson, Lewis can finally stop searching for the elusive pass rushing linebacker he’s wanted for so long. Here’s to hoping Lawson reaches his potential and flourishes with Cincinnati.