"That's my adjustment, getting used to pads and things like that," he said.

Ryan and the Bills' defensive coaches are mainly watching how Lawson handles the "timing" between himself and opposing blockers. As high a level of competition he faced at Clemson, the NFL is still a notch or two greater.

Lawson will see and deal with things with which he never saw or dealt in college.

"You've got to defend yourself, but you've got to attack," Ryan said. "You've got to get off blocks, all those type of things on the NFL level, so he's got a lot" to show before he will be allowed to play.

Ryan isn't concerned about Lawson's understanding of the Bills' defense, which is known for being complex. Although Lawson hasn't practiced, he has attended meetings and, by all accounts, been attentive. His grasp of the scheme is thought to be solid enough for him to play.

"I don't think that's going to be an issue," Ryan said. "I think he knows what he's doing, he'll know what he's doing. But just getting out there and physically doing it, I think, is a big deal."