Going undrafted in pro sports is often viewed as a setback, and in some cases, a career-ending result—but history has shown it can be a launching point for players built the right way. That reality now applies to former Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson, who is now the latest to test that path after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles last month.
Lawson begins his walk towards his professional journey in a familiar but unfamiliar role: the underdog. He leaves Alabama following a decorated career where he emerged as a two-time captain and arguably the heartbeat of the Crimson Tide defense. For many, his undrafted status came as a surprise after watching the Mobile native close his 5-year career with 283 total tackles across 52 games—good for 10th all-time in program history.
His production came despite adversity, including a significant ACL tear in 2024 against Oklahoma during his junior season. Even so, Lawson still returned to lead the Tide in tackles with 89 stops last fall, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors and being named a Butkus Award semifinalist. Across his career, he also totaled 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception, and 13 pass breakups—numbers that reflect his consistency and versatility as a defensive leader.
These characteristics and body of work are why Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack believes that, despite Lawson not hearing his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft, his football IQ can be what helps him stick on Sunday rosters at the next level. Wommack made this apparent on Monday while being asked about his former starting linebackers' NFL future at the Senior Bowl Charity Classic at Lakewood Golf in Point Clear.
Kane Wommack still high on Deontae Lawson's NFL future
"I'm excited for him to go on and do the next thing in life," Wommack told Creg Stephson of AL.Com "One of his elite traits is his ability to go in, understand the concepts of the defense, diagnose what the offense is doing, and go make plays. And I think he's going to assimilate very quickly to the NFL systems."
This encouraging assessment from Wommack should add as another layer of motivation for Lawson as he faces an uphill battle to earn a roster spot on an ultra-competitive Philadelphia defense.
And with his mindset and skill set, if his track record at Alabama is any indication of his NFL future, don't be surprised if he turns this underdog path into a lasting career on Sundays for years to come.
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