Malachi Lawrence
Dallas CowboysOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
College Production
UCF · Big 12
| Season | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | Hur | PD | Pos Rk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 | 8 | 5.5 | 5 | 1 | 123 |
| 2024 | 15 | 6 | 5.0 | 4 | 1 | 121 |
| 2025 | 28 | 11 | 7.0 | 3 | 2 | 82 |
The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.
Scouting Report
UCF · 2026 draft class
Malachi Lawrence has emerged as one of the most intriguing edge rushing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, combining an outstanding physical profile with impressive production at UCF. The Louisville, Kentucky native stands 6'4", 260 pounds with exceptional 35-inch arms that rank among the best measurements in this edge rusher class, providing natural reach advantages in pass rush situations. Lawrence earned All-Big 12 First Team recognition in 2025, becoming the lone UCF defender to reach that tier and maintaining the Knights' streak of placing at least one player on the first team since joining the conference. He finished tied for fifth in the Big 12 with seven sacks and tied for sixth with 11 tackles for loss, adding three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles. His 83.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranked highest on the team, and his 22.7% pressure rate matched that of potential top overall pick Rueben Bain Jr. Lawrence displays a nice first step and good acceleration off the line, winning with straight speed and the bend to drop his hips and flatten his rush angle to the quarterback. UCF utilized his versatility by giving him snaps at 5-tech, wide 9, and some reps at 4i, creating mismatche's as a pass rusher when reduced inside. His strip-sack fumble at West Virginia and two-sack performance against Baylor showcased his ability to deliver in high-leverage moments. However, Lawrence only projects as a designated pass rusher due to his struggles in run defense, where he plays soft and fails to anchor despite his listed size. He profiles as a Day 2-3 selection with legitimate upside in a system that can move him around and create favorable matchups.
Strengths
- Outstanding physical profile at 6'4" 260 with 35-inch arms
- Elite arm length provides natural advantages in hand fighting
- Nice first step with good acceleration off the line
- Bend allows him to flatten rush angle to quarterback
- Versatile alignment-snaps at 5-tech
- wide 9
- and 4i
- 22.7% pressure rate matched Rueben Bain Jr.
- All-Big 12 First Team recognition
- 83.1 PFF grade led UCF defenders
Concerns
- Struggles in run defense-plays soft against the run
- Fails to anchor and maintain gap despite size
- Gets washed out of gaps by physical blockers
- Listed 260 pounds feels light on tape
- Limited to designated pass rusher role currently
- Needs to improve ability to stack and shed blockers
- Pass rush relies heavily on initial move
- Counter sequencing needs development
Honors
All-Big 12 First Team (2025); East-West Shrine Bowl selection; UCF's lone first-team defender; Maintained Knights' Big 12 first-team streak