The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Malachi Lawrence NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Edge Rusher
School: UCF
Size: 6-foot-4, 253 pounds
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
Lawrence was a three-star recruit in the class of 2021, who signed with UCF out of Kentucky. He redshirted in 2021, then played sparingly in 2022. Lawrence didn’t start, but was productive with 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2023. He helped the team win six games that season. In 2024, UCF took a step back as a team, but Lawrence had six tackles for loss and five sacks. He improved in 2025, as he posted 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Lawrence led the team to five wins.
Following the season, Lawrence has been preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Lawrence has good measurables for the NFL edge rusher position at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds. He has a solidly filled-out frame and with that comes good play strength for the position. Along with the size and power, Lawrence has solid arm length, as his arms were measured at over 33 inches at the NFL combine.
He has great athleticism for the position, especially given his size. Lawrence gets a good jump at the snap, showing off his good initial quickness. He builds up to a nice speed as a rusher as well. Lawrence has good agility to change direction while rushing the passer or while in pursuit. Lawrence moves extremely well for his size, making him a tough matchup.
His pass rushing is refined, as he has a good pass rush plan going into plays. He can rush from inside or on the edge, boosting his versatility and production. Lawrence has solid pass-rush moves and counters at his disposal. If his initial rush is stopped, he keeps going to get after the quarterback.
Lawrence has some work to do as a run defender at the next level. He struggles to set the edge and can also struggle to keep runs to the inside. Lawrence can be displaced, which allows the offense to have an open hole to run into. He needs better gap integrity, as a lot of times his risks to vacate his gap don’t pay off.
While he has good speed and solid play strength, he doesn’t always convert his speed into power. With the momentum he builds up with his speed, he should be able to generate power, but sometimes struggles. He will need to do this to win as a power rusher at the next level.
He can struggle to shed against offensive tackles who have good length. Lawrence needs to use his hands and moves to combat heavy hands and length from offensive linemen. If he focuses on his technique, he should be able to shed better in the future.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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