Dallas lands UCF's elite EDGE rusher, Malachi Lawrence, at pick 23. Analysts praise the move for immediate impact and scheme fit, reuniting him with former UCF staff.
The Dallas Cowboys helped Malachi Lawrence break a UCF record on Day 1 of the NFL draft, as he became the highest defensive draft pick in the program's history, and the media has shared high praises for Dallas' excellent Day 1.
Dallas selected Lawrence with the 23rd pick, which the team acquired in a trade with its division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. UCFRoundtable reporter Matthew Feldman reported that Lawrence was projected as the 20th pick, the Cowboys' original selection.
The Cowboys still had their eyes locked on selecting the 6-foot-4 EDGE despite trading back a few spots in the draft.
NFL analyst Ryan Clark complimented the Lawrence pick and highlighted how he could immediately contribute under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
"We're talking about a dude that ran a 4.52 [40-yard dash], an incredible 10-yard split, production in the backfield," Clark said. "Eleven tackles for loss, seven sacks, this is what they needed to do. What I love the most about this pick is that they didn't go for need; they didn't go to try to answer questions about what they said in the press conference. They allowed new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to have two possible linchpin pieces to his defense after coming over from Philadelphia. This was a home run first round for the Dallas Cowboys."
Alongside joining Parker, Lawrence also reunites with assistant defensive line coach Demeitre Brim. Brim spent last season as UCF's defensive analyst before the Cowboys hired him in February.
The UCF connection is thriving in Dallas, and Lawrence is bringing his pass-rushing chops to a defensive line that struggled to effectively pressure the quarterback after trading Micah Parsons.
Dallas finished tied 22nd in sacks last season with 35, and Lawrence's physical traits could shine under Parker's defensive scheme.
"Dallas needed to add rushers in this mold to fit Parker's new scheme that probably will align rushers in space," NFL analyst Matt Miller wrote in Lawrence's post-draft analysis. "His 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed represents the type of juice Dallas needs off the edge."
Lawrence's hard work etched him in UCF history as the highest defensive draft pick, as the 23rd selection, and he's heading to "America's Team" to showcase his skills at the highest level.
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