An electrifying EDGE prospect, Malachi Lawrence's athletic prowess and advanced pass-rushing skills prompt speculation: could he be a first-round NFL draft surprise?
Malachi Lawrence's impressive NFL Scouting Combine Performance has landed him within the late-first to mid-second round range, and draft analysts rave about his abilities.
The 6-foot-4 EDGE's athletic traits even caught the eyes of the media during last season. Pete Sousa, a play-by-play announcer for ESPN, said "this guy's lights out" when the network sent him to cover a UCF game.
Lawrence put together solid game film in his final year with the Knights. He finished the season with 28 tackles (17 solo), 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups and three passes defended.
His tape impressed Todd McShay, an NFL draft analyst appearing on Sousa's "Inside the 12" show on Friday. He penciled Lawrence as a mid-second round draft pick, but entertained the idea of teams selecting him in the first round.
"He's an advanced pass rusher," McShay said. "He's got length. I watch Lawrence, and I say to myself, "Why not the first round?" I mean, truly, and I've got him projected going in the middle of the second round in this latest mock draft, Mock 3.0. And he's a guy who's just ascending."
Lawrence's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine two months ago is when his name — and mock draft ascension — started picking up steam. The UCF alum became the highest-rated EDGE/defensive lineman at the combine by his 86 athleticism score.
He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash (third best amongst DEs), 1.52 10-yard split (second best), had a 40.00" vertical (tied for second best) and a 10' 10" broad jump (second best).
Finishing no less than third in his drills signifies Lawrence is one of the top EDGEs in the draft, and he believes that.
"It was a great feeling," Lawrence said. "Showing what I can do with my athletic ability, basically showing that and proving to the team that I'm definitely one of those top EDGEs."
Lawrence said he met with multiple NFL teams at the combine, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills. The EDGE position is a top need for all these teams, according to ESPN's 2026 NFL draft team needs.
The wait is long for the NFL draft, but it's around the corner. It takes place from April 23 to 25, and when a team selects Lawrence as their draft pick, he will bring his work ethic and athletic ability to improve the team.
"They're going to receive a dog like a great player," Lawrence said. "Somebody that's going to come in and work from day one, great motor, and just bringing that pass rush ability to your team."
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