Explosive athleticism and predictive models point to UCF's Malachi Lawrence as an overlooked gem poised for a strong NFL future.
Malachi Lawrence wowed NFL scouts with his performance at the combine, and now, even statistical models favor the former UCF Knight fondly.
Aaron Schatz, an ESPN writer, published a story projecting the EDGEs in the NFL draft using SackSEER. The statistical model developed by Nate Forster projected Lawrence as an underrated edge rusher with 18.5 sacks through his first five years in the league.
"Lawrence didn't have great stats in college, with only seven sacks as a senior in 2025," Schatz wrote. "But SackSEER likes him as a sleeper prospect because he was outstanding in his workouts and thus scores very high on the explosion index."
The UCF alum's 88 athleticism score ranked second in the NFL Scouting Combine. He posted a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, 1.59-second 10-yard split, 40-inch vertical jump, and 10' 10" broad jump.
Lawrence's scores have draft analysts projecting he'll be selected within the second round. Roundtable's Matthew Feldman reported that the Detroit Lions would take the 6-foot-4 edge rusher with their 50th pick, according to ESPN's Matt Miller.
"We've been begging for the Lions to pick an edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson," Miller wrote. "Lawrence is a speedy, upside-down rusher with 4.52 speed and a 253-pound frame. He can easily slot in for departed free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad and be a Week 1 starter."
Lawrence is fresh off a stellar 2025 season with the Knights. He finished the year with 28 tackles (17 solo), 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defended.
His performance earned him All-Big 12 1st Team alongside an honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
As the NFL draft inches closer, Lawrence keeps rising on the draft boards and becoming an intriguing prospect to take in the second round — or take a shot at in the late first round.
SackSEER's 18.5 sack prediction signifies that Lawrence could have a lengthy career and become a household name that UCF fans will recognize when he's on the field.
Whether it's the second round or late first round, Lawrence will wait for a team to call his name in the draft in three weeks from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
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