The former UCF standout is getting to NFL quarterbacks, posting elite pressure numbers in Dallas while setting a professional blueprint for the next generation of Knights defensive linemen.
Although it has been a statistically quiet start to former UCF standout EDGE Malachi Lawrence's NFL career, he has been making an impact.
In his first two games with the Dallas Cowboys, Lawrence has posted an impressive 26.9% pass rush win rate, leading all rookies and beating out the next closest player, Cashius Howell, by a significant margin (17%).
This win rate ranks fifth among all NFL EDGE rushers through two weeks.
After recording five total tackles in Week 1, Lawrence had just one takedown on Sunday, but has continued to consistently make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
Lawrence recorded one QB hit and three pressures overall, looking explosive and versatile off the edge.
Throughout his UCF career, Lawrence displayed the ability to generate pressure through various different pass rush moves, using his quick burst to attack from the outside and a swim move to get back to the interior.
Heading into Week 3, Lawrence has a good opportunity to record his first sack, taking on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
In Baltimore's 24-17 loss against the New Orleans Saints, the Ravens' offensive line surrendered three sacks and six overall QB hits.
For a Cowboys defense looking to provide their explosive offense with significant improvements from last season's struggles, Lawrence and fellow first rounder Caleb Downs have fit the mold thus far.
Lawrence's development during his four years with UCF was a big reason why the Cowboys opted to select the draft riser.
Stephen Jones, Cowboys co-owner, executive vice president, CEO, and director of player personnel, praised Lawrence for staying in Orlando for all four years.
"The character was just outstanding. I really look up to these men who stay with the schools who gave them their first opportunity," Jones said. "He had opportunities probably to take more money and go to a bigger school, but he felt like UCF had given him the opportunity and he wanted to give back."
After being drafted, Lawrence had nothing but praise for his time at UCF.
"It's a standard now to be set I'd say," Lawrence said. "You can go to UCF and be a first round pick."
With current Knights defensive linemen like Horace Lockett and Sincere Edwards getting off to strong starts, UCF could continue to produce NFL-level talent in the trenches.
Lockett was already tagged as a prospect for the next level, while Edwards is among the Big 12's leaders in pressures off the edge.
Both Lockett and Edwards got to spend last year with Lawrence, and witness how he works, giving them a blueprint to follow.
If they can continue their early-season success, they could be suiting up against the former Knights great on Sundays next year.
