Dallas's newest defensive end credits UCF for his rise, showcasing historic athleticism and dedication that impressed the Cowboys' brass.
UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence was one of the biggest risers in the 2026 NFL Draft class, ending up in the first round after starting the pre-draft process as a fringe second-rounder.
After being selected No. 23 overall, Lawrence will now play for the most popular fanbase in America, suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys.
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."
Lawrence said he feels an extra responsibility to put on for the Knights, who have only had a handful of first round draft picks in program history.
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."
Lawrence reunites with Demeitre Brim, who served as a defensive analyst on the Knights' staff last season. Brim now works as an assistant defensive line coach for the Cowboys.
Last season, Lawrence posted seven sacks and two forced fumbles, recording the fifth-highest pressure rate (pressures per pass-rush snap) among all FBS edge defenders, according to PFSN, pressuring opposing quarterbacks on 22.7% of his pass-rushes.
After earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors, Lawrence turned his attention to the offseason, where of course, he shined.
At the combine, Lawrence posted historic numbers, finishing second among all defensive lineman in 40-yard dash (4.52), broad jump (10'10"), vertical jump (40"), and 10-yard split (1.59). His blazing 40-time came in just behind projected No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, who ran a 4.5 flat.
Lawrence's performance ranked him within the top 1% of Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) in the past 40 years, scoring an unofficial 9.9 out of a possible 10. Of the 2,046 defensive ends who have participated in the combine since 1987, Lawrence ranked No. 22, posting an "elite" grade in both "composite explosion grade" and "composite speed grade."
The four-year Knight will bring experience and a consistency that should equal instant impact on a Cowboys defense that struggled immensely last season.
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