UCF's Malachi Lawrence is surging toward the NFL Draft, showcasing elite pressure rates and a diverse pass-rush arsenal, earning first-round buzz.
After being named to the All-Big 12 First Team this past season, five-year UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence has turned his attention to the NFL Draft. Lawrence, who finished the year with seven sacks and a career high 18 tackles and two forced fumbles, was the Knights highest graded player (83.1) according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Lawrence recently accepted an invite to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, a game for seniors who are looking to improve their draft stock. Currently, Lawrence has had a fluctuating range of draft projections. However, one mock has him going in the first round.
According to NFL Draft Files, Lawrence is slotted in as the No. 27 pick of the first round, being selected by the Carolina Panthers. This draft class is loaded with defensive line talent as Lawrence's first-round projection would make him the sixth edge selected in the first round.
Lawrence had 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. This was the same percentage as potential No. 1 pick and First-Team All American Rueben Bain Jr.
During his time at UCF, Lawrence dealt with a lot of new faces in the coaching staff. But, he says that the variety of people he learned under helped him develop. Prior to Senior Night, he reflected on what he has picked up from these different coaches.
"Its been a great journey. You know, just going through the different coaching staffs, getting to know people, build different relationships, its been pretty good," Lawrence said. "Just having different coaches as well, learning new schemes and also getting to grow my football IQ."
These are promising words for an NFL franchise to hear, especially one looking for an instant-impact player on their defensive line.
One of the first things that will stand out to a team potentially looking to draft Lawrence is his build. Lawrence stands 6'4, weighing in at 260 pounds with 35-inch arms. Lawrence has also been credited for his plethora of pass-rush moves, being able to mix up his plan of attack throughout the game.
ChiefsWire on USA Today writer Samuel Teets broke down what team's can look for with Lawrence.
" Lawrence gets off the line quickly and displays eye-catching acceleration working off hesitation moves. He posts some quick wins around the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder by dropping his hips to flatten his rush angle," Teets wrote. " Lawrence’s pass rush plan includes chops, club-swims, inside spins, long-arms, rips, swims and swipes. He doesn’t have an instant-win rush move but does a good job combining moves in his rush plan and keeping his hands active throughout the play. This helps him stay alive late in downs and generate pressure on his second effort."
The East-West Shrine Bowl will be a great opportunity for Lawrence to showcase his abilities and put some additional film on tape for NFL general managers.