Former Knights Malachi Lawrence and RJ Harvey navigated a demanding season opener, battling defensive lapses and limited touches as they strive to cement their roles in the pros.
As the 2026-2027 NFL season kicks off, multiple young UCF draftees are looking to stamp themselves at the next level.
Dallas Cowboys EDGE Malachi Lawrence made his NFL debut, totaling five tackles in a 28-20 loss against the New York Giants.
Lawrence made a couple nice takedowns, but was relatively quiet as a pass rusher.
The Cowboys' defense as a whole struggled to get off the field on third down, and sacked Giants QB Jaxson Dart just two times.
As the season goes on, expect Dallas' defense to become more-dynamic as players get used to their new homes.
For Lawrence, Week 2 provides a big opportunity to match up across from a below-average Washington Commanders offensive line.
The four-year UCF Knight is coming off of a First-Team All Big 12 senior season, where he posted seven sacks and two forced fumbles.
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.
His historic NFL combine performance was what vaulted him into first-round contention, as his physical traits are unique.
Lawrence 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 No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, who ran a 4.5 flat.
Moving to the offensive side, RJ Harvey and the Denver Broncos struggled to move the ball effectively against the Kansas City Chiefs, falling 31-10 on Monday Night Football.
The second-year back recorded 18 yards rushing on just three carries, hauling in four catches for 23 yards.
Harvey also fielded four kick returns for 111 yards.
Despite the low numbers on the stat sheet, Harvey did look shifty on his touches, making multiple Chiefs defenders miss and displaying the elusiveness that makes him so dynamic.
Last season as a rookie, Harvey scored 12 touchdowns, using his legs for seven of them.
His final score of the season came actually came against the Chiefs, with Harvey finding the endzone for a fifth-straight game and eventual game winner.
Harvey dominated on the Broncos' game-winning drive, breaking off an eleven yard dash from Denver's 44-yard line to advance into Kansas City territory.
He added an additional 14 yards on the ground before the Broncos found themselves in a 4th and 2 at the two-minute warning.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton made the bold decision to go for it, lining Harvey up in the wildcat and putting the game's biggest play in the hands of his rookie tailback.
Harvey utilized a hard count, forcing an offsides penalty from six-time Pro Bowler Chris Jones.
Another Harvey carry took the Broncos to the one-yard line before facing a 3rd and goal.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix rolled out right with Harvey running a flat route to the front corner of the end zone.
Nix held on to the ball, buying time while Harvey improvised running to the back of the end zone and stopping on a dime to haul in the eventual game-winner.
This type of production has been praised by Nix throughout their time together, with the young QB calling Harvey a "special" talent.
Heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Harvey will need to have a big day for the Broncos to get back to winning ways.
