Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
School: University of Central Florida | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 23 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’4”/ 253 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd round
Player Comparison: Josh Sweat
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | Yds | IntTD | PD | FR | Yds | FRTD | FF | Awards |
| 2022* | UCF | American | SO | DL | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023* | UCF | Big 12 | JR | DL | 13 | 17 | 10 | 27 | 10.5 | 7.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | UCF | Big 12 | JR | DE | 11 | 12 | 3 | 15 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2025 | UCF | Big 12 | SR | DE | 12 | 17 | 11 | 28 | 11.0 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Career | 39 | 47 | 25 | 72 | 28.0 | 20.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |||||
Metrics
(via Sumer Sports)
Player Overview
Malachi Lawrence joined the University
of Central Florida in 2021 and redshirted his freshman season. Since then he has broken out for the Golden Knights as a starting defensive end. In his three years at UCF, Lawrence had two seasons where he accumulated at least 7 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. His senior season, he was awarded all-conference honors and received an invite to the East-West Shrine Game. Malachi Lawrence has the look of a prototypical long, lean, speedy edge rusher coupled with desirable arm length. Lawrence brings adequate speed and twitch along with an array of pass-rushing moves (chops, swims, etc.). UCF also asked him to align in several techniques but the majority of his snaps were in a two-point stance. His disruptive activity does not translate to run defense where he is seen as mediocre at best. This is due to Lawrence not following run assignments and his lack of ability to consistently set the edge. The lack of consistency is what limited his production from reaching elite levels in his collegiate career.
This leads to his projection as a pass rush specialist in the pros. In spite of his limitations, there will always be room for pass-rushing specialists in the NFL. Lawrence is expected to be selected on Day 2, likely in Round 3. He is seen as a player that will become a quality starter within his rookie contract.
Awards & Recognition
- First Team All-Big 12 (2025)
- East-West Shrine Game Participant (2025)
Strengths
- Has a great build for a long, lanky, speed pass rusher.
- Great athleticism for the position.
- Has an array of moves to beat protectors. Rips, speed to power, swim moves, etc.
- Great acceleration at the snap.
Weaknesses
- Misses tackles at a higher rate than average.
- Has poor awareness and discipline in the run game, loses the ball carrier.
- Needs to take better angles in pursuits.
- Not the best at edge setting due to technique and lower body strength.
Let’s See His Work
Interviews
How He Fits on the Commanders
Adam Peters defined his third full offseason by making a monetary commitment to the defensive line after seeing the lack of pressure against opposing offenses. Signing Odafe Oweh to a 4-year contract and giving K’Lavon Chaisson a one-year deal worth over $10 million dollars. Even so, the Commanders could see Chaisson and Dorance Armstrong become free agents the following year. And, they have yet to see significant growth from seventh-rounder Javontae Jean-Baptiste. The team went from 10.5 sacks via Dante Fowler, Jr in 2024 to 9 sacks from free agent Von Miller last season.
Enter Malachi Lawrence. He is a Day 2 option to further solidify the investment in the defensive line who could work in a 3-4 or other hybrid alignments. He was second only behind Rueben Bain in QB pressures last season. While inconsistencies and refinement are needed, the staff and front office can fall in love with his relentless motor and effort. He can be a rotational player in his rookie season and develop into a quality starter. Lawrence’s ceiling is limited to his physical development and coaching at the pro-level. If defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and the defensive line coaches can unlock Lawrence’s potential, the Commanders could have a double-digit sack starter and a foundational piece for the team.
