The 2026 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, so let’s keep digging deeper into potential future Panthers. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on UCF Knights edge defender Malachi Lawrence.
Bio
Lawrence was a two way player in high school, dominating Kentucky high school football
as both a tight end and defensive end. Lawrence did not see the field much in his first two seasons with the Knights, redshirting his first season and only playing in three games his second season. In 2023, as a redshirt sophomore, he started all 13 games and notched 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Lawrence finished his collegiate career with 20 sacks across just three starting seasons.
Strengths/Weaknesses
At 6’4”, 253 lbs, Lawrence has the size to compete on the edge at the next level. He also is an explosive athlete, as evidenced by his performance at the Combine (4.52 forty, 40” vertical, 10’10” broad jump). His best attribute, though, might be his pass rush plan. He has the full compliment of pass rush moves and counters, and his hands are quick and strong enough to disengage if his first rush move doesn’t work. Lawrence has a very quick first step and the arm length, motor, and hip flexibility to get around the edge even when the lineman is able to get ahold of him.
Lawrence does not show as well against the run. He is often fooled by play action and misdirection, and he is not the most consistent tackler. If he can add some muscle while maintaining his athleticism, his run defense struggles could be mitigated to a degree. Still, he does have lapses in gap integrity which will need to be coached up at the next level.
Projection
Lawrence’s main tool happens to be one of the most valuable on the football field (rushing the passer), which has catapulted him to the first round discussion. At first, he’ll likely only be a situational pass rusher due to his struggles against the run. He has many of the physical tools to grow into a three down edge defender, especially after adding some mass and getting more disciplined overall.
The Panthers have struggled stopping the run in recent years, so taking a swing on a potential game-breaking pass rusher who would have to have limited snaps might be a tough sell. Still, if they think adding Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips to the defense will be good enough to still manage the run, they might overlook those shortcomings. Lawrence has the frame, athleticism, and motor that Ejiro Evero looks for in his edge defenders. 19 might be a little rich, but an early second round flyer might be in the cards.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Malachi Lawrence is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
