Drafted by Cowboys No. 23 pick - UCF Pass Rusher Malachi Lawrence

[kramskoi]

Eze was a high-sack producer despite not having elite length for the position or speed, although he did have long arms for his height, I believe. He was considered a refined player whose success was built on technique instead of athletic traits.

Lawrence is less refined with better traits. He has perfect length and speed (but not bulk), is a good hand fighter and has the work ethic and determination needed. He just needs to add some moves, especially on the inside, and refinement to his game. He has that speed and is just too reliant on it.

You think he's a better hand-fighter than Ezeiruaku? Eze's draft profile:

"What jumps off the tape most about Ezeiruaku is his technical refinement and football IQ. This isn't just an athlete playing edge rusher - this is a technician who consistently sets up offensive tackles with sophisticated rush plans. Whether it's a well-timed euro-step to create space or a sudden arm-over counter when tackles overset, Ezeiruaku approaches each snap with purpose."

Moreover, Ezeiruaku has shown himself to be very good vs. the run. 83.6 and 90.7 run/pass grades in 2025.

 

[kramskoi]

Eze

• ESPN NFL All-Rookie Second Team (2025)
• Ted Hendricks Award (2024)
• Consensus All-American (2024)
• ACC Defensive Player of the Year(2024)
• First-team All-ACC (2024)

Law

• First-team All-Big 12 (2025)

Ezeiruaku didn't quite have the run issues that Lawrence has. Maybe he proves me wrong but I just don't think he's better right now than Eze was post-draft 2025.

 

[stilltheguru]

Ezeiruaku didn't quite have the run issues that Lawrence has. Maybe he proves me wrong but I just don't think he's better right now than Eze was post-draft 2025.

Stop running. Is Eze a better prospect than James pearce Jr. Yes or no

 

[gimmesix]

You think he's a better hand-fighter than Ezeiruaku? Eze's draft profile:

"What jumps off the tape most about Ezeiruaku is his technical refinement and football IQ. This isn't just an athlete playing edge rusher - this is a technician who consistently sets up offensive tackles with sophisticated rush plans. Whether it's a well-timed euro-step to create space or a sudden arm-over counter when tackles overset, Ezeiruaku approaches each snap with purpose."

Moreover, Ezeiruaku has shown himself to be very good vs. the run. 83.6 and 90.7 run/pass grades in 2025.

Did I say that? Eze is a great technician, which is why he succeeded without prototypical size and speed. Lawrence needs to work on the technical side of the game, but has the prototypical size and speed.

 

[kramskoi]

I actually thought Faulk was the pick. I’ve never heard of Lawrence, but he did grade out the most explosive of the group. They go on the measurable obviously. I do wonder if they could have gotten him in the 2nd, but getting two 4ths also makes it not so bad. Then factor in they don’t have a 2nd round pick and they picked their guy and knew he was a bit of a reach:

The thing I wonder is if you thought he was so awesome of a pass rusher why don’t you take him at 12. Downs was the higher rated defensive prospect so I think they made the right move.

Drafting "traits". Cowboys have a history of this, including Mazi Smith.


The Second Tier Struggle: When picking late in the first and all the way to the end of the second round, the Cowboys often seem to reach for specific traits (RAS) and end up with neutral or negative value. Mazi Smith (-9 reach versus consensus board), Sam Williams (-33 reach), Trysten Hill (-48 reach), and Luke Schoonmaker (-42 reach) were all reaches with elite athletic traits (RAS > 9.5) and all delivered negative surplus value. Internally, the Cowboys likely justified these picks with the players’ elite athletic traits, but the data shows this to be a high-risk and net negative drafting strategy when it ignores the consensus board rank, and the Cowboys have repeatedly run into this “Trait Trap”.

 

[eromeopolk]

Has all the measurables excluding hand size. Has a good motor similar to Rashard Gary and not a consistent double digit sacker. But unlike Gary who can play RDT or RDE, or LOLB, Lawrence is strickly a RDE or ROLB.

But he has the versatility to play in a 4/3 base with a 3/4 Pass Rush which is the Christian defense.

Malachi Lawrence, DE, Central Florida Selected: Round 1, Pick 23, Overall Pick 23 by Cowboys

​ Name: Malachi Lawrence College: Central Florida Number: 51 School Bio/Stats Link: HERE Height: 6-4 Weight: 253 Position: Pos2: OLB/ST Class/Draft Year: rSr/2026 40 Low: 4.46 40 Time: 4.52 40 High: 4.57 > Projected Round: Stock:

​

Data Scout Notes: X-Up to 2-3/DE1 in 25-Productive-12GP-28TT-11TFL-7SK-3QBH-2FF/7.5SK in 23 2025: 1stC/HMC-DLOYC...2024: NAC...2023: HMC...2022: NAC...2021: NAC​

Combine Results​	Pro Day Results​
Combine Invite: Yes Height: 6043 Weight: 253 Zybek PD3X AKA "Official" 40 Yard Dash (ET): 4.52 40 Yard Dash (HH): 4.50 20 Yard (ET): 2.64 20 Yard (HH): 2.60 10 Yard (ET): 1.57 10 Yard (HH): 1.51	225 Lb. Bench Reps: Vertical Jump: 40 Broad Jump: 10'10" 20 Yrd Shuttle: 3-Cone Drill: Projected: 4.68/**-.16/No Full Workout-Choice	Dates: 03/25/26 Hand: 09 1/4 Arm: 33 5/8 Wingspan: 81 5/8 Height: 6043 Weight: 253 40 Yrd Dash: 20 Yrd Dash: 10 Yrd Dash:	225 Lb. Bench Reps: Vertical Jump: Broad Jump: 20 Yrd Shuttle: 3-Cone Drill: No Workout-Choice

 

[baltcowboy]

Is he better than Ezeiruaku at 44 last year? I don't think so.

Better athlete. EZ is a technician.

 

[Kwyn]

Maybe you trust him a little too much. And the linebacker room? The Achilles heel of this defense going back to Quinn in 2021.

Why shouldn’t I trust the DC and the defensive coach who had the player in college?

Why would I trust randoms who first knew the guy existed less than 24 hours ago?

 

[gimmesix]

Lawrence says he played linebacker and tight end in high school.

"When I first got to college, I didn't really have any pass rush skills that I knew about yet," Lawrence said.

 

[Jfconrow]

Drafting "traits". Cowboys have a history of this, including Mazi Smith.


The Second Tier Struggle: When picking late in the first and all the way to the end of the second round, the Cowboys often seem to reach for specific traits (RAS) and end up with neutral or negative value. Mazi Smith (-9 reach versus consensus board), Sam Williams (-33 reach), Trysten Hill (-48 reach), and Luke Schoonmaker (-42 reach) were all reaches with elite athletic traits (RAS > 9.5) and all delivered negative surplus value. Internally, the Cowboys likely justified these picks with the players’ elite athletic traits, but the data shows this to be a high-risk and net negative drafting strategy when it ignores the consensus board rank, and the Cowboys have repeatedly run into this “Trait Trap”.

Word. They hired some Director of player personnel a few yrs ago, AI expert. I applied for the job having 3 years of Scout.com IMD draft experience and got snubbed. Hope Lawrence works out and she falls on her face for whatever reason. Even I know you stick to the PreCombine draft ranking to a degree.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Surprised so many people are hyping this pick. Has Mazi, Schoon, pick a late 1st, 2nd dud written all over it. 1st pick was freaking awesome, but this pick looks like another one of those sit and learn first round picks that never amount to anything. But I'm just reading the reports, they have been wrong. I remember when the Colts shocked everyone by drafting undersized Dwight Freeney so high. No one had predicted him as a first round pick. But I also remember all our duds, so don't have much faith the exact same GM and Owner will find a gem.

 

[lopey]

The was a second rounder at best. Reach because no free agent to fill holes and we have to draft for need. Rinse and repeat. Taco number 2

 

[CoachD]

It was very solid and as close as you could get to 2005 which was fantastic.

 

[kramskoi]

Better athlete. EZ is a technician.

Better athlete doesn't equal better player. His forty time is only a tenth of a second faster than Ezeiruaku. And if they make him put on weight that gap probably vanishes.

 

[kramskoi]

Surprised so many people are hyping this pick. Has Mazi, Schoon, pick a late 1st, 2nd dud written all over it. 1st pick was freaking awesome, but this pick looks like another one of those sit and learn first round picks that never amount to anything. But I'm just reading the reports, they have been wrong. I remember when the Colts shocked everyone by drafting undersized Dwight Freeney so high. No one had predicted him as a first round pick. But I also remember all our duds, so don't have much faith the exact same GM and Owner will find a gem.

Repeat it with me. R...A...S. Cowboys have a history of this blowing up in their face.

 

[kramskoi]

Why shouldn’t I trust the DC and the defensive coach who had the player in college?

Why would I trust randoms who first knew the guy existed less than 24 hours ago?

Who are these randoms? I've been watching Voch, Broaddus and others cover this guy for months. The Cowboys were mesmerized once again by RAS...even though it has recently burnt them more than once over the last six years. You are not going to convince me that he was the BPA of defense at the time he was picked. And your linebacker room?

 

[stilltheguru]

I forgot how many trolls are on this website. I got sucked in for a second.

 

[jblaze2004]

From Google Gemini:

The consensus on Malachi Lawrence (UCF) has shifted dramatically over the last few months, and the answer is now a definitive yes. In fact, as of the 2026 NFL Draft (which took place just yesterday), he was officially selected in the first round.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick after trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here is the breakdown of why he was deemed worth a first-round investment and where the risks still lie:

1. The "Combine King" (The 'Why' for the 1st Round)​

Lawrence’s stock exploded after he delivered one of the most athletic performances for an edge defender in the last 40 years of the NFL Combine.

• RAS (Relative Athletic Score): He earned an elite 9.90 out of 10.0.
• Vertical Jump: 40 inches (showcasing explosive lower-body power).
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds at $6'4"$ and 253 lbs.
• Historical Context: His testing ranked 22nd out of over 2,000 defensive ends tracked since 1987.

2. PFF Ratings & Production (2025 Season)​

His 2025 senior campaign at UCF provided the "tape" to back up the traits, though he remains a bit of a projection.

• Overall PFF Grade: 80.1 (ranked 86th out of 852 edge defenders).
• Pass Rush Grade: 89.5 (ranked 33rd). This elite grade suggests that when he is purely hunting the QB, he is one of the best in the country.
• Stat Line: 7.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 40 total pressures in 2025

3. The "Worth It" Verdict: Pros vs. Cons​

The Good (Worth the Pick)	The Bad (The Risk)
Elite Twitch: His first step is arguably the fastest in the 2026 class.	Run Defense: His run-defense grade was a mediocre 66.2. He can get "washed out" by heavy tackles.
Deep Toolbag: Unlike many "speed-only" guys, Lawrence uses a variety of hand moves (swipes, rips).	Play Weight: At 253 lbs, some scouts worry he needs another 10–15 lbs of muscle to hold up for 60 snaps.
High Floor as a Specialist: At worst, he is an immediate 10-sack-potential situational pass rusher.	Upright Style: He occasionally plays too high, losing the leverage battle at the point of attack.

Final Assessment​

If you are looking for a "set it and forget it" run defender, he might not have been a 1st rounder. However, in a league that prioritizes passing efficiency and QB pressure, Lawrence’s 89.5 pass-rush grade and generational athleticism made him too tempting to pass up. Dallas is betting that they can coach up his run discipline while letting him use that 4.52 speed to replace the pressure lost by recent roster departures.

 

[conner01]

They passed up Bain for Downs. lol and Mesidor was gone before they picked at 23

I would pass Bains for Downs everytime

 

[conner01]

From Google Gemini:

The consensus on Malachi Lawrence (UCF) has shifted dramatically over the last few months, and the answer is now a definitive yes. In fact, as of the 2026 NFL Draft (which took place just yesterday), he was officially selected in the first round.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick after trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here is the breakdown of why he was deemed worth a first-round investment and where the risks still lie:

1. The "Combine King" (The 'Why' for the 1st Round)​

Lawrence’s stock exploded after he delivered one of the most athletic performances for an edge defender in the last 40 years of the NFL Combine.

• RAS (Relative Athletic Score): He earned an elite 9.90 out of 10.0.
• Vertical Jump: 40 inches (showcasing explosive lower-body power).
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds at $6'4"$ and 253 lbs.
• Historical Context: His testing ranked 22nd out of over 2,000 defensive ends tracked since 1987.

2. PFF Ratings & Production (2025 Season)​

His 2025 senior campaign at UCF provided the "tape" to back up the traits, though he remains a bit of a projection.

• Overall PFF Grade: 80.1 (ranked 86th out of 852 edge defenders).
• Pass Rush Grade: 89.5 (ranked 33rd). This elite grade suggests that when he is purely hunting the QB, he is one of the best in the country.
• Stat Line: 7.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 40 total pressures in 2025

3. The "Worth It" Verdict: Pros vs. Cons​

The Good (Worth the Pick)	The Bad (The Risk)
Elite Twitch: His first step is arguably the fastest in the 2026 class.	Run Defense: His run-defense grade was a mediocre 66.2. He can get "washed out" by heavy tackles.
Deep Toolbag: Unlike many "speed-only" guys, Lawrence uses a variety of hand moves (swipes, rips).	Play Weight: At 253 lbs, some scouts worry he needs another 10–15 lbs of muscle to hold up for 60 snaps.
High Floor as a Specialist: At worst, he is an immediate 10-sack-potential situational pass rusher.	Upright Style: He occasionally plays too high, losing the leverage battle at the point of attack.

Final Assessment​

If you are looking for a "set it and forget it" run defender, he might not have been a 1st rounder. However, in a league that prioritizes passing efficiency and QB pressure, Lawrence’s 89.5 pass-rush grade and generational athleticism made him too tempting to pass up. Dallas is betting that they can coach up his run discipline while letting him use that 4.52 speed to replace the pressure lost by recent roster departures.

A year in a nfl weight room can add a few Lbs. He’s got a lot to learn but he sure has the athletic traits