Malachi Lawrence

● Mid-cut frame, with broad shoulders and decent build ● Quick vertical take-off; uses long arms to initiate rush sequencing (see 2025 Baylor tape) ● Complements long-arm moves with a variety of swats, clubs and push-pull moves ● Darting lateral cuts to cross blocker’s face and create entry points ● Has a knack for locating and swiping the football when he gets near QB ● Shoots his hands in run game to leverage the edge ● Plays with urgency in lateral pursuits to keep the ball contained ● Aggressive on the field; easy-going off it (NFL scout: “He keeps to himself, not a leader-type, but very good toughness and solid football character.”) ● Finished top 10 in UCF history in career sacks

● Upright rusher; moves with some stiffness in attack ● Exhibits more pops of power than overwhelming strength ● Has trouble escaping big offensive tackles who engulf point of attack ● Lean muscle mass — doesn’t have ideal bulk for edge work ● Missed tackles are byproduct of revving-hot motor ● Has had surgery on both shoulders over the years ● Just 72 tackles in 39 career games

A two-year starter at UCF, Lawrence worked at both left and right defensive end (stand-up and hand on the ground) in defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s multiple fronts (rotation-heavy; Lawrence averaged 39.2 defensive snaps in 2025). The last remaining member of UCF’s 2021 recruiting class still on the roster in 2025, he showed gradual improvements each season and became just the 10th player in school history to reach 20 career sacks. Much of Lawrence’s success in college came from his play urgency and weaponized length. He is twitchy off the ball and uses his long arms and well-timed hands to help pry open corners or create interior rush lanes. However, there are times when he gets stuck at the top of his rush, especially when engulfed by size. Against the run, he uses his length to press blockers off his frame and stay available to chase. Overall, Lawrence is a linear mover and lacks ideal bend, but he offers skill as a pass rusher, stack-shed toughness versus the run and the demeanor that will help him carve out a starting role at the next level. Despite being an older player, he still has upside. 342 Back to table of contents -- 346 of 629 --