Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence enters the 2026 NFL Draft, joining one of the deepest EDGE classes in recent years. Find out where Lawrence ranks and what his scouting report reveals.
Malachi Lawrence 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 253 lbs.
Position: EDGE
School: Central Florida
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE (Central Florida)
In any other year, Louisville, Kentucky, native Malachi Lawrence would be a definite first-round pick. However, given the depth of this year’s EDGE class, he could be among several talented prospects who fall to the second round. Should that happen, Lawrence could end up as a steal for whichever team drafts him.
Background:
A three-star recruit from duPont Manual High School who also medaled in shot put, Lawrence committed to the University of Central Florida. He saw limited action initially as a red-shirt freshman, appearing in only three games.
As a redshirt sophomore, he appeared in all 13 games, recording 27 tackles, including 10.5 TFLs for a total of 68 yards and 7.5 sacks.
Posting career highs as a senior, Lawrence recorded 11 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three pass breakups. Earning first-team All-Big 12 honors, Lawrence finished his collegiate campaign with 20 sacks and an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Number 162 on the LWOS NFL Draft Big Board, Lawrence was initially projected as a late-day two prospect. But that was before his career-defining Combine performance.
A Standout At The NFL Combine:
One of the standouts at the 2026 NFL Combine, Lawrence impressed scouts with his 4.52-second 40-yard dash, 10-yard split of 1.59, 40-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. He was the only EDGE to finish in the top three in all four categories. Earning an 86 Athleticism score, he ranked 1st among the DE/EDGE class.
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein described Lawrence as, “An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length.” He possesses 35-inch arms, an explosive first step, and an arsenal of moves and counter-moves to thwart the opposition. Zierlein reported that, “He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks.”
Noting that Lawrence must “provide better consistency and discipline in run support,” Zierlein concluded he’s “an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses. “
Strengths:
- Combines desired physical size with elite athleticism.
- An explosive first step coupled with a relentless pursuit of the quarterback
- Natural bend
- Combine confirmed rare explosiveness at the position across all four metrics.
- Has a wide variety of counter moves and a full arsenal of tricks to confound tacklers.
- Skillful use of hands that are described as strong and quick
Weaknesses:
- Edge setting is seen as inconsistent
- Needs better discipline in maintaining his assignment integrity
- Run defense needs work
- High missed tackle rate
- Lean body mass could be an issue
Best fits:
Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, or Detroit Lions
Last Word on Malachi Lawrence:
Armed with a full complement of athletic gifts along with the tools and traits that indicate he’s NFL material, Malachi Lawrence could be one of this year’s best EDGE prospects. Electing to sit out at the Central Florida prospect day, Lawrence was there to support his teammates.
Asked about his recent Combine success, he declared, “It was a great feeling, just like showing, like, what I can do, what I can… my athletic ability, basically, just showing that and proving to the team like, I’m definitely one of those top EDGEs.”
