At the 2026 NFL Combine, outgoing UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence impressed scouts to the point that his fit in the pros is becoming clear on a national level.
Lawrence measured 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds at the combine. He also recorded a 4.52-second 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, along with a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. The Louisville, Kentucky native tested out as arguably the most athletic edge rusher in the class.
While Lawrence has recently projected as a selection on the second day of the draft, other NFL Draft experts see a fit in the first 32 selections for the player who led UCF sacks with seven last year. The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and runs through April 25.
Here's a quick roundup of where Lawrence has popped up in the first round of mock drafts from some of the industry's more notable experts. Lawrence is likely to be the first UCF defensive lineman selected since 2022.
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No. 22 Overall, Los Angeles Chargers - Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
"They have to get some young blood for their edge group. Lawrence is one of those guys who would fit what they want in their scheme. He plays hard all the time, which shows up on tape."
No. 23 Overall, Philadelphia Eagles - Matt Holder, Bleacher Report
"This pairing feels right up general manager Howie Roseman's alley, especially since the Eagles don't have an immediate need for an edge-rusher but could be in the market next offseason."
No. 29 Overall, Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Edholm, NFL.com
"Lawrence has been a hot name in the pre-draft process. With his length, size and explosiveness (40-inch vertical, 10-10 broad jump, 1.59-second 10-yard split), the UCF product fits K.C.'s benchmarks for an edge rusher."
No. 31 Overall, New England Patriots - Connor Rogers, NBC Sports
"He put on a show at the NFL Combine and his workout athleticism shows up on tape. The Patriots have hardnosed, gritty players in their defensive front but they need an explosive disruptor like Lawrence."
No. 32, Seattle Seahawks - Jacob Infante, Pro Football Network
"With 35-inch arms and a wicked first step, Malachi Lawrence has the tools to go much higher than this in real life. He's a bit raw and a little light in the pants, but the pass-rushing upside is palpable."
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