Malachi Lawrence
Getty
UCF EDGE rusher Malachi Lawrence
Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam both departed the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 NFL Free Agency, leaving a gap in the team’s EDGE room. The pass rushers combined for 42 sacks during their combined time with the AFC South team.
Indianapolis brought in Arden Key and Michael Clemons as replacements through free agency, but a few analysts believe the Colts can make another addition through the draft.
ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst team released an updated three-round mock draft, with Indy addressing the EDGE room with the team’s first pick.
Colts Predicted to Take Big 12 First-Team Defender
Malachi Lawrence
GettyMock draft has the Colts bolstering the EDGE group
The Indianapolis Colts will make their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft on Day 2, after trading away their first-round selection to the New York Jets to acquire All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Indianapolis will have to wait some time before their selection, but it gives them more time to scout and land a guy who fits the scheme.
Draft analyst Jordan Reid predicts Indy will select University of Central Florida pass rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 47th overall pick
“Edge rusher is one of the Colts’ top needs. And despite not picking in Round 1, they can check a box here. Lawrence is a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed,” Reid wrote for ESPN.
Lawrence, who has spent his entire collegiate career with UCF, has logged 20 sacks and 72 tackles (28 for loss). Pro Football Focus gave the EDGE rusher an 89.5 pass rush grade, ranking him 33rd in the country.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Lawrence to Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat, who recorded 12 sacks in the 2025 season.
“An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player… He can win inside or outside, but his speed-to-power conversion is average,” Zierlein wrote. “Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses.”
Many mock drafts have Malachi Lawrence being selected in the mid-first round to late second round. If the Big 12 first-team member falls, it would give the Colts someone to pair up with Laiatu Latu on the opposite side.
Colts HC on Addition to the Pass Rush
Shane Steichen
GettyShane Steichen talks about the additions to the defense
The EDGE rush room needs a bit of polishing, but Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is happy about the additions to the defensive line of Arden Key and Michael Clemons.
Speaking to the media at the NFL Annual Meeting, the HC was asked how he would evaluate the team’s pass rush and had a positive response to the newest members of his team.
“I’m excited for the guys we just signed… I’m looking forward to those guys stepping in. Building that chemistry with those guys and [defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s] defense,” the head coach said.
“Going against Key when he was in Tennessee, I thought he was a hell of a football player. And Clemons is another guy that plays with great energy. Looking forward to what he can bring to our football team and building [off of] that.”
Indy still has over $25 million in cap space and can make another addition to the team. Or, they can sit tight and wait for the NFL draft to come and secure a younger option.