Malachi Lawrence is now an edge rusher for the Dallas Cowboys. At pick #23 in the 2026 NFL Draft, he made the official transition from UCF Knight to NFL Player.
In 2025, as a first-team Big 12 conference player, Lawrence posted 28 tackles with 17 solo, 11 for a loss. Moreover, he recorded seven sacks, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Among Big 12 prospects, he was the 5th player selected on the board. He also ranked 10th all-time in sacks at UCF with 20 in his career.
Lawrence Has Big Shoes to Fill
Considering that the Cowboys’ defense has been starved for edge talent since the departure of Micah Parsons, it makes sense for them to seek someone at that position who has physical talent to rush the passer and drop back some in coverage to bolster their ranks.
While Lawrence may not be the same level of player Parsons is today, he still represents a potential upgrade among their defensive ends. He is a serious contender to see starting snaps in 2026, as one would expect from a first-round draft pick.
The biggest criticism out there is an alleged weakness in stopping the run. UCF Edge coach Mike Dawson commented on this on Tuesday after spring practice.
“[He] is a pretty physical guy. He’s gotten stronger and stronger”, said Dawson. “If you flash on the film and watch tight ends try to block him — I didn’t see that happen very often.”
Lawrence represents a concerted effort by the Cowboys to improve on defense, as they also drafted Caleb Downs at safety from Ohio State.
The last Knight to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys was defensive Tackle Trysten Hill in the 2nd round in 2019, who also played for Scott Frost in his previous stint at UCF. The most recent defensive end from UCF to be drafted was Bruce Miller in 2011. Miller was taken in the 7th round and eventually converted to fullback.
