2026 NFL Scouting Report: Malachi Lawrence

Prospect Summary:

It took some developmental time but eventually Lawrence broke out and showed a special skill set for the NFL. After serving as a backup in 2021 and 2022, Lawrence got on the field in 2023 and had a breakout campaign with 7.5 sacks, 27 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and a pass batted. The next season, Lawrence had only 15 tackles but he did record five sacks with a forced fumble, pass batted, and six tackles for a loss. As a senior, Lawrence was a terror off the edge and No. 51 was constantly causing disruption in the backfield. He totaled seven sacks with 11 tackles for a loss, 28 tackles, three passes batted, and two forced fumbles.

For the NFL, Lawrence is a talented edge rusher with speed, strength, and athleticism off the edge. Lawrence is quick off the ball with the ability to long arm and push through blocks with functional power. He uses his speed and impressive ability to bend to turn the corner with a burst to close on the quarterback. Lawrence arrives with violence as he will put quarterbacks and ball carriers into the turf with violence. He has good instincts to go for the strip, and has a relentless style of play. Lawrence could use some development with more pass rushing moves for taking on pro tackles. With his skill set, Lawrence could be a good pass rusher as a pro.

Lawrence length and strength shows up as a run defender as well. He flashes the ability hold his gap and stop tackles from pushing him downfield. With his long arms and funcational power, Lawrence can shed blocks and pursue out of his gap. However, his run defense can be inconsistent so developing more reliablity as a run defender is necessary for him to become a three-down starter in the NFL.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, Lawrence should go no lower than the second round and he could have an outside shot of sneaking into the first round. Check out my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see where Lawrence is projected.