Malachi Lawrence Scouting Report

Malachi Lawrence is an athletic, scheme-versatile edge rusher who has the skill set and instincts to be an immediate impact pass rusher in the NFL.

Draft Grade: Round 2 - Winning Starter

Strengths:

Scheme Versatility: Lawrence’s size, strength, and overall skill set allow him to be a scheme-versatile defender. He has the frame to play as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but he also possesses the lateral quickness to play the stand-up OLB position in a 3-4 at a high level, both against the run and when rushing the quarterback.

Pass Rush and Hand Counters: Lawrence has shown an in-depth knowledge of pass-rush strategy, specifically in his ability to trigger different hand counters and moves. He demonstrates the ability to convert speed-to-power to win at the point of attack or utilize an array of counters—such as chops, swipes, and rips—to beat offensive tackles quickly and provide consistent pressure on the quarterback.

Run Defense: When playing on the edge, Lawrence shows the ability to set a firm edge, stopping the outside track of a ball carrier and forcing them back inside toward the flow of the play. Additionally, he can shoot gaps to get into the backfield immediately and disrupt plays before they develop. Lawrence also possesses the athletic advantage to kick to an inside alignment and win with speed against interior offensive linemen.

Concerns:

Pass-Rush Lanes: Lawrence occasionally attempts to work directly through the offensive tackle rather than identifying and attacking a more advantageous angle. He needs to improve his consistency in attacking the "edges" of the tackle to force them into a more urgent recovery. By making the tackle move their feet more laterally, Lawrence will create better opportunities to utilize his counter moves, effectively transitioning from an outside rush track to an inside lane.

Level of Competition: Lawrence spent his entire collegiate career at UCF. While he has been highly productive—ranking in the top 10 of UCF’s all-time sacks list—there are lingering questions about whether his production was inflated by facing offensive line talent that wasn't consistently of an NFL or high-Power 4 caliber. Scouts will be looking to see if his technical plan can bypass the more sophisticated pass-sets found at the professional level.