With the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected UCF defensive end/edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, adding a highly productive and disruptive pass rusher to their defensive front.

Lawrence arrives in Dallas after a standout college career defined by consistency, production, and big-game performances. He earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and was named an honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top defensive playmakers.

During his final season, Lawrence delivered a career-best campaign, recording 28 tackles with 17 solo stops, along with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks, showcasing his ability to consistently penetrate backfields. He also finished his UCF career ranked No. 10 on the program’s all-time sacks list with 20 total sacks, highlighting his sustained production over multiple seasons.

One of his defining traits is his disruptive versatility. Lawrence forced two fumbles on the season, including key takeaways against Kansas State and Baylor, and added three pass breakups, showing his ability to impact both the run game and passing lanes. His standout performances included a career-high seven tackles and three tackles for loss against Baylor, as well as back-to-back multi-sack games against West Virginia and Baylor.

He also played a major role in one of UCF’s most dominant defensive efforts of the season, helping the Knights earn a Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week honor after a 45–13 win over West Virginia, where the defensive front recorded seven of the team’s eight sacks.

For the Cowboys, Lawrence brings a proven pass-rushing presence with consistent production and a high motor. His combination of explosiveness, playmaking ability, and experience against top Big 12 competition gives Dallas another dynamic weapon on the edge as they continue building a strong, aggressive defense for the future.

photocreds(247sports)