All articles tagged with #malachi lawrence
Dallas wrapped its 2026 rookie minicamp with a focus on acclimation and versatility: first-round picks Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence trained in one-on-one sessions with defensive coordinator Christian Parker, Barham got MIKE linebacker reps, Shelton began cross-training along the line, and Moore and Overton prepared for new roles as the Cowboys head toward OTAs on June 1.
Mel Kiper Jr. graded the Cowboys an A for the 2026 NFL Draft, lauding two first-round picks—Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence—and five other defensive selections as a targeted fix for a leaky defense; with a high-powered offense returning and a new coordinator, Dallas could turn around a 2025 season that saw the defense rank among the worst, provided the rookies and staff deliver quickly.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, Nick Saban was heard on a hot mic calling the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick Malachi Lawrence a 'reach,' then pivoting to say he was a sleeper who had been overlooked. Lawrence had been viewed as a second-rounder in mock drafts, and Saban’s remark sparked laughs before he clarified his assessment on air.
Nick Saban labeled the Cowboys’ No. 23 selection of Malachi Lawrence a “reach” on a live ESPN hot mic, creating an awkward moment as analysts debated the pick. Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher from UCF who totaled 28 career sacks, drew praise from Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer for his upside and pass-rush ability as the draft unfolded.
Dallas pulled off a bold draft-night move, trading up to No. 11 to select Caleb Downs and then swapping down with the Eagles to gain two extra fourth-round picks before taking Malachi Lawrence at 23. The piece frames Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott as the big winners, with Downs set to start at nickel under Christian Parker, Liufau shifting to outside linebacker, and veterans like Malik Hooker possibly seeing reduced snaps. DaRon Bland and DeMarvion Overshown also benefit by avoiding immediate threats to their starting roles.
Dallas widened its 2026 first-round footprint with back-to-back trades: moving up from 12 to 11 to draft Caleb Downs and then sending 20 to 23 to select Malachi Lawrence, a versatile pass rusher from UCF. Lawrence, a former outside linebacker turned defensive end, earned First-Team All-Big 12 in 2025 and accumulated 20 sacks for his college career, giving Dallas a ready-made edge threat for a 3-4 look. He must improve run defense and add mass to maximize his potential, but the Cowboys view him as a key piece in their defensive overhaul.
In Matt Maiocco's NFL mock draft 5.0, the San Francisco 49ers are projected to take UCF edge Malachi Lawrence at the No. 27 overall pick to bolster the pass rush opposite Nick Bosa, after already locking in Trent Williams for two more seasons.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Titans selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 35 in his latest mock, citing Love's playmaking ability and Lawrence's pass-rush upside as fits for Tennessee’s needs in next week's NFL Draft.
In a seven‑round Patriots mock, Malcolm Lawrence (EDGE, Round 1) and Caleb Tiernan (OT, Round 2) lead the early picks, with Georgia TE Oscar Delp (Round 3) adding a potential starter behind Hunter Henry; subsequent rounds supply depth at WR, LB, OL, RB, CB, QB and S, prioritizing youth at edge and a long‑term TE behind the aging Henry, all without trading for A.J. Brown.