Malachi Lawrence Turns Heads at Shrine Bowl, Vaults Into First-Round Draft Conversation
If you didn’t know Malachi Lawrence’s name before the Shrine Bowl, you do now.
The UCF edge rusher put together a standout week in Las Vegas, flashing the kind of explosiveness and technique that NFL scouts crave. Lawrence didn’t just show up-he dominated, earning a spot on the West All-Practice Team and grabbing national attention in the process. For a player already on the radar after a strong senior season, this performance may have been the launchpad that propels him into the first round of the NFL Draft.
Let’s break down why Lawrence is climbing up boards-and why teams looking for edge help should be paying close attention.
Production Meets Potential
Lawrence capped off his college career with a productive season that earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors. His stat line?
Seven sacks, 18 tackles, and two forced fumbles-both career highs. According to Pro Football Focus, he was UCF’s highest-graded player with an 83.1, a mark that reflects both his consistency and impact on the field.
But it’s not just the raw numbers that stand out-it’s how he got them. Lawrence posted the fifth-highest pressure rate among all FBS edge defenders, getting to the quarterback on 22.7% of his pass-rush snaps. That’s elite territory, matching the pressure rate of potential No. 1 overall pick and First-Team All-American Rueben Bain Jr.
Shrine Bowl Breakout
The Shrine Bowl is often a proving ground for under-the-radar prospects, and Lawrence seized the moment. In one-on-one drills, he consistently beat offensive tackles with a quick first step and a diverse set of pass-rush moves. Quarterbacks coach John Blair, who tracks NFL prospects closely, took note of Lawrence’s burst and technique, calling his performance a clear boost to his draft stock.
And that boost is already showing. One recent mock draft has Lawrence sneaking into the first round at No. 27 overall to the Carolina Panthers. If that projection holds, he’d be the sixth edge rusher taken in what’s shaping up to be a loaded class at the position.
Built for Sundays
Physically, Lawrence checks a lot of boxes. He stands 6-foot-4, weighs in at 260 pounds, and boasts 35-inch arms-ideal measurables for an NFL edge defender.
But it's not just about size. What separates Lawrence is how he uses his frame and athleticism to win reps.
His pass-rush arsenal is already deep. We’re talking chops, club-swims, spins, long-arms, rips, swipes-you name it.
He’s not just throwing moves at the wall, either. Lawrence understands how to sequence his rushes, how to counter when his first move doesn’t land, and how to keep his hands active to stay in the play.
That second-effort pressure? It’s a trait that translates well to the next level, where sacks often come from persistence as much as speed.
A Student of the Game
Lawrence’s growth as a player hasn’t come in a vacuum. His time at UCF included multiple coaching changes, which could’ve stunted development for some players. But Lawrence embraced the turnover, using each new system and staff as an opportunity to expand his football IQ.
“Just having different coaches as well, learning new schemes and also getting to grow my football IQ,” he said before Senior Night. “It’s been a great journey.”
That adaptability and willingness to learn is something NFL teams value highly-especially when it comes from a player who’s already shown he can produce.
What’s Next?
As the draft process continues, Lawrence will have more chances to solidify his rising stock-whether it’s at the NFL Combine, pro day workouts, or in team interviews. But what he’s already put on tape, combined with his Shrine Bowl performance, makes him one of the more intriguing edge prospects in this class.
He may not have the instant-win move yet, but his ability to string together pass-rush sequences and finish plays with effort and technique makes him a high-upside option. For teams looking to inject juice into their pass rush, Malachi Lawrence is a name to circle.
The arrow is pointing up. And fast.