Malachi Lawrence Draft Grade | Round 1, Pick 23 | FanVerdicts

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Sentiment

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Fan Verdict

Sentiment Analysis

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #52 · Day 2 Value

Malachi Lawrence burst onto the scene at UCF as a raw but explosive pass rusher who steadily developed into one of the Big 12's most disruptive edge defenders. After redshirting his freshman year, Lawrence transformed from a 235-pound developmental prospect into a refined 255-pound edge rusher with legitimate first-step quickness and impressive bend around the corner. His combination of natural pass-rushing instincts, relentless motor, and steady technical improvement made him a consistent force in UCF's 3-4 scheme. While he lacks elite size for a traditional 3-4 OLB, Lawrence's versatility to rush from multiple alignments and his knack for creating pressure in crucial moments have elevated his draft stock throughout his college career.

Strengths

+Exceptional first-step quickness allows him to consistently win the corner against college tackles, showing rare acceleration for his size that translates to immediate pressure.

+Advanced hand usage for his experience level, demonstrating a natural feel for swatting away punch attempts and converting speed to power with effective long-arm techniques.

+Outstanding bend and flexibility around the edge enables him to dip his shoulder and maintain balance while turning the corner, rarely allowing tackles to recover once beaten.

+High motor player who never stops working through contact, consistently pursuing plays from the backside and showing up in pursuit of ball carriers across the formation.

+Impressive pass-rush plan development, showing the ability to set up tackles with different moves and counter when his initial rush is stopped.

+Natural timing and anticipation on snap count allows him to consistently get clean jumps, particularly effective in obvious passing situations.

+Versatile alignment ability to rush from traditional 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE, or even slide inside on third downs, giving defensive coordinators multiple deployment options.

+Strong football IQ evident in his recognition of blocking schemes and ability to adjust his rush lanes accordingly, rarely rushing himself out of plays.

+Effective in space when dropping into coverage, showing surprising range and instincts for a primary pass rusher.

+Consistent gap discipline in run defense despite his aggressive pass-rush mentality, maintaining his assignments while looking for opportunities to attack.

+Clutch performer who elevated his game in big moments, consistently showing up with pressure and sacks in crucial third-down situations.

Weaknesses

-Lacks ideal size and length for a traditional NFL edge rusher, which could limit his effectiveness against NFL-caliber tackles with superior reach and strength.

-Power rush game remains underdeveloped, struggling to convert speed to power consistently and often bouncing off stronger offensive linemen.

-Run defense can be inconsistent when facing down blocks, occasionally getting washed out by tackles who establish inside leverage.

-Limited repertoire of pass-rush moves beyond speed rush and basic hand techniques, making him somewhat predictable against seasoned blockers.

-Struggles against heavy play-action and misdirection concepts, sometimes taking false steps that take him out of position.

-Needs to add functional strength to handle the physicality of NFL blocking schemes and maintain his rush lanes against more powerful linemen.

-Coverage responsibilities are still developing, showing some stiffness in transition and uncertainty in zone drops.

-Can be over-aggressive at times, rushing past the quarterback's escape lanes and allowing mobile quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.

NFL Comparison: Matt Judon

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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