Cowboys Draft Edge Rusher Malachi Lawrence

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys just loaded up their defense in the 2026 draft, snagging safety, Caleb Downs 11th overall, and now Edge. Russia Malachi Lawrence, from Central Florida 23rd overall. Lawrence slides right into their new 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker, after playing defensive end in a 4-3 at college. At 6 foot 4 and over 250 pounds, he's built to chase quarterbacks with 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season, plus some 4 spumbles. Fans and analysts see this as Dallas filling a huge pass rush gap left by Michael Parsons, pairing Lawrence with Donovan Azei Raku and Roshan Gary Inn. The main rotation, backed by guys like James Houston. He's the highest pure Edge pick for the Cowboys since the Marcus Ware went 11th in 2005. A big bet on his bend and speed to disrupt plays. With Lawrence and Don's both first rounder stepping in the key spots, Dallas looks set to rebuild that defense strong and will watch how they gel right away.