Malachi Lawrence: High-Risk, High-Reward Edge Rusher

0:00It's April 7. This is NFL News Today, AI-powered stories from around the league. I'm Cory with the story. The 2026 NFL Draft is creeping up fast, and we're eyeing edge rushers who could boost the Carolina Panthers' defense. Meet Malachi Lawrence from UCF Knights, a 6 foot 4, 253 pound beast, with 20 career sacks over just three starting seasons. He broke out as a red shirt sophomore in 2023, wrecking up 10.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks while starting every game. Morns lit up the combine with explosive numbers, like a 4.52 in the 40, a 40 inch vertical, and a 10 foot 10 broad jump. His past rush game stands out with quick hands, a full bag of moves, and that first step burst to bend the edge, even shaking off blockers. Fans and scouts see huge upside, but he's raw against the run, getting faked by play action and struggling with tackles and gap control. Panthers have lead to yards on the ground lately, so adding bulk and coaching could turn

1:03him into a full-time menace. Projections put him in first round chatter as a situational past rusher who might grow into a three-down player. He fits coordinator Edgero Evio's mold, with his frame, motor, and flexibility, maybe at pick 19 or early second round if they shore up the run. Elsewhere first, as the draft boards shake out, keep watching Lawrence. He could be the high-risk, high-reward swing that flips Carolina's past rush script.