Malachi Lawrence: Packers' Draft Target for Pass Rush

For the NFL, it's March 20th.

Here's what's happening.

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The Green Bay Packers are looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft and their unpacking future

Packers countdown highlights 100.

Potential picks.

A top pass rusher needs stands out after trading away Rashon Gary and Kingsley and

Odd Bear.

University of Central Florida defensive and Malachi Lawrence ranks number 41 on the list

and could be a target at the 52nd overall.

Pick.

He would join players like Lucas Van Ness, Baron Surrell, Colin Oliver, Brinton Cox Jr.

and eventually Micah Parsons.

Lawrence showed steady growth in college.

As a wretcher freshman in 2022, he had half a sack.

The next year brought 10 and a half tackles for loss and 7 and a half sacks.

In 2024, he added six tackles for loss and five sacks.

His most recent season topped out with 11 tackles for loss and 7 sacks plus 40 pressures.

Scouts praise his explosive first step and sharp pass rush moves.

At the NFL Scout in Combine, he ran a 452 40 yard dash, third best among defensive ends

with a 1.59 10 yard split, second in his group.

His 40 inch vertical and 10 feet 10 inch broad jump also ranked high.

Still, he needs work against the run, where he sometimes gets pushed around due to his

lean frame.

The Packers Edge group faces challenges right now, especially with Parsons sideline for

the season's first month.

Young players like Van Ness and Day 3 rookies have limited snaps so far.

Lawrence's speed and technique could add immediate juice on passing downs.

Overall, he offers high upside as a situational rusher early, with potential to become an

every down star if he bokes up and improves run defense.

Adding quarterback hunters like him is always smart, even with other needs at defensive

tackle and cornerback.

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