2026 NFL draft: 5 fun facts about Cowboys' Malachi Lawrence

Yahoo Sports3h ago12 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys selected pass rusher Malachi Lawrence from UCF with the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft after trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles. Lawrence is noted as one of the highest risers in the pre-draft process.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys selected Malachi Lawrence in 2026 NFL draft
Lawrence is a pass rusher from UCF
Cowboys traded down with the Philadelphia Eagles
Lawrence was a high riser in the pre-draft process
Team needed to bolster their defense

Malachi LawrenceUCFDallas CowboysPhiladelphia Eagles

2026 NFL draft: 5 fun facts about Cowboys' Malachi Lawrence

With the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected pass rusher Malachi Lawrence out of UCF. The team traded down three spots, ironically with the Philadelphia Eagles, and wound up with one of the highest risers late in the pre-draft process

The Cowboys needed another edge rusher, and they got one in Lawrence. Just one season removed from having a defensive end named Lawrence (DeMarcus), the team adds another one to help rebuild the defense. Here are five fun facts about the newest Cowboys’ pass rusher.

1. From horse country

Lawrence grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and went to duPont Manual High School. He played linebacker and tight end before moving to defensive end in college.

2. Excelled in another sport

He’s obviously an outstanding football player, but he also shined in track and field during high school. Lawrence was a shot put medalist for the state of Kentucky during his junior year.

3. Only a three-star recruit

While there was interest in Lawrence out of high school, he wasn’t a big-time recruit. The newest Cowboy was a three-star prospect who chose UCF over Tennessee, Boston College and Washington St. Lawrence was only ranked as the 13th best player in the state of Kentucky and the No. 112 defensive end in the nation in 2021.

4. Had a big senior year

Lawrence was a First-Team All-Big 12 performer during his senior season. He had a career high 28 tackles, seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in 2025.