UCF edge Malachi Lawrence brings twitchy traits to Cowboys in NFL draft
UCF's Malachi Lawrence selected by Dallas Cowboys in NFL draft!
Height: 6ā3ā Weight: 196 lbs Position: Cornerback Class: Senior Tall cornerbacks are back in style. The Seattle Seahawks were evidence of that during their Super Bowl run. Truthfully, they never went out of style, but the length of Seattleās secondary was so disruptive that teams continue to look to emulate the approach.
PrysockĀ was highly regardedĀ as a senior at Bishop Alemany High School. He was a four-star prospect ranked No. 32 at his position and No. 23 overall in California. He held offers from several high-level programs, including Ohio State, Texas, USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, and more, but chose to play for Jedd Fisch at Arizona. Prysock spent two years in Tucson before entering the transfer portal and following Fisch to Washington. He was a significant addition to a roster that had been left in flux when Kalen DeBoer departed for Alabama.
Prysock played in 10 games as a freshman on an Arizona team that went 5ā7, finishing with 16 tackles (13 solo). As a sophomore, he recorded his first career interception while helping the Wildcats improve to 10ā3. His production jumped to 61 tackles (39 solo) with seven passes defensed. In 2024, Prysock became a key piece of a surprisingly strong Washington defense. He totaled 45 tackles (32 solo), six passes defensed, and a forced fumble. As a senior, he earned Big Ten honorable mention honors, finishing with 48 tackles (29 solo), his second career interception, and seven passes defensed.
Throughout his time at Washington, there were several instances where Prysock looked poised to come away with interceptions and swing momentum. That speaks to his route recognition, which is one of his best traits. He does a great job staying in phase with receivers and putting himself in position to make plays. Heās fluid for a player of his height, and that combination of length and movement ability adds to his appeal. The tools are there.
Prysock was in position plenty of times to come away with interceptions, yet he finished his collegiate career with just two. He can struggle to track the ball, which leads to missed opportunities. Heās also not a strong tackler, though the issue is more consistency than effort.
Whether Prysock can sharpen his strengths and improve his weaknesses will determine his ceiling. The good news is that NFL teams can work with inconsistent ball tracking and tackling if a player consistently puts himself inĀ positionĀ to make plays. Prysock typically does. He projects as a serviceable cornerback with upside. His size, athleticism, and instincts give him a clear path to sticking on an NFL roster, with the potential to grow into more over time. Round 4 feels likely for Prysock.
UCF's Malachi Lawrence selected by Dallas Cowboys in NFL draft!
Tennessee Titans surprise with No. 4 pick: Carnell Tate from Ohio State!

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