Cowboys NFL Draft 2026: Dallas selects Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, for UCF at pick 23

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights waves to the crowd against the West Virginia Mountaineers after the game at at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images

With the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selectedEDGE Malachi Lawrence**.** Ever since the Micah Parsons trade the Cowboys have needed more pass rush. The hope is Lawrence can provide it. The Cowboys got him at pick 23 after trading down with the Eagles.

NFL.com

An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks. The next level will bring better tackles and more quick-sets, which will test how well his production translates. He makes splash plays behind the line but must provide better consistency and discipline in run support. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses.