How Malachi Lawrence impacts the Cowboys’ defense

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys selected EDGE Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, enhancing their defense alongside safety Caleb Downs. Lawrence, a former UCF player, is expected to fill a key pass-rushing role in the team's new 3-4 defense.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys selected Malachi Lawrence 23rd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
Lawrence will play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense
He had seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his senior year at UCF

Dallas CowboysUCF Knights

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 05: UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the game between the Florida Gators and the UCF Knights on October 5, 2024 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Dallas has doubled down on defense with its two 2026 first-round picks. After taking safety Caleb Downs 11th overall, they’ve now added EDGE Malachi Lawrence from the University of Central Florida with the 23rd-overall pick. There’s no big mystery as to how the Cowboys will use Lawrence going forward. He’s a natural OLB in their new 3-4 defense, converting from playing 4-3 DE for the Knights in college. At 6’4” and over 250 lbs., and based on his strengths as a player, Lawrence will clearly be an edge rusher in Dallas. He had seven sacks in his senior year at UCF, along with 11 tackles for loss. Lawrence also had three pass deflections and two forced fumbles, speaking to some disruptive and playmaking traits. Noted for his bend and athleticism when rushing the passer, Lawrence’s primary role will be getting after the quarterback on passing downs. He’s not going to be an elite run stopper or edge setter, at least early on, but Dallas has some other options for that work. What they really needed at this point was a guy to start filling the big pass-rush shoes that Micah Parsons left empty. Lawrence may never reach that elite level, but Dallas must think he’ll help to pick him so high. Lawrence joins and new arrival as the big three in their EDGE rotation. They’ll also work in and probably Sam Williams as primary backups. We’ll see how other prospects like and fare, but Lawrence’s arrival feels like it may complete Dallas’ major efforts at this position for the 2026 offseason. Maybe they look at more of a pure run stopper, but that’s also a role that veteran is here to help with. As the 23rd-overall pick, Lawrence is the highest-drafted pure pass rusher that Dallas has taken since (11th) in 2005. While Micah Parsons was a higher pick in 2001, he was not considered an EDGE when initially drafted. The Cowboys eventually kept him there exclusively after his pass-rushing prowess became so undeniable. But in terms of an out-of-the-box edge rusher, Lawrence beats out and for the highest pick in over 20 years. Malachi Lawrence now becomes a key piece to Dallas’ concerted effort to improve its defense. Like Ware and Marcus Spears in 2005, he and Caleb Downs will have high expectations and be linked for years to come as fellow first-rounders from this class. Both should walk into major roles and will have every opportunity to reward the Cowboys’ faith.

Q&A

What position will Malachi Lawrence play for the Cowboys?

Malachi Lawrence will play as an outside linebacker (OLB) in the Cowboys' new 3-4 defense.

How does Malachi Lawrence's draft position compare to past Cowboys pass rushers?

Lawrence is the highest-drafted pure pass rusher for the Cowboys since DeMarcus Ware, who was selected 11th overall in 2005.

What are Malachi Lawrence's key statistics from his college career?

In his senior year at UCF, Lawrence recorded seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.

How Malachi Lawrence impacts the Cowboys’ defense

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Monroe Freeling's draft call with Panthers is absolutely amazing

Will Campbell welcomes Patriots’ first-round draft pick into the fold

Estudian varias poblaciones de orcas y descubren que tienen culturas diferentes

Informe augura un apocalipsis que dejará un reguero de despidos y hundirá el consumo

Andre Onana: Man United loanee’s heroics guide Trabzonspor to semi-final

Film study: New Bears S Dillon Thieneman a seamless fit in Chicago

More from Sports