Malachi Lawrence 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for UCF Linebacker

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Linebacker Malachi Lawrence could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.

USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of UCF may land.

Here's how USA TODAY's latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.

Malachi Lawrence 2026 NFL Draft prediction: Pick No. 27 overall, San Francisco 49ers

Nate Davis' Fit Analysis:

A team thats typically at its best when rolling deep on the D-line but had a league-low 20 sacks in 2025 adds depth off the edge with a player who has 19 sacks over the past three years and could be even more productive as a pro.

Ayrton Ostly's Big Board Rank: No. 93

Prototypical size and arm length at edge with elite burst for his frame. You wish that burst would translate more into speed-to-power moves. Deploys other moves instead with good hand usage. Inconsistency against the run could hamper him initially but he has the frame to improve with tools to develop.

See the full big board here

Campus Intel:

Lawrence finished a five-year UCF career by becoming the program's fourth All-Big 12 first-team selection, joining Tre'Mon Morris-Brash, Javon Baker and RJ Harvey. He cracked the program's top-10 all-time in sacks with 20, seven this past season. The Louisville native shined at the NFL combine with a 4.52-second time in the 40 and a 40-inch vertical jump. -- Chris Boyle, Daytona Beach News-Journal

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here