Report: Eagles one of several teams to host Malachi Lawrence for pre-draft visit

UCF pass-rusher Malachi Lwarence reportedly met with half of the NFL during the pre-draft process. According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, Lawrence had top-30 visits with 16 teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lawrence is considered one of the premier edge-rushers in this draft, so it’s no surprise that teams are eager to learn more about him. With Jaelan Phillips leaving Philadelphia in free agency, the Eagles are expected to invest in the position at some point.

Malachi Lawrence Scouting Report via Lance Zierlein

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.

Over his final three seasons at UCF, Lawrence recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. The 250-pounder ran an impressive 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His speed-rush arsenal would fit in nicely with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith in Philadelphia.

Lawrence is projected to be drafted late in the first round, so selecting him at No. 23 may be slightly ahead of his anticipated range. The Eagles could opt to trade down, allocate extra assets, and still land him if the board plays out in their favor.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: