Saints hosted UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on official visit

One of the biggest questions surrounding the New Orleans Saints this offseason still remains in play weeks after free agency has started. That being, will Cameron Jordan return to the team? Ultimately, the odds are in favor of him waiting for the 2026 NFL Draft to be completed, so he can really see the full picture for each franchise and make his decision based on whatever his optimal scenario is.

So, for now, the Saints have to operate under the assumption that they need an additional rusher, even if he returns. This has led to them meeting with various names ahead of the draft to compile some information, including hosting UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on an official visit, along with 15 other teams. Half the league has brought him in after Lawrence dominated Shrine Bowl practices (where he was coached by Saints defensive pass game coordinator Terry Joseph) and this year's NFL Combine workouts in Indianapolis.

Lawrence is a highly productive rusher who also has a consistent impact in the run game, which makes him a fun three-down option long-term. In 2025, he posted 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 40 pressures, and 18 defensive stops.

What really stands out about his game is his athleticism, though, as he put together an impressive combine showing. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, 1.59-second 10-yard split, while putting up a 40-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-10 broad jump, all of which are at or above average for his position. This is not due to a lack of size either, as he came in at a little over 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, and had a 33 5/8-inch arm length.

Lawrence is generally considered to be a second-round pick in this class, and if selected by the Saints, could be someone to build into a competitive running mate for Chase Young from the other side of the defense.