Jadarian Price's fantasy football outlook after Seattle Seahawks take RB in 2026 NFL Draft
Jadarian Price's fantasy football outlook after being drafted by Seahawks.
Malachi Lawrence was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft, becoming the first UCF player chosen in the opening round since 2018. He is the fifth Knight to be drafted in Round 1, following notable players like Daunte Culpepper and Blake Bortles.
ORLANDO — Malachi Lawrence became the first UCF player selected in the NFL draft's opening round since 2018.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 253-pound edge rusher, with the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft, held Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh. He joins exclusive company as only the fifth Knight taken in Round 1, a group that includes Daunte Culpepper, Blake Bortles, Breshad Perriman and, most recently, Mike Hughes.
Following UCF's pro day on March 25, Lawrence said it was a "blessing" to be considered among the draft's best available edge defenders. His pitch to the 17 teams he met with in the pre-draft process was, "I'm a great pass-rusher. I have a great motor. I'm a captain."
Those teams, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, were the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, , , , , , , , , and .
Malachi Lawrence is a 6-foot-4, 253-pound edge rusher who played for UCF.
Malachi Lawrence was drafted on April 23, 2026, by the Dallas Cowboys.
His selection marks the first time a UCF player has been picked in the NFL draft's opening round since 2018.
Malachi Lawrence compiled 20 career sacks, ranking 10th all-time in UCF program history.
Jadarian Price's fantasy football outlook after being drafted by Seahawks.
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Lawrence played all five of his college seasons for the Knights, emerging as a starter ahead of his redshirt junior season. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Louisville native compiled 20 career sacks, good for 10th all-time in program history.
Nov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Cougars running back DJ Butler (25) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. (15) is sacked by Central Florida Knights linebacker Malachi Lawrence (51) in the first half at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina A&T Aggies quarterback Braxton Thomas (17) is tackled by UCF Knights edge Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) as he scrambles during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024.
Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) and defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) celebrate a Knights interception against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Justin Johnson Jr. (26) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) is sacked by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes wide receiver Chrishon McCray (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports battle for the ball
Sep 1, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs quarter back Marquis Bradley is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 30: Malachi Lawrence (L) #51 of the UCF Knights sacks Blake Shapen #12 of the Baylor Bears in the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: DJ Lagway #2 of the Florida Gators stiff arms Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights in the fourth quarter of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 19: Running back Abu Sama III #24 of the Iowa State Cyclones rushes for yards past linebacker Xe'ree Alexander #24, and defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 19, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 38-35 over the UCF Knights. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights tries to defend against a pass by quarterback Sawyer Robertson #13 of the Baylor Bears in the fourth quarter at McLane Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48 during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) prepares to run the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Nov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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Nov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Cougars running back DJ Butler (25) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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Oct 18, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. (15) is sacked by Central Florida Knights linebacker Malachi Lawrence (51) in the first half at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
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Sep 6, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina A&T Aggies quarterback Braxton Thomas (17) is tackled by UCF Knights edge Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at Acrisure Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) as he scrambles during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024.
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Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) and defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) celebrate a Knights interception against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Justin Johnson Jr. (26) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 7, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen (12) is sacked by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 31, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes wide receiver Chrishon McCray (22) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports battle for the ball
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Sep 1, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; South Carolina State Bulldogs quarter back Marquis Bradley is tackled by UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 30: Malachi Lawrence (L) #51 of the UCF Knights sacks Blake Shapen #12 of the Baylor Bears in the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: DJ Lagway #2 of the Florida Gators stiff arms Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights in the fourth quarter of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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AMES, IA - OCTOBER 19: Running back Abu Sama III #24 of the Iowa State Cyclones rushes for yards past linebacker Xe'ree Alexander #24, and defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 19, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 38-35 over the UCF Knights. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
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WACO, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights tries to defend against a pass by quarterback Sawyer Robertson #13 of the Baylor Bears in the fourth quarter at McLane Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48 during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) prepares to run the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He cracked the All-Big 12 first team in 2025, joining RJ Harvey, Javon Baker and Tre'Mon Morris-Brash as the only Knights to do so in their three seasons in the conference. Lawrence recorded a career-high 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks — including back-to-back, multi-sack performances against West Virginia and Baylor — and an 89.9 pass-rush grade courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Lawrence's draft stock soared after his performance at the NFL scouting combine in February. He posted the second-fastest, 40-yard dash time (4.52 seconds) among participating edge rushers with a 1.59-second 10-yard split and a 40-inch vertical jump.
Oct 7, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Malachi Lawrence of the Central Florida Knights participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) tackles ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) as he scrambles during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Malachi Lawrence picked by Dallas Cowboys in NFL draft first round