Why UCF Edge Malachi Lawrence is a perfect match for the Buffalo Bills

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 28: UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) walks on the field during warm ups before a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCF Knights on September 28th, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Draft figures to be heavy on defense for the Buffalo Bills. We are fast-approaching that process as we tick down under two weeks remaining.

One position near the top of the pecking order for Buffalo is edge rusher. The team is sorely in need of more speed to threaten the outside shoulder of opposing offensive tackle — which is true even after the notable addition to the edge room in veteran Bradley Chubb. Chubb is not a player at this stage in his career who’s able to consistently win with speed around the corner.

The 2026 rookie edge rusher class has a multitude of different body types and players who are able to find different ways to win. If you’re looking for specialized speed rushers, you can certainly find them at the end of the first round in this class.

One name to note is defensive end Malachi Lawrence out of UCF, someone who’s been a consistent riser in media rankings and mock drafts. He was a Shrine Bowl participant in January and his buzz only ascended with an incredible NFL Scouting Combine workout (see below).

What to like about Malachi Lawrence’s game

Lawrence certainly used his athletic gifts to his advantage in his roles at UCF over the course of four seasons. He lined up standing up and with his hand in the dirt with the Knights.

He possesses a very strong first step to affect offensive tackles very early into his rush. That athleticism shows up when he flattens on his chase to a quarterback and his ability to show twitchy change of direction to counter to the inside on tackles over-setting.

Lawrence has a legitimate bag of moves to win his reps. The ability to throw a chop, club, and swat hands shows up fairly consistently in his reps. This is encouraging for a potential role early in his NFL career. For an athletic profile like his, he’s not as raw as you’d imagine for a projected late first- to second-round selection.

This is a player who plays with his hair on fire every rep. Taking plays off is not an option for Lawrence. He has a violent edge to him despite his frame being less than impressive on the hoof. Fans will appreciate his urgency in all facets.

Where Malachi Lawrence may struggle in the NFL

Of course, a late first-round potential slot for an athletic profile like this doesn’t come without blemishes on the profile. Among them, Lawrence has never had more than 7.5 sacks in a single season in college. His overall raw production leaves some to be desired despite being by far the best prospect on his team in the Big 12 Conference.

Lawrence may be a very good athlete, but he doesn’t possess the ability that the elite rushers at his size possess — and that’s ankle flexion/bend. His athleticism is more helpful to close space in a hurry and change direction rather than truly bending a corner.

Lawrence’s size is an issue. He has a thin frame and doesn’t appear to have much ability to pack on more weight. Despite his aggressiveness, he’s not a player who’s going to truly be able to consistently convert speed to power with his size profile. However, he does well to keep blockers off his frame because of his length (33 5/8” arms).

Why Malachi Lawrence makes sense for the Buffalo Bills

Lawrence has been a steady riser during the draft process, especially so as we close in on the big weekend. The arm length, urgency, athleticism, and a mix of pass-rush moves have made Lawrence an enticing prospect despite being nearly 23 years old.

The Bills are missing components of a standup rusher who traditionally plays the role in a scheme fit for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Lawrence provides some of those missing components.

Lawrence’s overall profile isn’t all that different from current Denver Broncos star Nik Bonitto who Leonhard, of course, has plenty of experience with throughout his career. If Lawrence is the pick at 26 overall or via a trade back, the scheme fit will make plenty of sense in Buffalo’s new system.