Malachi Lawrence Could Fix Chiefs' Biggest Roster Hole

The UCF Knights edge rusher is what the Kansas City Chiefs are looking for opposite of George Karlaftis.

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 | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For the past few seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have attempted to add depth and potential gems at edge rusher through the NFL Draft. Three of the last four NFL Draft classes have featured the franchise selecting a defensive end for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense, with one hit since 2022.

George Karlaftis' productive career has earned the 2022 first-round selection a massive contract, one he received last summer from the Chiefs and general manager Brett Veach, with 30.5 career sacks to his name. However, Kansas City has lacked production and consistency from 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah and 2025 third-round choice Ashton Gillotte.

Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates after a tackle during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images | Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Simply put: Veach has not done well to identify better depth, nor enough juice and dynamic ability at the position. A change in play style is needed, specifically opposite of Karlaftis, which is why edge rusher is one of the team's biggest needs ahead of the NFL Draft.

Rueben Bain is a perfect fit for Kansas City's defense, though a cornerback or wide receiver could be the play at No. 9 overall, which leads to picks No. 29 and No. 40. My favorite edge rushing prospects for either spot are none other than UCF's Malachi Lawrence, one of the fastest risers in this year's draft class.

Why Malachi Lawrence is the perfect fit for the Chiefs defense

Malachi Lawrence Cut Ups https://t.co/Up0J6yuVVs pic.twitter.com/sbjHcuJil6

— jeremiah🐦‍⬛ (@NewEraMiah) February 18, 2026

At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, and an 81-inch wingspan, Lawrence is a long pass rusher who provides an ample athletic profile, having run a 4.52 40-yard dash, jumping 40 inches in the vertical jump, and 130 inches in the broad jump. From a size and athletic profile standpoint, there are a lot of checkmarks here that the Chiefs would be enticed by.

The biggest things that stand out with Lawrence are his pass-rush bag, explosiveness, power, speed around the arc, and an outstanding motor. The standout Shrine Bowl edge defender has the best set of rush moves amongst any prospect at his position while using his speed and explosiveness to stress the outside shoulder and post-hand of the offensive tackle to put them in a strain within their pass sets, especially if they drop vertically or in a 45-degree set.

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. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lawrence isn't a perfect prospect by any means: he still needs to play with better technique against the run, especially when it comes to shedding blocks or processing blocking schemes and maintaining discipline at the point of attack. Plus, as a rushing specialist, he struggles to utilize a secondary counter to his first move and goes stale within his rush if the initial use fails.

However, no one on the Chiefs roster at edge rusher has the requisite traits that Lawrence does. I don't agree with the Josh Hines-Allen comparison there in the post above, mostly because Allen is a much more scheme-transdent talent who, early in his career, could've been an off-ball SAM linebacker. Regardless, Lawrence fits the bill for what the Chiefs are missing the most: dynamic playmaking ability off the edge.