Is Malachi Lawrence Detroit Lions Defensive End of Future?

The Detroit Lions are expected to target a defensive end early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN analyst Matt Miller shared with reporters in a recent videoconference why he had the Lions targeting University of Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence with Pick No. 50.

The 6-foot-4, 253-pound defender has been gaining increased draft buzz. Many pundits believe his draft stock has been rising steadily throughout the pre-draft process.

“When I look at Malachi Lawrence, I think he’s one of the hottest names as we get here to the stretch run. The more I talk to scouts, say, ‘Hey, this is a guy you got to get up higher on, get up higher on.’ I think the 40 time of the combine helped," said Miller. "It showed that explosiveness, a 4.52 in the 40, and he had a 40-inch vert. So, the athleticism score is off the charts good.

"And then you go look at the production, and there were spurts of really good production from him. Having someone with his speed opposite Aidan, who’s such a well-rounded player, he is almost like a nine technique, a Josh Sweat type," Miller added. "Stand him up, let him go get the quarterback with that tempo and that just amazing speed that he has."

Malachi Lawrence looking like the best edge rusher at the Shrine Bowl so far is no surprise

Top 50 talent on my board, looking forward to watching him tonight pic.twitter.com/3OYA0TjIQG
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 27, 2026

A review of his college film shows a player who features an explosive first step and a wealth of impressive moves to battle opposing offensive linemen.

His closing speed is impressive and he has the persistence to track down quarterbacks trying to evade the pass rush.

The issue he could face early in his career is consistency against the run. If he cannot consistently set the edge, which he struggled with at times in college, the Lions may pass on selecting him that early in the draft.

Miller expects Lawrence to benefit tremendously from coaching at the next level. He provided his reasons why his tape featured some inconsistencies.

“When you’re coming out of UCF, no disrespect to that, but you’re not getting the reps and practice that you’re getting at Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M," said Miller. "So, I think that’s going to be the step for him, once he’s around NFL players, getting more of that work is going to help him become better.”

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