Patriots Draft Profile: Malachi Lawrence Brings Havoc to the Edge

With the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the New England Patriots are expected to give extensive consideration to using early-round capital on a defensive edge rush prospect.

Although the Pats currently possess 11 selections, with several needs on their roster, New England considers both their positional need and the wealth of talent at the position in this year’s class as valid reasons to upgrade a pass rush, which struggled toward the end of last season.

Ideally, New England would prefer to add a player with the proper concoction of size, length and athleticism. While several impressive prospects more-than adequately fit the description, a name which continues to rise among several draft boards is UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence.

Lawrence spent his entire college career at UCF as a defensive standout for the Knights from 2021-25. The 23-year-old has his best colleague season in 2025, starting all 12 games. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors while compiling 28 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, seven sacks, three pass-deflections and two forced fumbles.

Malachi Lawrence would Provide Power to Patriots Pass Rush

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-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, Lawrence has the prototypical size to be an imposing pass rusher at the pro level. The Louisville, KY native is at his best in an up-tempo, relentless pass-rush, making him a solid fit for the type of defense deployed by New England's Vrabel-Williams-Kuhr regime. Though he will require improvement in both his discipline and his consistency when setting the edge, New England’s coaching staff should provide him with the training to reverse his struggles in said areas.

Lawrence’s intense playing style provides him the chance to bring havoc on nearly every defensive snap. He routinely finishes plays with equal, or greater energy than he showed at their outset. In addition to his impressive size and length, Lawrence also has the speed to quickly get to the quarterback - as evidenced by his 4.52 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. Coupled with a 40" vertical jump, the UCF product may have put himself in a prominent place among New England's potential prospects at a self-professed position of need heading into April's draft.

If the #NEPats are looking to infuse their edge with athleticism, UCF defender Malachi Lawrence is someone they should be watching.

6-4, 253 lbs with a relentless playing style

Needs some work on tackling technique but this kid can bring the pressurepic.twitter.com/gvTiNKla9N
— Mike D'Abate (@mdabateNFL) February 26, 2026

Though many within Pats Nation are clamoring for an upgrade to their corps of receivers, offensive line and depth at tight end, New England may be best served by adding some strength and speed to their defensive pass rush. Their unit ranked 19th in the league in pass-rush win rate during the regular season, and notably struggled to put pressure on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in their 29-13 loss in Super Bowl LX.

With linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson headed for the Washington Commanders via free agency, and given veteran Harold Landry’s injury history, New England could decide on bolstering its pass rush within the first two rounds.

Given his recent rise across numerous draft boards, New England should be expected to consider selecting Lawrence as early as Day 1, with pick No. 31 in the first round.

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