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, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets.

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 ImagesNov 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 ImagesOct 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 ImagesSep 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 ImagesUCF 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 SportsOct 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 SportsOct 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 SportsOct 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 SportsSep 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 SportsAug 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 ballSep 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 SportsORLANDO, 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 ImagesFeb 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 ImagesFeb 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 ImagesFeb 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 ImagesFeb 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 Images1 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerNov 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 Images1 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerNov 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 Images2 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerNov 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 Images3 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerOct 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 Images4 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerSep 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 Images5 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerUCF 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, 2024.6 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerNov 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 Sports7 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerOct 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 Sports8 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerOct 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 Sports9 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerOct 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 Sports10 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerSep 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 Sports11 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerAug 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 ball12 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerSep 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 Sports13 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerORLANDO, 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)14 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerGAINESVILLE, 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)15 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerAMES, 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)16 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerWACO, 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)17 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerFeb 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 Images18 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerFeb 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 Images19 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerFeb 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 Images20 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerFeb 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 Images21 / 21Malachi Lawrence off to NFL after UCF football careerFeb 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 ImagesHe 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.

2025 season: 12 games (12 starts), 28 tackles (17 solo), 11 TFLs, 7 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles

Career: 39 games (22 starts), 72 tackles (47 solo), 28 TFLs, 20 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

Accolades: All-Big 12 first team (2025), All-Big 12 honorable mention (2023), Ranked 10th all-time in UCF history in sacks

"Personally, I'm proud of how much development and progress some of those guys (Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly) made in our one year with them. I didn't have a lot of confidence when I first got here — Malachi wasn't practicing — that he was going to be projected to go where he's going to go in the draft. He did an unbelievable job of working consistently and continuing to get better in a year with Mike Dawson and Alex Grinch. I'm really happy for him." — Scott Frost, UCF head coach

"The edges in the NFL, whether you're three-down or four-down, there's going to be a lot of similarity, a lot of carry-over. We didn't drop him (into coverage) a ton last year, but enough where I think he knows how to do that. If he ends up in a 3-4 system, he'll have an understanding of coverages and how they work. … I see a guy that has a large toolbox. He's not a one-trick pony. You don't see just one pass-rush move that happens to win at the college level. He's got a bunch of stuff that he can do, and you can see it on tape as the season progressed. I think guys are going to be excited to have him in the room. Great guy. Personality-wise, he wants to learn and he wants to know about football. I believe he wants to be a coach when he's done playing. He's a sponge as far as getting the information and learning it." — Mike Dawson, UCF edge rushers coach

"He's a wonderful person with a great personality, always smiling. He was just so coachable. You could tell early that he had a really, really good skill set. He was determined to be the best version of himself. … He was a little undersized early, but you could see the possibility of development. The physicality of the game and just understanding, it just clicked for him. There’s nothing like experience, too. Even though he didn’t start (until 2024), he had played quite a bit before. You could tell he had a chance to be a real player." — Gus Malzahn, former UCF head coach

"The biggest thing was he worked his tail off in the weight room and got stronger. He was always this wiry, tall athlete. Early on in his career, he was hindered in the weight room with multiple shoulder surgeries. In 2024, he was able to have a true offseason. Once he got in the weight room and you added that get-off, his length and him being a twitchy guy, he's what everybody in the country looks for in a pass-rusher. … With his skill set and what he’s able to do, you just don’t find that laying around or on the street." — Addison Williams, Nebraska secondary coach and former UCF defensive coordinator

"Lawrence has ideal size, length and twitch for his position. He’s at his best rushing from a loose alignment off the edge. He explodes off the line and can rip through the outside arm of the offensive tackle before bursting toward the quarterback. He has shock in his hands to uproot and unnerve blockers. If his initial charge is stopped, he keeps reworking his hands to free himself. He can flatten at the top of his rush and finish. Lawrence isn’t as effective when he’s aligned underneath the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle. Against the run, he’s at his best on the back side, where he can fly down the line to make tackles. He can set the edge on the front side, but he’s inconsistent in shedding blocks. Overall, Lawrence is a dynamic talent with the upside to emerge as one of the better pass rushers in the draft class." — Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com

"Lawrence is a linear mover and lacks ideal bend, but he offers skill as a pass rusher, stack-shed toughness versus the run and the demeanor that will help him carve out a starting role at the next level. Despite being an older player, he still has upside." — Dane Brugler, The Athletic

"Don't be surprised if Lawrence gets his name called much earlier than expected. He's a bendy rusher who has a quick acceleration out of the starting blocks, and that speed carries through his rush plans." — Jordan Reid, ESPN

"An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside, but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks. The next level will bring better tackles and more quick-sets, which will test how well his production translates. He makes splash plays behind the line but must provide better consistency and discipline in run support. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Malachi Lawrence, DE, Dallas Cowboys, Round 1, No. 23 overall, 2026

RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos, Round 2, No. 60 overall, 2025