ORLANDO, Fla. — Former UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence quietly put together another great season for the Knights, capping off a 20-sack college career.
What You Need To Know
Malachi Lawrence spent four years at UCF racking up 20 sacks in his career
Lawrence had an impressive day at the NFL Combine, running a 4.52 40-yard dash
He is now projected to be a first-round draft pick in some mock drafts
“Here at UCF, it was just a great time. Just like going through the grind. Coming from not starting, having captains above you, just learning from them, just actually going through the ground and enjoying it,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence was invited to the NFL combine in late February. He put on a show in Indianapolis.
“This is not a guy that many people were talking about,” NFL Network Draft Analyst Charles Davis said during the NFL Combine. “I got a text from a player personnel guy in the league who said, hey, I liked him early. I had a third-round grade on him. That number may go up for this young man.”
Lawrence ran a 4.52 40-yard dash that was the second-fastest among all defensive linemen. Pair that with a 40-inch vertical jump and an over 10-foot broad jump, Lawrence now finds himself in the first round of many mock drafts.
“It was a blessing, honestly. Just seeing all the work that I put in, just seeing it come to life. Showing that improvement to the team. Like, I’m definitely one of those top edges. Family friends just texted me telling me how proud of they how proud they were,” Lawrence said.
At UCF’s pro day a month ago, Lawrence didn’t work out. He said he talked with a few teams at the combine and had 12 upcoming visits.
“They’re going to receive a dog, like a great player. Somebody that’s going to come in and work from day one. Great motor and just bringing that pass-rush ability to your team,” Lawrence said.
It’s not a matter of if but rather when Lawrence hears his name called, and it could be as early as Thursday night.