FRISCO — The Cowboys used their second first-round pick of Thursday’s NFL draft on defensive end Malachi Lawrence from UCF.
In four playing seasons, he was a redshirt his freshman year, Lawrence had 20 sacks and 28 tackles for loss.
“It was strong emotions,” Lawrence said of being drafted by the Cowboys. “Got a little emotional than I usually do, I would say. It’s a dream. I’ve been playing football since I was 5. It’s a dream. It’s just a blessing. It’s crazy.”
Last season, Lawrence was a first-team All-Big 12 selection after having seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Lawrence fits the size (6-4, 253 pounds) new defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants along the defensive line.
Lawrence, 22, was selected after the Cowboys traded down with the Eagles. Lawrence has familiarity with North Texas, as he played in the East-West Shrine Bowl at The Star in Frisco in January. Lawrence also has a good relationship with Cowboys assistant defensive line coach Demeitre Brim, who was a defensive analyst at UCF last season.
“He was asking me how it was and how I’m doing during this draft process, just checking in on me,” Lawrence said of his talks with Brim. “He kinda like told me the guys there, the staff there liked me and just keep doing what I’m doing.”
Dallas moved from No. 20 to No. 23 in the deal with the Eagles, who selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
The Cowboys also gained two fourth-round picks from the Eagles and gave up a 2027 seventh-rounder.
Dallas made two draft day trades Thursday night. The first trade, the Cowboys moved from No. 12 to No. 11 in a swap with Miami to select safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State.