UCF's Malachi Lawrence selected by Cowboys in first round of NFL draft

Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel on Apr 23, 2026

Published in Football

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ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence was selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.

The Dallas Cowboys used the No. 23 pick to select Lawrence, who becomes the first Knight selected in the first round since defensive back Mike Hughes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 30 pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

Lawrence becomes the fifth UCF player selected in the first round, joining quarterback Daunte Culpepper (1999), quarterback Blake Bortles (2014), receiver Breshad Perriman (2015) and Hughes.

He is the second UCF player selected by the Cowboys since 1987.

The Louisville native spent five seasons with the Knights, rising to become one of the best edge rushers in the Big 12 last season. Lawrence ranked fifth in the conference in sacks (7) and seventh in tackles for loss (11), finishing with 28 total tackles, three passes defended and two forced fumbles while starting all 12 games in 2025.

His performance earned him first-team, All-Big 12 honors and honorable mention as the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.

It was his showing in the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February that helped Lawrence quickly climb the draft boards. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times for a defensive end.

UCF defensive edges coach Mike Dawson believes Lawrence will make a smooth transition into the NFL.

“The edges in the NFL, whether you’re three-down or four-down (defense), there are going to be a lot of similarities, a lot of carryover,” Dawson said. “We didn’t drop him (back) a ton last year, but enough where he knows how to do that. If he ends up in a 3-4 system, he’ll understand coverages and how they work. That’s his biggest value.

“Guys are going to be excited to have him in the room. A great guy, personality-wise, who wants to learn, wants to know about football. He’s a sponge. As far as getting the information and learning, those guys are going to be excited to have him.”

Current Knights, such as fellow edge rusher Isaiah Nixon, are excited for Lawrence and can’t wait to write their own chapter in the NFL.

“I’m highly motivated, just seeing those guys in the draft,” Nixon said. “I want to be there. I’m really proud of Malachi.”

Lawrence becomes the 53rd UCF player selected in the NFL draft since 1987.