Patriots draft profile: Malachi Lawrence in play in the first-round

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Malachi Lawrence #51 of the UCF Knights jumps off the line against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images As both Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel said at the NFL Combine, the edge position is one of the biggest needs for the New England Patriots. Even after signing Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year deal on the first day of free agency, that remains true.

Jones is expected to start opposite of Harold Landry, but the veteran’s ability after an injury plagued season is TBD. And after losing K’Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings in free agency, just second-year players Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson remain as options on the depth chart. That being said, the Patriots adding to the group early in the NFL Draft seems like a foregone conclusion based on the offseason so far.

And if they do, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence looks like a candidate to be brought aboard. Hard facts Name: Malachi Lawrence Position: Edge rusher School: UCF Opening day age: 23 (7/21/2003) Measurements : 6’4”, 253 lbs, 74 1/4” wingspan, 33 5/8” arm length, 9 1/4” hand size, 4. 52 40-yard dash, 1.

59 10-yard split, 40” vertical jump, 10’ 10” broad jump, 9. 90 Relative Athletic Score Experience Colleges: UCF (2022-25) Career statistics : 39 games (47 starts) | 1,336 defensive snaps, 115 special teams snaps | 72 tackles, 28. 0 TFLs, 3 FFs, 1 FR | 96 quarterback pressures (20 sacks, 10 hits, 65 hurries) | 5 PDs | 3 penalties Accolades: First-team All-Big 12 (2025) An outside linebacker and tight end — in addition to state shot put medalist — in high school, Lawrence committed to UCF and played just three games over his first two years as he redshirted.