Colts Hosting UCF edge Malachi Lawrence on a Pre-Draft Visit
Indy’s looking to strengthen its defensive end room via the draft.
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 29: UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) rushes the passer during the game between the New Hampshire Wildcats and the UCF Knights on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Indianapolis Colts are hosting rising pass-rush prospect UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence on a visit this week, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo . Malachi Lawrence (6’4”, 253 lbs) is one of the draft’s biggest risers this year.
He had 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles during his senior season, and burst onto the scene after a fantastic NFL Combine week. Lawrence ranked second among all Combine participants at his position with an athletic score of 88, per the NFL’s system, running a 4. 52-second 40-yard dash (1.
59 sec 10-yard split) and jumping 40” in the vertical jump and 10’ 10” in the broad jump. The Colts have lacked a viable pass rush in recent years, with notable shortcomings coming from the defensive end room. With Indy’s offseason focus surrounding additions to the defensive front seven, particularly at linebacker and defensive end, it checks out that they’re interested in the 41st-best prospect (and 8th-best DE) per the Consensus Big Board .
There have been successful one-off campaigns, such as Yannick Ngakoue ’s 9. 5 sacks in 2022 or Samson Ebukam ’s 9. 5 sacks in 2023.