Why UCF Edge Malachi Lawrence is a perfect match for the Buffalo Bills

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 28: UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) walks on the field during warm ups before a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the UCF Knights on September 28th, 2024 at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft figures to be heavy on defense for the Buffalo Bills. We are fast-approaching that process as we tick down under two weeks remaining.

One position near the top of the pecking order for Buffalo is edge rusher. The team is sorely in need of more speed to threaten the outside shoulder of opposing offensive tackle — which is true even after the notable addition to the edge room in veteran Bradley Chubb. Chubb is not a player at this stage in his career who’s able to consistently win with speed around the corner.

The 2026 rookie edge rusher class has a multitude of different body types and players who are able to find different ways to win. If you’re looking for specialized speed rushers, you can certainly find them at the end of the first round in this class. One name to note is defensive end Malachi Lawrence out of UCF, someone who’s been a consistent riser in media rankings and mock drafts.

He was a Shrine Bowl participant in January and his buzz only ascended with an incredible NFL Scouting Combine workout (see below). Malachi Lawrence is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 9.