Former UCF standouts Malachi Lawrence, Nyjalik Kelly ready for NFL draft
Malachi Lawrence took a moment to watch UCF’s football team take part in a spring practice recently. It wasn’t long before the former Knights defensive end was greeted by coaches and players, offering a handshake or a hug. Lawrence spent four seasons at UCF, a rarity in today’s transfer portal era, after signing with the Knights in their 2022 recruiting class.
He went from being on the ...
Malachi Lawrence took a moment to watch UCF ’s football team take part in a spring practice recently. It wasn’t long before the former Knights defensive end was greeted by coaches and players, offering a handshake or a hug. Lawrence spent four seasons at UCF, a rarity in today’s transfer portal era, after signing with the Knights in their 2022 recruiting class.
He went from being on the sidelines as a freshman to becoming one of the top edge rushers in the Big 12 last season. The 23-year-old could fulfill a lifelong dream if selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday. “Honestly, just seeing all the work that I put in and just seeing it actually come to life, it’s definitely been a blessing,” said Lawrence.
His draft stock climbed after a standout performance in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February, where he ran a 4. 52-second 40-yard dash, which was one of the fastest times for a defensive end. Since then, mock drafts have had Lawrence projected anywhere from a mid-first-round selection to the second round.