Cowboys linked to edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in draft buzz

This Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys could find themselves landing a new edge rusher in the first round, a lesser-known player with the potential to wreak havoc on offenses. His name is Malachi Lawrence, and over the past week, he's been linked to the Cowboys at an accelerated rate in the media. Not because they'll be wiped out, but instead because they see the juice Lawrence can bring to their pass rush.

Drafting Lawrence with the 12th pick is a bit rich, but taking him with the 20th pick or even trading back and taking him later in the round would be a great move for Dallas. The ascending UCF edge has shot up draft boards in the media, but draft scouts have had their eye on for quite a while now. Standing 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Lawrence has drawn comparisons to former second-round pick Boye Mafe based on his body type and on-field testing.

Lawrence would bring an impressive pass-rushing skill set as he's able to beat offensive linemen with multiple moves. He's also one of the most explosive rushers off the line than the rest of the class with a 1. 59 10-yard split, and paired with his ability to bend under tackles, he's a load to handle on passing downs.

His ability to defend the run is also solid thanks to his long arms, giving him a chance to disengage from blockers and make a play on the football. Pairing him with Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku would have the makings of a pass rush opponents could struggle to handle. Former defensive end Chris Long and NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had plenty to say about Lawrence on his Green Light Podcast .