The Indianapolis Colts are hosting UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence on an official pre-draft visit, according to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Lawrence is a top 50-rated prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board.
During the pre-draft process, each NFL team can have up to 30 draft prospects take an official visit. These visits can be with first-round prospects all the way to UDFAs.
Let’s take a closer look at what Lawrence could bring to the Colts.
Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: EDGE Malachi Lawrence
Lawrence has been a steady presence along the UCF defensive front for the last three seasons, totaling 1,306 snaps. He is listed at 6-4, 250 pounds.
Each season, Lawrence’s production has increased, going from generating 25 pressures in 2023, to 28 in 2024, to 40 this past season. He has 20 total sacks during that span as well, according to PFF.
Lawrence was named first-team All-Big 12 defender following the 2025 season.
Malachi Lawrence’s athletic profile
Malachi Lawrence’s draft profile
Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Lawrence in his pre-draft scouting report:
“An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks. The next level will bring better tackles and more quick-sets, which will test how well his production translates. He makes splash plays behind the line but must provide better consistency and discipline in run support. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses.”
Malachi Lawrence highlights
What is the Colts’ need at edge rusher?
The Colts have added to the defensive end position in free agency, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. However, ideally, both would be rotational players, just as Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis were. We still do not know what the Colts have in JT Tuimoloau either.
So for now, it would appear that the Colts still need to find that more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu, but admittedly, that may be difficult to accomplish without a first-round pick. So adding as much competition as possible for meaningful playing time may have to play a key role in elevating the play this season around Latu.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts hosting productive All-Big 12 pass rusher on pre-draft visit
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
