In 2025, the San Francisco 49ers used their first-round pick on Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, but a slow start and a torn ACL kept him from making much of a positive impact as a rookie.
With Williams and Nick Bosa both returning from season-ending injuries, San Francisco could probably use more help on the edge, so it should be no surprise that they’re scouting the group of prospects in the 2026 NFL draft.
According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers are hosting Malachi Lawrence, who is considered a top-50 prospect at any position this year, at some point this week for a pre-draft visit.
Lawrence was a three-star recruit out of duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, before committing to the University of Central Florida, where he earned All-Big 12 honors once in his collegiate career.
In 39 games over four seasons, Lawrence recorded 72 tackles, 20 sacks, five passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
At this point in the process, Lawrence is projected to go in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL draft. San Francisco may not be willing to use another first-round pick on an edge rusher this soon, but with their next pick coming at No. 58 overall, they may need to trade up in the second round to grab him.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers hosting 20-sack EDGE prospect ahead of 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
