Who is Malachi Lawrence? Introducing the second first-round pick for the Cowboys
With the No. 23 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence, adding him with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as the team’s two first-round picks.
At 6-foot-4.5, 253 pounds, Lawrence brings a healthy combination of a pass rush arsenal and edge-setting in the run game. In his four years at UCF, he combined for 72 tackles and 20 sacks. He reunites with new Cowboys assistant line coach Demeitre Brim, who came from UCF over the offseason.
The Cowboys were initially on the board with the No. 20 pick, but they traded back from the selection to No. 23 with the Philadelphia Eagles and picked up two fourth-round picks along the way (No. 114 and No. 137). With a few pass rushers coming off the board, Dallas elected to stick at No. 23 and make the selection.
During the draft process, Lawrence was a player new defensive coordinator Christian Parker became infatuated with, and he ends up getting his guy.
Lawrence will depart his draft party and head straight to Dallas on Thursday night to be introduced as the newest Dallas Cowboy alongside Downs on Friday afternoon in a press conference.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:22 PM.
