Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Malachi Lawrence has been turning heads at organized team activities and has received nothing but strong words from teammates.

Lawrence, a defensive end from Central Florida, was the 23rd overall pick in April’s draft.

Lawrence signed a four-year, $20.22 million rookie deal with the Cowboys on Friday. All seven of the team’s 2026 draftees have now signed their rookie contracts.

“Lawrence has great technique,” Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. “He’s strong at the point of attack. It’s early right now, so I don’t want to give too much, but he’s locked in. He’s invested into what we got going on. He’s explosive. We’ve seen that at the workouts and the last couple of days here, so excited to see how he keeps progressing.”

Edge rusher Rashan Gary, whom the Cowboys acquired in a trade this offseason, also praised Lawrence.

He “locks in day in and day out. He takes notes like he doesn’t know anything about football,” Gary said. “Day three [of OTAs] he had his big practice of just putting things together as a pass rusher and his hands and just being consistent. He comes in with [his] hat down with a willing-to-work mentality, and that’s all you can ask from a young guy.”

Lawrence was not available for an interview. He will continue to have the opportunity to prove himself under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s defense as the Cowboys continue OTAs this week.

This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 9:38 AM.

Cal Phillips

Fort Worth Star-Telegram