With the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected pass rusher Malachi Lawrence out of UCF. The team traded down three spots, ironically with the Philadelphia Eagles, and wound up with one of the highest risers late in the pre-draft process
The Cowboys needed another edge rusher, and they got one in Lawrence. Just one season removed from having a defensive end named Lawrence (DeMarcus), the team adds another one to help rebuild the defense. Here are five fun facts about the newest Cowboys’ pass rusher.
Lawrence grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and went to duPont Manual High School. He played linebacker and tight end before moving to defensive end in college.
He’s obviously an outstanding football player, but he also shined in track and field during high school. Lawrence was a shot put medalist for the state of Kentucky during his junior year.
While there was interest in Lawrence out of high school, he wasn’t a big-time recruit. The newest Cowboy was a three-star prospect who chose UCF over Tennessee, Boston College and Washington St. Lawrence was only ranked as the 13th best player in the state of Kentucky and the No. 112 defensive end in the nation in 2021.
Lawrence was a First-Team All-Big 12 performer during his senior season. He had a career high 28 tackles, seven sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in 2025.
Although he was an ascending player, his college production might not have suggested a first-round prospect. Lawrence’s career high in sacks was 7.5, which came during the 2023 season, but he did finish 10th on the all-time sack list for UCF.
Caleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama2 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama3 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama4 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.5 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.6 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.7 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.8 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.9 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images10 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.11 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.12 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.13 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.14 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.15 / 26Newest Cowboys safety Caleb Downs' rookie deal has $17.8M first checkOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.16 / 26Caleb Downs already changing Cowboys' thought process: 'This guy is different'Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.17 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images18 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images19 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.20 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.21 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.22 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.23 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images24 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images25 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images26 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesYou can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenTalksCowboys and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 5 fun facts about Malachi Lawrence