Colts Predicted to Bolster Pass Rush With UCF EDGE Rusher in ESPN Mock Draft

Indianapolis looks to replace departed free agents Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam with a physical edge setter in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the raw power and athleticism of an EDGE rusher.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and physicality of an EDGE rusher disrupting the pocket.Indianapolis Today

In an updated ESPN mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to select UCF EDGE rusher Malachi Lawrence with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Colts lost pass rushers Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam in free agency, leaving a need to be addressed on the defensive line. Lawrence, a Big 12 First-Team selection, is described as a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed.

Why it matters

The Colts' pass rush was a strength of their defense in recent seasons, but the departures of Paye and Ebukam have created a void that needs to be filled. Selecting Lawrence would give the team a young, talented edge rusher to pair with Laiatu Latu and help bolster the team's defensive front.

The details

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid projects the Colts will select Lawrence with the 47th overall pick, after trading away their first-round selection to acquire All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets. Lawrence, who has spent his entire college career at UCF, has logged 20 sacks and 72 tackles (28 for loss) during his time with the Knights. Pro Football Focus gave him an 89.5 pass rush grade, ranking him 33rd in the country.

  • The Colts will make their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft on Day 2, after trading away their first-round pick.
  • Lawrence has spent his entire collegiate career at UCF.

The players

Malachi Lawrence

A pass rusher from the University of Central Florida who is projected to be selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kwity Paye

A former defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts who departed the team in free agency.

Samson Ebukam

A former defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts who departed the team in free agency.

Arden Key

A defensive end signed by the Indianapolis Colts in free agency to help replace the departed Paye and Ebukam.

Michael Clemons

A defensive end signed by the Indianapolis Colts in free agency to help replace the departed Paye and Ebukam.

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What they’re saying

“Edge rusher is one of the Colts' top needs. And despite not picking in Round 1, they can check a box here. Lawrence is a long and physical edge setter with excellent bend and closing speed.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN Draft Analyst

“An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player… He can win inside or outside, but his speed-to-power conversion is average. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst

“I'm excited for the guys we just signed… I'm looking forward to those guys stepping in. Building that chemistry with those guys and [defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's] defense.”

— Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

What’s next

The Colts will have to wait until Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft to make their first selection, as they traded away their first-round pick to acquire Sauce Gardner from the Jets. If Malachi Lawrence is still available when the Colts are on the clock, he could be an ideal target to help bolster their pass rush.

The takeaway

The Colts' defensive line underwent significant changes this offseason, with the departures of Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam in free agency. Selecting a talented EDGE rusher like Malachi Lawrence in the 2026 draft would give the team a young, physical presence to pair with Laiatu Latu and help replace the production lost from their former pass rushers.