UCF Edge Rusher Malachi Lawrence Visits Texans

Standout pass rusher showcases impressive athleticism ahead of NFL Draft

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:20am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player's pass rushing motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a talented pass rusher's explosive movements, hinting at the Texans' interest in adding such dynamic defensive talent.Houston Today

Central Florida standout pass rusher Malachi Lawrence visited the Houston Texans this week, according to reports. Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 253-pound edge defender, impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical leap, and 10-10 broad jump, showcasing his outstanding athleticism and pass-rushing potential.

Why it matters

The Texans are in the midst of a roster rebuild and are looking to add impact players on defense, particularly in the front seven. Lawrence's visit indicates the team's interest in bolstering their pass rush through the upcoming NFL Draft.

The details

During his college career at UCF, Lawrence recorded 20 sacks, 72 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He is known for his extensive pass-rushing repertoire and ability to make splash plays in the backfield.

  • Malachi Lawrence visited the Texans this week.

The players

Malachi Lawrence

A 6-foot-4, 253-pound edge rusher from the University of Central Florida who impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with his athleticism and pass-rushing skills.

Houston Texans

The NFL team based in Houston, Texas that is currently in the midst of a roster rebuild and looking to add impact players on defense through the upcoming NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, Lawrence ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at the NFL scouting combine and had a 40-inch vertical leap and a 10-10 broad jump. He has outstanding athleticism and length and delivered a lot of splash plays. He has an extensive pass rushing repertoire of moves.”

— Aaron Wilson, Award-winning Texans and NFL reporter

What’s next

The Texans will continue to evaluate Malachi Lawrence and other top prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, where they hold the 2nd overall pick.

The takeaway

Malachi Lawrence's impressive athleticism and pass-rushing ability make him an intriguing prospect for the Texans as they look to bolster their defense through the draft. His visit indicates the team's interest in adding a talented edge rusher to their roster.