‘That’s the main part of defense’ – Malachi Lawrence is already making Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer proud with tone-setting message
The Dallas Cowboys got an edge rusher that loves to go after the ball in Malachi Lawrence, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer is ecstatic about it.
Though Caleb Downs is stealing the spotlight of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft class, fellow first-round pick and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence is looking to help the team fix what head coach Brian Schottenheimer considers one of the biggest flaws on his team.
Lack of turnovers. And Lawrence is already making coach Schottenheimer proud with his post-draft message.
Lawrence wants to steal the football from quarterbacks
After the Cowboys picked Lawrence, Schottenheimer praised his ability to attack the football while rushing the passer.
“The one thing I love about the guy is that he’s got an innate ability to attack the football while he’s attacking the quarterback,” Schottenheimer told reporters.
Lawrence echoed that sentiment on Friday by detailing his mindset when going after passers, which was instilled in him in college.
“We were taught early at UCF, just keying the ball, getting the ball back to our offense,” Lawrence explained. “That’s the main part of defense, really.”
You just know Schottenheimer, who admitted earlier in the year the Cowboys’ turnover differential was one of the team’s biggest problems, loves to hear that. And even better, Lawrence’s technique embodies that mentality.
“If we can [get the offense the ball] quicker than four plays, then that’s great,” Lawrence added. “So, our coaches emphasized run, run, reach. That’s what we would call it.”
That’s the kind of attitude the Cowboys need under new DC Christian Parker. Good things happen when Dak Prescott and Co. have the football. Get them it.
In two years starting for UCF, Lawrence recorded three forced fumbles and 12 sacks over 23 games. He also registered 17 tackles for loss and four pass deflections in that span.
Cowboys get a pass rush specialist in Lawrence
Lawrence is known for more than just going after the ball though. He’s described by many as a pass rusher with an ample repertoire of moves and counters in the trenches. He credits that to older players in UCF that he learned from.
“When I got to college I didn’t really have any pass rush abilities or skills that I knew about yet,” Lawrence admitted. “Just looking up at the older guys, Tre’Mon Morris-Bash, I just learned it from him. He was very flexible and he would go do different moves. And so I just watched him in practice and then recreating them.”
Lawrence is far from a finished product. But his length and explosiveness makes him a player who will likely find his way to the playing field pretty soon. Cowboys pass rush specialist consultant Brandon Jordan will play a crucial role in his development, hopefully maximizing his upside at almost 23 years old.
