Colts are scheduled to meet with a prospect who would be a dream selection for the team’s second-round pick to fill a major need

The Indianapolis Colts are scheduled to host a prospect who is a perfect fit to fill a position of need on their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The question is, will he make it to them at pick 47?

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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UCF DL Malachi Lawrence at the NFL Scouting Combine
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts have multiple clear needs on their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The most glaring need seems to be another starting-caliber edge rusher opposite Laiatu Latu. The team made a run at Trey Hendrickson in free agency but swung and missed. So now it seems like a near lock that we see the Colts use an early pick in the upcoming draft on the position.

They reportedly plan to meet with one of the top players at the position in the class. A player who would be a fantastic fit to fill their pass-rush need.

UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence attempts to bat down a pass
Nov 29, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws over the reach of UCF Knights defensive end Malachi Lawrence (51) during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Colts set to host UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence for a Top-30 visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

Mike Garafolo reports that the Colts are scheduled to meet with UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence for a pre-draft visit. Lawrence has seen his draft stock skyrocket since his stellar performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Lawrence recorded 20 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in 39 career games. 19.5 of his sacks came over the past three years. He recorded at least seven sacks in 2023 and 2025. Many believe he will be a breakout star at the NFL level.

Is Malachi Lawrence a fit for the Colts?

The Colts are in major need of a speed rusher who can win reps quickly off the snap and cut down on the time quarterbacks have to find an open man. Lawrence fits that bill for sure, but he isn’t a perfect prospect, or he wouldn’t have a chance to be a second-round player.

Lawrence’s run defense isn’t reliable at this point of his career. And until he improves in that regard, he won’t be a three-down contributor. Though his great size and length give hope that, with the right coaching, he can fix it. He has the potential to become a star pass rusher, and if he is still on the board at pick 47, the Colts will likely consider him one of their top options for the selection.

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