49ers hosting pre-draft visit with UCF edge Malachi Lawrence

In addition to his 4.52-second 40-time at the NFL Scouting Combine, Lawrence recorded a 40-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-10 broad jump, and a 1.59-second 10-yard split. He measured 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, giving him the prototypical frame NFL teams covet in an edge rusher.

Lawrence spent five seasons at UCF—redshirting in 2021. Over his four active collegiate seasons, he recorded 72 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, and five passes defensed, along with three forced fumbles, according to Sports Reference.

In 2025, Lawrence recorded 28 tackles, seven sacks, and 11 tackles for loss, along with three passes defensed and two forced fumbles, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors.

San Francisco finished last season with an NFL-low 20 sacks, making the pass rush a top priority heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The 49ers hold six selections, including one in each of the first two rounds and four fourth-round picks.

Garafolo's colleague, draft analyst Lance Zierlein, wrote the following about Lawrence:

"An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks. The next level will bring better tackles and more quick-sets, which will test how well his production translates. He makes splash plays behind the line but must provide better consistency and discipline in run support. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses."