Is Malachi Lawrence Detroit Lions Defensive End of Future?

The Detroit Lions are expected to target a defensive end early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN analyst Matt Miller shared with reporters in a recent videoconference why he had the Lions targeting University of Central Florida defensive end Malachi Lawrence with Pick No. 50.

The 6-foot-4, 253-pound defender has been gaining increased draft buzz. Many pundits believe his draft stock has been rising steadily throughout the pre-draft process.

“When I look at Malachi Lawrence, I think he’s one of the hottest names as we get here to the stretch run. The more I talk to scouts, say, ‘Hey, this is a guy you got to get up higher on, get up higher on.’ I think the 40 time of the combine helped," said Miller. "It showed that explosiveness, a 4.52 in the 40, and he had a 40-inch vert. So, the athleticism score is off the charts good.

"And then you go look at the production, and there were spurts of really good production from him. Having someone with his speed opposite Aidan, who’s such a well-rounded player, he is almost like a nine technique, a Josh Sweat type," Miller added. "Stand him up, let him go get the quarterback with that tempo and that just amazing speed that he has."