Saints held pre-draft visit with ascending edge rusher

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

Another potential first-rounder found his way to New Orleans for a pre-draft visit after gaining some all-star game exposure with the Saints.

Per KPRC’s Aaron Wilson, the Saints hosted UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence for a visit ahead of the NFL Draft.

Lawrence also spent time working with Saints defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph during the Shrine Bowl. For which Joseph was the defensive coordinator for Lawrence’s West Team.

Lawrence has been on the rise this draft process following a stellar NFL Scouting Combine performance. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, the Louisville, Ky. native ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and registered a 40-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-10 broad jump.

The only EDGE prospects since 2015 with an RAS > 9.89 and a sack rate > 4.0% in at least one college season..

🔘 Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
🔘 TJ Watt, Wisconsin
🔘 Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
🔘 Malachi Lawrence, UCF pic.twitter.com/vMlzTwA0Ec

— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) February 27, 2026

Before his Combine workout, the athletic edge rusher was often mocked to the Saints in the second round. He’s now looking like a potential first-rounder as the selection process closes in.

But should he take a surprising fall into the second and the Saints do not address the edge early, he could be a viable trade-up target for the Saints to pursue. Alternatively, should this be the year the Saints finally trade back for the first time since 2007, and do so in the opening round, he could be a great addition after moving back.

Malachi Lawrence is my pick for deepest pass rush bag in the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/KRai5xqRNj

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 25, 2026

Lawrence totaled 28 tackles last year, including 11 for a loss. He also added seven sacks, three passes defended and a pair of fumbles forced.

His speed rush ability and effectiveness against the run make him an obvious fit for the Saints’ defense. While his high-character reputation and impressive motor solidify his likelihood to find success in the team’s culture.