Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence EDGE

 
The NYTimes said we took Lawrence "2-3 rounds early"

:lol

ok.
That tells you they have no idea what they were talking about. At worst, he would have been at the end of the round or into the early second. At no time has he ever been considered a third or fourth round guy in this draft.
 
That tells you they have no idea what they were talking about. At worst, he would have been at the end of the round or into the early second. At no time has he ever been considered a third or fourth round guy in this draft.

You would think NYTimes would be the same as the Athletic? And Brugler is their draft guru. Clearly Brugler had him way higher than third/fourth. Anyway, this is a non sports person trying to write about sports would be my guess. Someone that just has no idea what they are talking about.
 
If Lawrence works out I think he's Byron Young who I think we liked few years ago, blew up the Combine, went early 3rd and is now one of the better edge rushers in the league. He's not going to start as a rookie because he's a bit raw around the edges, particularly against the run, but his juice off the edge should play immediately if you save him mostly for passing situations.

Gary and Ezeiruaku were locked in starters to begin with, but Lawrence should be valuable right away as a DPR who then hopefully grows into the starting role opposite Ezeiruaku by year 2 or 3.

I think you have to feel really good about our edge rush group at this point: Gary is a rock steady vet starter, Ezeiruaku is ascending and should give you about 6-8 sacks next year, Lawrence brings explosiveness off the edge, and our 4th guy (Houston) is easily capable of giving you 4-5 sacks. And who knows, maybe dumbass Williams can turn himself into something useful?
 
If Lawrence works out I think he's Byron Young who I think we liked few years ago, blew up the Combine, went early 3rd and is now one of the better edge rushers in the league. He's not going to start as a rookie because he's a bit raw around the edges, particularly against the run, but his juice off the edge should play immediately if you save him mostly for passing situations.

Gary and Ezeiruaku were locked in starters to begin with, but Lawrence should be valuable right away as a DPR who then hopefully grows into the starting role opposite Ezeiruaku by year 2 or 3.

I think you have to feel really good about our edge rush group at this point: Gary is a rock steady vet starter, Ezeiruaku is ascending and should give you about 6-8 sacks next year, Lawrence brings explosiveness off the edge, and our 4th guy (Houston) is easily capable of giving you 4-5 sacks. And who knows, maybe dumbass Williams can turn himself into something useful?

I'd say I feel ok about our pass rusher group. Adding Gary and Lawrence took it from train wreck like last year to probably "fine."

Lawrence has a lot of upside and could really hit, or, he could be a Demarcus Lawrence level player too. Different style player, but, like an 8 sack guy.

I mean, no team is ever really out of the pass rusher game, look at the Giants, but, I don't think this changes that Dallas's biggest need on defense is ace, Parsons/Ware-level pass rusher.

Do you have Gary at OLB, and if so, then who is the other down lineman?

I was thinking

Gary
Clark
Q Williams

EZ
Overshown
________ (Brooks)
Lawrence

And you have Houston, Sam Williams, etc, as backup LBs.

If Gary is an LB not sure who the next DE is. We are thin there, which is why I wouldn't have despised Faulk like some would have.
 
What company does this put him in, I wonder. Comps based on this athletic profile (hits and misses) would be nice.

Josh Sweat is actually athletically pretty damn similar. But so is Demarcus Ware. I'm not sure of busts though.
 
If Gary is an LB not sure who the next DE is. We are thin there, which is why I wouldn't have despised Faulk like some would have.

We signed two free agents that potentially would fill that role as well. While not impressive Jonathan Bullard is 290 pounds and has most recently started all 17 games in 2024 for the Vikes. 2025 he had 6 starts for the Saints.

Otito is the other guy who started 17 games for the Chargers in 2024. And played a reserve role last year.
 
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