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Former UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence Records First NFL Sack
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- Former UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence Records First NFL Sack
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
Through the opening four weeks, former standout UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence was getting to the quarterback at a high rate, but was yet to record his first NFL sack.
This changed on Sunday, with Lawrence taking down Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Jalon Daniels in the backfield and finally getting his elusive takedown.
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Lawrence has been among the top of his class in overall pass rushing grade and win rate, as the Cowboys have put him in positions to succeed.
Sunday's loss against the Bucs was easily Lawrence's best game, as he also added a pass defensed and two tackles, deflecting a pass from Daniels later in the game.
Throughout his UCF career, Lawrence displayed the ability to generate pressure through various different pass rush moves, using his quick burst to attack from the outside and a swim move to get back to the interior.
This has been no different in the NFL, with Lawrence using his versatile bag of moves to penetrate the line of scrimmage and make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
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For a Dallas Cowboys defense looking to provide their explosive offense with significant improvements from last season's struggles, Lawrence and fellow first rounder Caleb Downs have fit the mold thus far.
Lawrence's development during his four years with UCF was a big reason why the Cowboys opted to select the draft riser.
Stephen Jones, Cowboys co-owner, executive vice president, CEO, and director of player personnel, praised Lawrence for staying in Orlando for all four years.
"The character was just outstanding. I really look up to these men who stay with the schools who gave them their first opportunity," Jones said. "He had opportunities probably to take more money and go to a bigger school, but he felt like UCF had given him the opportunity and he wanted to give back."
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After being drafted, Lawrence had nothing but praise for his time at UCF.
"It's a standard now to be set I'd say," Lawrence said. "You can go to UCF and be a first round pick."
With current Knights defensive linemen like Horace Lockett and Sincere Edwards getting off to strong starts, UCF could continue to produce NFL-level talent in the trenches.
Lawrence has the opportunity to continue his pass-rushing success this upcoming week against a Green Bay Packers offensive line unit that has really struggled early on this season.
Expect the Cowboys to go after starting quarterback Jordan Love early and often to make him uncomfortable and pressured.
