Malachi Lawrence, after years of trudging through the college football arena, is getting ready to step onto the NFL gridiron. By this time next week, Lawrence will know where he fits in the grand scheme of rookies.
He will also know where he will be moving for the foreseeable future. Of course, while the end result is a mystery, some potential results are clearly more likely than others. Here’s a look at five potential landing spots that make sense for the 6’4 3/8″ rookie pass rusher prospect (NFL media).
Potential Malachi Lawrence NFL Draft Landing Spots
#5 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals knew they had a problem going into the offseason with the Trey Hendrickson situation. Now, with Hendrickson gone and Dexter Lawrence signed, the Bengals have a plan in motion. It should not stop at Lawrence, however.
The team’s defense was in a hole coming into the offseason and still needs work. As such, pairing Malachi Lawrence with Dexter Lawrence would be a huge step toward completing at least one part of the defense for 2026.
#4 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ ascendance in 2025 was nothing short of an announcement to the NFL. As such, teams have been studying Trevor Lawrence and could find a way to slow the team down.
If so, Jacksonville’s defense, which was 27th in sacks, will not be enough to carry the team back to the same level. To give a fighting chance, Malachi Lawrence could be exactly what the team needs with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 12 games in 2025.
#3 – New York Jets
The New York Jets moved on from Quinnen Williams last season and need a boost to its pass rush on a rookie deal. Aaron Glenn, who has worked with Aiden Hutchinson in recent years, can’t be expected to lead a dominant defense without quality additions, and adding
Malachi Lawrence would go a long way toward giving Glenn a fair chance. New York struggled in 2025, ranking 26th in sacks, so pass rusher should be one of the top priorities outside of quarterback.
#2 – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are on deck to lean on Chris Jones once again, but eventually, it will come back to bite the team. Adding Malachi Lawrence will put someone in place to take over for Jones if he runs out of gas as he continues to separate from the dreaded 30-year line.
Kansas City finished 25th in the league in sacks, so if there was one area of defensive improvement needed in the NFL draft, it is the pass rush.
#1 – San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers finished last in the league in sacks, so no stone should be unturned. San Francisco has every reason to change the entire defensive line, as there’s nowhere to go but up. Malachi Lawrence could be one of a few new rookies brought in to reset the pass rush and bring an element of mystery, which could help unlock the offensive lines that dominated the team in 2025.
Read More News:
Cleveland Browns Full Seven-Round Mock Draft: Breaking Down Rebuild After Todd Monken Handover
Arizona Cardinals First Round Picks: List of Projected Players To Join Mike LaFleur’s Team
Garrett Nussmeier Injury Update: All We Know About LSU QB Ahead Of 2026 NFL Draft
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
