After the loss of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have been searching for the right guy to replace him.
So far, they signed Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in free agency, but they are not starting-caliber players off the edge. For the time being, the Eagles will have to start Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, but another option could be available in the NFL Draft that the team has interest in.
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reported that one of the many pre-draft visits that UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence had was with the Eagles. Lawrence was an All-Big 12 team selection after producing 20 career sacks in four seasons, including seven last year with the Knights.
Eagles had a reported pre-draft visit with Malachi Lawrence
Lawrence has been a name Eagles fans have been monitoring all offseason, and they love what they have seen from him. He ran an incredibly fast 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical at the NFL Combine.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves his fast and athletic edge rushers who can do more than rush the passer. Lawrence will have to develop his coverage skills, but the Eagles could use him the same way they use Hunt on defense.
The interesting dilemma about Lawrence is when teams should pick him in the 2026 NFL Draft. He has been projected to be between a late first-round pick and a second-round selection, depending on how much a team likes him.
Philly has so many other positions they have to address, like offensive tackle and wide receiver, that might cause them to hold off on selecting an edge rusher. Many believe this draft will focus on selecting young offensive players who could eventually be successors to the Eagles' veterans.
Read more: Eagles face complicated problem as they have massive draft decision coming
Lawrence has all the traits to be a great edge rusher, but the Eagles need to decide whether he is worth a first-round pick or taking a risk that he will dip into the second round.
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