FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Malachi Lawrence is already embracing change.
Just days into rookie minicamp, the former UCF standout is transitioning from a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end to a more versatile, stand-up edge role — a shift that’s testing both his instincts and technique early on.
“It’s been fun learning a new defense and a new scheme,” Lawrence said Friday. “I’m moving around more, standing up, working different angles. It’s really about building my technique from the ground up.”
At UCF, Lawrence thrived with his hand on the turf, attacking in a traditional front. Now, Dallas is asking him to expand his game — rushing from a two-point stance, refining pass-rush moves like arm-overs and long-arm techniques, and adjusting to spacing and angles in space.
The learning curve is real, but Lawrence isn’t overwhelmed.
“It’s just about details,” he said. “Even at walk-through speed, you’ve got to be precise. That’s how you show coaches you’re improving.”
While offseason rules limit contact, Lawrence is focused on mastering the finer points — footwork, get-off timing, and eliminating wasted movement. One emphasis has already stood out: no false steps.
“Everything matters at this level,” Lawrence said. “Even a small step can put you behind.”
The rookie’s confidence stems from a breakout 2023 season, when he recorded 7.5 sacks in a rotational role. That production, paired with roughly 180 pass-rush snaps, gave him the belief that the NFL was within reach.
“I started to see it then,” Lawrence said. “Coaches told me I had it — I just had to believe it.”
Now, he’s leaning on that belief while soaking in coaching from a Dallas staff focused on refinement. Position coaches have emphasized discipline in the run game, an area Lawrence is determined to sharpen as he rounds out his skill set.
“I want to be known for how I play the run,” he said. “Fitting gaps, taking the right angles — that’s a big focus for me.”
Lawrence also brings elite burst off the edge, a trait he believes will unlock his pass rush at the next level. His speed forces offensive tackles to respect the edge, setting up counters built on power and leverage.
“It makes them think speed first,” he said. “Then you can hit them with something else.”
Off the field, the transition to the NFL is still settling in. Between meetings, practices and temporary housing, Lawrence admits he’s eager to establish a routine in Dallas.
“I’m ready to get settled,” he said. “That’s the next step — getting comfortable so I can focus fully on football.”
For now, the focus remains on steady growth. The Cowboys aren’t asking for perfection — just progress.
And through his first few days, Lawrence is showing he’s willing to do the work.
