UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence has increasingly been projected to be selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 31 overall pick in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.Defensive ends T.J. Parker (Clemson), Zion Young (Missouri), Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), and wide receiver Denzel Boston (Washington) are the prospects that have most frequently been projected to land with the Patriots at No. 31 overall for months on end.However, Lawrence has found his way into the first round in pre-draft projections at the end of the cycle as a potential Day 1 draft pick. The Patriots have a pressing need for another defensive end this offseason.Lawrence recorded seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season at UCF.
He also forced two fumbles and recorded three passes defended on the year. His production from last season rivals that of the other top edge rushers expected to go at the end of the first round.The Patriots have an abundance of edge rushers to consider at No. 31 overall, with Gabe Jacas (Illinois) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) also having the potential to be available when New England goes on the board for the first time in the draft. Lawrence’s name is now in the mix as well.Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Promising edge rusher on the rise in Patriots first-round projections