Which first-round defensive end from UCF joined the Cowboys' 2026 camp?

Malachi Lawrence was the first-round defensive end from UCF who joined the Cowboys’ 2026 camp.

Lawrence played for UCF from 2021 through 2025 and became a productive pass rusher late in his college career. In 2025, he started all 12 games, recorded seven sacks and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors.

Dallas selected Lawrence 23rd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. UCF described him as the program’s fifth first-round pick and its highest-drafted defensive player. He finished his Knights career with 20 sacks, including 12 over his final two seasons.

A common mix-up is Lawrence’s position label: he was listed as an outside linebacker by Dallas but played defensive end and edge-rusher roles at UCF. The other options were notable 2026 defensive prospects, but none was the UCF first-rounder selected by the Cowboys.