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How did the first wave of NFL free agency impact who the Indianapolis Colts might select in the 2026 NFL draft?
It's been a fairly active start to free agency for the Colts. GM Chris Ballard has re-signed several of the team's own free agents and also made a handful of outside additions.
But with that said, there is still work to be done as well. At a number of position groups, there is a lack of depth.
So, in a post-free agency mock draft from Sports Illustrated, who did the Colts select at pick No. 47?
Lawrence has been a steady presence along the UCF defensive front for the last three seasons, totaling 1,306 snaps. He is listed at 6-4, 250 pounds.
Each season, Lawrence's production has increased, going from generating 25 pressures in 2023, to 28 in 2024, to 40 this past season. He has 20 total sacks during that span as well, according to PFF.
Out of all defensive ends this past season, Lawrence ranked 31st in pass rush win rate, and he was tied for 24th in pass rush productivity.
Lawrence was also a top performer among defensive ends at the NFL combine in a few different events.
"UCF's Malachi Lawrence was an athletic standout at the NFL Combine, something Chris Ballard pays attention to," wrote Justin Melo. "Lawrence posted 97th-percentile results through a 40 inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump. His 4.52 40 was also second-best at EDGE."
The Colts have added to the defensive end position in free agency, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. However, while those additions boost the rotation, the Colts still need a more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts pick Malachi Lawrence in post-free agency mock
Continue reading...
It's been a fairly active start to free agency for the Colts. GM Chris Ballard has re-signed several of the team's own free agents and also made a handful of outside additions.
But with that said, there is still work to be done as well. At a number of position groups, there is a lack of depth.
So, in a post-free agency mock draft from Sports Illustrated, who did the Colts select at pick No. 47?
Colts pick EDGE Malachi Lawrence in post-free agency 2026 NFL mock draft
Lawrence has been a steady presence along the UCF defensive front for the last three seasons, totaling 1,306 snaps. He is listed at 6-4, 250 pounds.
Each season, Lawrence's production has increased, going from generating 25 pressures in 2023, to 28 in 2024, to 40 this past season. He has 20 total sacks during that span as well, according to PFF.
Out of all defensive ends this past season, Lawrence ranked 31st in pass rush win rate, and he was tied for 24th in pass rush productivity.
Lawrence was also a top performer among defensive ends at the NFL combine in a few different events.
"UCF's Malachi Lawrence was an athletic standout at the NFL Combine, something Chris Ballard pays attention to," wrote Justin Melo. "Lawrence posted 97th-percentile results through a 40 inch vertical and 10-foot-10 broad jump. His 4.52 40 was also second-best at EDGE."
The Colts have added to the defensive end position in free agency, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. However, while those additions boost the rotation, the Colts still need a more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts pick Malachi Lawrence in post-free agency mock
Continue reading...
