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We are diving into some IDP fantasy football content this offseason as we look to bring in all sorts of football fans to Bucs Wire. While offensive rookies dominate most fantasy discussions, savvy managers know defensive rookies can provide value as well, especially when they land in situations that create pass-rushing opportunities.
Next up is Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence.
Lawrence spent his entire college career at UCF, where he developed from a rotational player into one of the more productive edge defenders in the Big 12. His pressure production steadily improved throughout his career, culminating in a 40-pressure season in 2025 while serving as one of the leaders of the Knights' defense.
LOLB
ROLB
Lawrence enters the league with a skill set that should translate well to Dallas' defensive scheme. He possesses the athletic profile teams look for in modern edge defenders, showing the ability to play from a two-point stance as an outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt attacking the edge. His acceleration around the corner and closing speed were among the most impressive traits on his college film.
The production backs up the athleticism. Lawrence finished his UCF career with 20 sacks and 96 pressures while improving his pressure generation every season. His best year came in 2025 when he posted 40 pressures and earned an 89.5 pass-rush grade from PFF. He consistently found ways to affect quarterbacks even when the box score did not fully reflect his impact.
Dallas may not ask Lawrence to be an every-down player right away, but the path to meaningful snaps exists. Rashan Gary currently holds the starting role at left outside linebacker, yet the Cowboys have traditionally rotated edge defenders throughout games. Lawrence's ability to win with speed, hand usage, and counters should allow him to carve out a situational role early while developing into a larger piece of the defense over time.
Lawrence projects as a developmental DL4 or edge depth option in most redraft IDP formats. His immediate tackle floor is lower than that of some linebackers and defensive tackles in this rookie class, which limits his weekly consistency.
However, managers in big-play scoring systems should keep a close eye on him. His athletic profile, pass-rush upside, and rotational opportunity give him a chance to outperform expectations if injuries strike or if Dallas expands his role as the season progresses. He is unlikely to be an every-week starter in 2026, but he is exactly the type of rookie pass rusher worth stashing in deeper IDP leagues.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Malachi Lawrence fantasy outlook for 2026: IDP rookie profile
Continue reading...
Next up is Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence.
Lawrence spent his entire college career at UCF, where he developed from a rotational player into one of the more productive edge defenders in the Big 12. His pressure production steadily improved throughout his career, culminating in a 40-pressure season in 2025 while serving as one of the leaders of the Knights' defense.
Depth Chart Situation
LOLB
- Rashan Gary
- Malachi Lawrence
- Marist Liufau
- Isaiah Land
ROLB
- Donovan Ezeiruaku
- James Houston
- Sam Williams
- Tyrus Wheat
IDP Talent Around Him
- Rashan Gary, EDGE
- Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE
- Quinnen Williams, DT
- Kenny Clark, NT
- DeMarvion Overshown, LB
- Caleb Downs, DB
2026 Stat Projections
- 24 Total Tackles
- 5 Tackles For Loss
- 3.5 Sacks
- 1 Forced Fumble
- 2 Pass Deflections
- 67 Fantasy Points
Reason to Believe in Malachi Lawrence in 2026: Dallas values pass-rush depth
Lawrence enters the league with a skill set that should translate well to Dallas' defensive scheme. He possesses the athletic profile teams look for in modern edge defenders, showing the ability to play from a two-point stance as an outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt attacking the edge. His acceleration around the corner and closing speed were among the most impressive traits on his college film.
The production backs up the athleticism. Lawrence finished his UCF career with 20 sacks and 96 pressures while improving his pressure generation every season. His best year came in 2025 when he posted 40 pressures and earned an 89.5 pass-rush grade from PFF. He consistently found ways to affect quarterbacks even when the box score did not fully reflect his impact.
Dallas may not ask Lawrence to be an every-down player right away, but the path to meaningful snaps exists. Rashan Gary currently holds the starting role at left outside linebacker, yet the Cowboys have traditionally rotated edge defenders throughout games. Lawrence's ability to win with speed, hand usage, and counters should allow him to carve out a situational role early while developing into a larger piece of the defense over time.
2026 Outlook
Lawrence projects as a developmental DL4 or edge depth option in most redraft IDP formats. His immediate tackle floor is lower than that of some linebackers and defensive tackles in this rookie class, which limits his weekly consistency.
However, managers in big-play scoring systems should keep a close eye on him. His athletic profile, pass-rush upside, and rotational opportunity give him a chance to outperform expectations if injuries strike or if Dallas expands his role as the season progresses. He is unlikely to be an every-week starter in 2026, but he is exactly the type of rookie pass rusher worth stashing in deeper IDP leagues.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Malachi Lawrence fantasy outlook for 2026: IDP rookie profile
Continue reading...
