While first-round pick Caleb Downs has dominated training camp headlines by instantly looking like a seasoned veteran in coverage and run-stopping duties, a slower, more explosive burn has been quietly brewing in Oxnard.
Dallas Cowboys rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence entered the professional ranks as a classic draft-process late-riser. Understandably, it has taken the young prospect some time to iron out minor false steps and learn the nuances of beating seasoned NFL offensive tackles. But over the last week, the narrative surrounding the rookie has completely flipped.
Lawrence is officially starting to make waves, and his latest training camp heroics suggest the Cowboys might have uncovered an absolute monster off the edge.
Turning Heads in Joint Practices
The undeniable turning point of camp arrived during a high-stakes joint practice with the New Orleans Saints. Going up against top-tier competition, Lawrence put his evolving skill set on full display by completely blowing past Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga—the No. 14 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft—with a filthy inside move to notch a statement sack on quarterback Tyler Shough.
The play served as a timely reminder that Lawrence is far from a one-trick pony; he possesses the athleticism and bend to win both inside and around the outside shoulder. By forcing Fuaga to overcommit to the outside rush, the rookie capitalized instantly, leaving the blocker completely on skates.
To his credit, this wasn’t a one-off flash in the pan. Lawrence has consistently racked up would-be sacks and splash plays throughout camp, translating practice dominance into live-game reps.
A Promising Preseason Debut
If training camp hype is one thing, game tape is another. In his preseason debut, Lawrence backed up the growing buzz with an exceptionally strong performance.
Earning an elite 80.1 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, Lawrence was the Cowboys’ fourth-highest-graded defender on the day. Despite logging a modest 17 snaps, he made every single second count:
- High Pressure Rate: Slashed a stellar 12.5% pressure rate against opposing blockers.
- Run Defense: Tallying two crucial defensive stops, he showcased impressive physicality and leverage in setting the edge against the run.
- Pocket Containment: When mobile quarterbacks scrambled, Lawrence flashed great discipline in squeezing running lanes, though he is still learning the fine margins of quarterback pursuit angles.
Like any rookie adjusting to the speed of the professional game, it wasn’t a flawless outing. There were moments of overcommitment that allowed scrambles through open gaps. However, coaching staffs want to see young players making aggressive mistakes in August so they can correct them before September. Much like Caleb Downs, Lawrence approaches the game with an obsession for continuous film study and growth.
The Luxury of Patience in Dallas
The most encouraging aspect of Lawrence’s development is that the Cowboys aren’t forced to throw him into the deep end before he is ready.
Thanks to the veteran presence and calculated snaps of newly signed pass-rushing icon Von Miller—who is expected to shoulder around 20 targeted snaps per game—Lawrence can ease into a high-impact, complementary role. He doesn’t need to carry the entire pass-rush load right out of the gate.
Instead, the former Central Florida standout can refine his craft behind the scenes while occasionally terrorizing opposing backfields. The raw talent and physical traits are undeniable. It’s only a matter of time before Malachi Lawrence fully puts it all together—and when he does, the rest of the NFL better watch out!
