The Tennessee Titans hold the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there has been nonstop clamoring online about which way Titans GM Mike Borgonzi will go. They also hold the 35th selection at the top of the second round to kick-start Day 2.
If the Titans go offense at pick four, then it feels safe to assume they will look to add pass-rush help at the top of round two. One prospect that's been climbing up experts' boards is UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. Could Lawrence be a legitimate option for Tennessee on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?
Malachi Lawrence has emerged as a top option for Tennessee
Lawrence is an experienced edge rusher who has spent three seasons as a collegiate starter. He has faced a variety of skilled offensive tackles and has only improved each season. That experience has helped him develop a solid pass-rush arsenal, which he pairs with a fiery motor that helps him consistently get to the backfield. At 6'4" 250 pounds, Lawrence also has the size and length to compete in the trenches at the next level.
Lawrence ran a 1.59 second 10-yard split at the NFL Scouting Combine, ranking second among participating edge rushers in the 40-yard dash. His outing in Indianapolis showcased his elite get-off and explosiveness, which will be hard to resist for a Titans team looking to add speed on the defensive front. That burst would be a great complement to Jeffrey Simmons and John Franklin-Myers' strong playing style.
One of the main knocks on Lawrence is his run defense. He can struggle to anchor down on the edge and has some trouble shedding blocks inside. In 2025, he played a rotational role as a pass rusher, coming on and off the field throughout the game. This ultimately limited his production, as he finished with seven sacks last fall.
Lawrence would likely rotate in on passing downs at the pro level due to the run defense struggles. Luckily for the Titans, their run defense seems to be in a pretty good spot heading into 2026. So, spending a Day 2 pick on a designated pass-rusher is certainly on the table for GM Mike Borgonzi, and Lawrence could prove to be a worthy addition to the defensive front.