The Dallas Cowboys' decision to use the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on pass rusher Malachi Lawrence wasn't the most popular choice, and doubters have been very vocal after Kansas City Chiefs rookie R Mason Thomas had a national coming-out party in his NFL debut.
The Oklahoma alum and second-round pick recorded an incredibly impressive sack of Bo Nix in Kansas City's 31-10 Monday Night Football victory over the Denver Broncos, adding another pressure along the way against what was thought to be an elite offensive line. Lawrence, meanwhile, looked like a raw player who may have been picked a tad too high.
Lawrence not only failed to record a sack in his first Cowboys action, but he also struggled in open space while defending the run. Lawrence's struggles and Thomas' day-long stardom, amplified on a national stage, are sure to irritate some fans, but that shouldn't change how the Cowboys feel about him long-term.
Cowboys fans can't turn on Malachi Lawrence for R Mason Thomas
Thomas has the luxury of playing a clearly defined pass-rushing role on a Chiefs defense with tremendous infrastructure. Thomas can pin his ears back and rush, while Lawrence played just under half the snaps and is being asked to do more. Lawrence was tasked with defending the run and even dropping into coverage.
Lawrence was billed as a developmental player, and Christian Parker appears more than willing to let him learn on the job.
That will inevitably lead to moments when Lawrence gets caught out. Dallas drafted him with the thought that he would eventually become a key chess piece who never comes off the field, and he needs experience defending the run to get there.
The Cowboys have said that they value being able to stop the run until they are blue in the face, as has been proven by their investments in names like Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and Quinnen Williams. With Donovan Ezeiruaku going from below average to solid in that area, Lawrence could make for a more natural fit.
Malachi Lawrence has a path to improving for the Dallas Cowboys
Pro Football Focus did not like what Lawrence put on tape, as shown by his 34.8 overall grade and 26.4 tackling grade. However, Lawrence's pass rush mark was a respectable 64.5. Lawrence had some nice reps there, meaning that Week 1 likely was not too alarming for any of Dallas' coaches.
Which player profiles as someone who could be a better long-term edge rusher for a team that demands their starters can stop the run? The 255-pound physical freak who has gotten stronger every year or the 240-pounder with worse length and some concerns about his functional play strength.
Making snap decisions on rookies after one game is always extreme, especially when comparing a player being trained as a long-term difference-maker for a bad defense to an immediate role player on a great one. Maybe give Lawrence more than one game to prove that he is a better long-term edge rusher than Thomas?
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