DL: 2026 Draft Class

Originally posted by NYniner85:
you asked me who and I provided just a couple quick answers.

You don't think DJ watched anything on Lawerance prior? I mean that's kinda his job. Currently has him ranked 47th on his big board.

Yes McDonald who's knows wayyyyy more than you or I regarding DL said what he said. Nate Tice watched 4 games and came away with the same conclusion.

Bleacher currently has him right around 50th on their big board.

I'm purely talking about the combine, you clearly aren't. I said no one was calling this kid a 1st rd talent until he all of a sudden put up great numbers. His film didn't magically change after he put up those numbers.

I never said he had to be Von Miller as far as bend goes, he is high wasted and stiff imo. He has enough burst length and a pash rush plan, how much better can he get if he can already do that…That's debatable. He beat up on some bad Big 12 OTs and when he played legit guys like Max, not so great.

I don't hate him as a prospect, 27th overall is too rich for me. I think he's closer to that 58th pick or at the very least do whatever you can to move down, gain more picks and get him.

You're honestly making my point for me, so maybe youre just not understanding what im saying, and im okay with leaving it at that.

Malachi Lawrence is not listed in DJs top 50. Please link me, if you have it, to where DJ listed Lawrence as a day 3 player. Malachi Lawrence is not listed in the BR top 250 that you provided. 250 (!!!!) players, and Lawrence isnt listed. Please link me, if you have it, to where BR listed Malachi Lawrence as a day 3 player.

No, I dont see a player going from day 3 to round 1 after the combine. I see a player going from literally unlisted to potential top 50 pick after the date od the combine. Whats more likely: bleacher report thought he wasn't a top 250 player until he jumped high and ran fast, or that they didn't watch him until they were blown away by his numbers. And yes, I am suggesting that DJ didn't watch enough of Lawrence to rank him prior to the combine. He cant watch everyone. As you said, he does this for a living. Id assume he has more professionalism then to ride the "combine" wave.

Top 50 prospects that play edge (or any other "premium position" frequently go end of round 1. Its simple supply and demand. Lawrence is a top 50 prospect.

You can value highly McDonalds opinion, that's fine. I think watching half a game and making your decision is odd, but thats fine. But you also have Ledyard saying he's edge 1, the guy with the tools worth betting on.

In the end, ill value him myself. All of a sudden on the day that a clip of him vs Iheanachor goes viral, he struggles vs good comp. The clip is from November of TWENTY TWENTY FOUR!

He doesnt have "enough burst" and a pass rush plan. His burst is special. His hand usage is maybe the most advanced in the class. He has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class. If you have one pick in the top 50, hell yea you bet on those traits with pick 27.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
You're honestly making my point for me, so maybe youre just not understanding what im saying, and im okay with leaving it at that.

Malachi Lawrence is not listed in DJs top 50. Please link me, if you have it, to where DJ listed Lawrence as a day 3 player. Malachi Lawrence is not listed in the BR top 250 that you provided. 250 (!!!!) players, and Lawrence isnt listed. Please link me, if you have it, to where BR listed Malachi Lawrence as a day 3 player.

No, I dont see a player going from day 3 to round 1 after the combine. I see a player going from literally unlisted to potential top 50 pick after the date od the combine. Whats more likely: bleacher report thought he wasn't a top 250 player until he jumped high and ran fast, or that they didn't watch him until they were blown away by his numbers. And yes, I am suggesting that DJ didn't watch enough of Lawrence to rank him prior to the combine. He cant watch everyone. As you said, he does this for a living. Id assume he has more professionalism then to ride the "combine" wave.

Top 50 prospects that play edge (or any other "premium position" frequently go end of round 1. Its simple supply and demand. Lawrence is a top 50 prospect.

You can value highly McDonalds opinion, that's fine. I think watching half a game and making your decision is odd, but thats fine. But you also have Ledyard saying he's edge 1, the guy with the tools worth betting on.

In the end, ill value him myself. All of a sudden on the day that a clip of him vs Iheanachor goes viral, he struggles vs good comp. The clip is from November of TWENTY TWENTY FOUR!

He doesnt have "enough burst" and a pass rush plan. His burst is special. His hand usage is maybe the most advanced in the class. He has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class. If you have one pick in the top 50, hell yea you bet on those traits with pick 27.

DJ didn't have him on his initial top 50, his last top 50 he was like 47 or something. Day 2 pick (I said day 2/3 pick) NOT a top 27 guy.

Bleacher report's OL guy is Brandon Thorne who's watching all these dudes constantly. You think they got some schmuck to do DL? They got him right around the same as DJ

go listen to the pod with McDonald. He said he knows what Lawrence is and what he is as a DE. Dude does this for a living. He doesn't hate him either. Not a 1st rd grade though.

im not hating on your opinion or whomever else….that was never my OP. I was stating that I question when a guy shoots up a draft board mostly because of a crazy combine.

yes that clip was from 24 when Max was even MORE raw. Those Big 12 OTs aren't exactly amazing.

I don't think he has more burst than Howell, height or Thomas. I think all those guys have better bend. Lawerence can't do the hoop and that's okay. Agree to disagree on where he should be drafted…58 seems reasonable. 27th too rich for me

adrianlesnar, I want to make it clear I totally value your opinion in here. No hate my dude, just difference of opinions

Originally posted by NYniner85:
adrianlesnar, I want to make it clear I totally value your opinion in here. No hate my dude, just difference of opinions

For sure dude, just a discussion. And were definitely discussing two different things lol.

You stated that Lawrence shot up draft boards because of his combine. Your support of this statement was that before the combine Lawrence was not listed on DJs top 50 or BRs top 250, but after the combine he was in the 40s.

I am stating that the information you are using in support of your argument doesn't actually support your assertion. Unless you truly believe that the non-schmuck from BR had Lawrence ranked AFTER his top 250 prospects, but than because only of combine numbers, shot him allllllll the way up to the 40s. Highly unlikely scenario.

The reason this is distinction is important is because you are using his recent rapid post-combine rise as a blemish on his profile, or at the very least, a reason to question the positivity recently circulating around his name. Again, unless you believe he went from rank 251+ to 47ish because he jumped high and ran fast, it is clear that people were late to watch his tape, were quick to catch up to his tape because of his combine performance, and were very pleased with they saw.

I understand that he is currently ranked as a top 50 guy, not a top 32 guy. A 2nd round type of prospect, not a 1st round type of prospect. But I know understand those types of prospects are drafted in the first, all the time.

His 3rd and 4th step are best in class. Ive posted before why I think we should just trust his 1st step develops as well. Hes got 20 lbs on Height. And the frame to put on 10 lbs over Howell. I love R Mason Thomas. Lawrence is superior.

Yes he struggled vs Max. So did the Texas Tech boys. Yes Max was more raw in 2024. But so was Lawrence.

I see zero issues with his ability to take the corner

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
you asked me who and I provided just a couple quick answers.

You don't think DJ watched anything on Lawerance prior? I mean that's kinda his job. Currently has him ranked 47th on his big board.

Yes McDonald who's knows wayyyyy more than you or I regarding DL said what he said. Nate Tice watched 4 games and came away with the same conclusion.

Bleacher currently has him right around 50th on their big board.

I'm purely talking about the combine, you clearly aren't. I said no one was calling this kid a 1st rd talent until he all of a sudden put up great numbers. His film didn't magically change after he put up those numbers.

I never said he had to be Von Miller as far as bend goes, he is high wasted and stiff imo. He has enough burst length and a pash rush plan, how much better can he get if he can already do that…That's debatable. He beat up on some bad Big 12 OTs and when he played legit guys like Max, not so great.

I don't hate him as a prospect, 27th overall is too rich for me. I think he's closer to that 58th pick or at the very least do whatever you can to move down, gain more picks and get him.

You're honestly making my point for me, so maybe youre just not understanding what im saying, and im okay with leaving it at that.

Malachi Lawrence is not listed in DJs top 50. Please link me, if you have it, to where DJ listed Lawrence as a day 3 player. Malachi Lawrence is not listed in the BR top 250 that you provided. 250 (!!!!) players, and Lawrence isnt listed. Please link me, if you have it, to where BR listed Malachi Lawrence as a day 3 player.

No, I dont see a player going from day 3 to round 1 after the combine. I see a player going from literally unlisted to potential top 50 pick after the date od the combine. Whats more likely: bleacher report thought he wasn't a top 250 player until he jumped high and ran fast, or that they didn't watch him until they were blown away by his numbers. And yes, I am suggesting that DJ didn't watch enough of Lawrence to rank him prior to the combine. He cant watch everyone. As you said, he does this for a living. Id assume he has more professionalism then to ride the "combine" wave.

Top 50 prospects that play edge (or any other "premium position" frequently go end of round 1. Its simple supply and demand. Lawrence is a top 50 prospect.

You can value highly McDonalds opinion, that's fine. I think watching half a game and making your decision is odd, but thats fine. But you also have Ledyard saying he's edge 1, the guy with the tools worth betting on.

In the end, ill value him myself. All of a sudden on the day that a clip of him vs Iheanachor goes viral, he struggles vs good comp. The clip is from November of TWENTY TWENTY FOUR!

He doesnt have "enough burst" and a pass rush plan. His burst is special. His hand usage is maybe the most advanced in the class. He has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class. If you have one pick in the top 50, hell yea you bet on those traits with pick 27.

Why only 6 sacks then this year? And in a weaker conference? If his burst is so special as you say... and hand usage the most advanced in the class. And has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class.

He should have been lighting it up for at least double digit sacks.

Not going to complain if we draft him at #27 cuz I do like him, but I'll take Mesidor, Howell, and Jacas all over Lawrence. Now if we got Lawrence at #58 then I'll be pumped.

Not watching with sound (at work), so not sure if the guy is talking (im assuming he is), but this first clip is beautiful


False step and all. Does this clip make me think hes "bendy?" No, but he clearly can dissociate his upper and lower half, and can use his feet to create a short corner, and enough balance to get around it.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
For sure dude, just a discussion. And were definitely discussing two different things lol.

You stated that Lawrence shot up draft boards because of his combine. Your support of this statement was that before the combine Lawrence was not listed on DJs top 50 or BRs top 250, but after the combine he was in the 40s.

I am stating that the information you are using in support of your argument doesn't actually support your assertion. Unless you truly believe that the non-schmuck from BR had Lawrence ranked AFTER his top 250 prospects, but than because only of combine numbers, shot him allllllll the way up to the 40s. Highly unlikely scenario.

The reason this is distinction is important is because you are using his recent rapid post-combine rise as a blemish on his profile, or at the very least, a reason to question the positivity recently circulating around his name. Again, unless you believe he went from rank 251+ to 47ish because he jumped high and ran fast, it is clear that people were late to watch his tape, were quick to catch up to his tape because of his combine performance, and were very pleased with they saw.

I understand that he is currently ranked as a top 50 guy, not a top 32 guy. A 2nd round type of prospect, not a 1st round type of prospect. But I know understand those types of prospects are drafted in the first, all the time.

His 3rd and 4th step are best in class. Ive posted before why I think we should just trust his 1st step develops as well. Hes got 20 lbs on Height. And the frame to put on 10 lbs over Howell. I love R Mason Thomas. Lawrence is superior.

Yes he struggled vs Max. So did the Texas Tech boys. Yes Max was more raw in 2024. But so was Lawrence.

I think he shot up into 1st rd convo in part based off the combine than the overall film that was already there for everyone to see. DJ didn't have him in the top 50 in his original big board and his last one he's a day 2 guy. Same with bleacher report. Same with PFF (they had him even lower early in the process).

I see him more as that Floyd Pearce type rusher. Explosive long but tight hip linear mover. I like Lawrence more than Mason. Like both late 2nd, not really down for either top 27. I know he's bigger than Height, that's part of the reason he's regarded as a 3rd/4th rd guy.

for me, would I rather have Lawrence at 27 or height late day 2 early day 3? If we're just looking for that DPR. I'm going Heights.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
For sure dude, just a discussion. And were definitely discussing two different things lol.

You stated that Lawrence shot up draft boards because of his combine. Your support of this statement was that before the combine Lawrence was not listed on DJs top 50 or BRs top 250, but after the combine he was in the 40s.

I am stating that the information you are using in support of your argument doesn't actually support your assertion. Unless you truly believe that the non-schmuck from BR had Lawrence ranked AFTER his top 250 prospects, but than because only of combine numbers, shot him allllllll the way up to the 40s. Highly unlikely scenario.

The reason this is distinction is important is because you are using his recent rapid post-combine rise as a blemish on his profile, or at the very least, a reason to question the positivity recently circulating around his name. Again, unless you believe he went from rank 251+ to 47ish because he jumped high and ran fast, it is clear that people were late to watch his tape, were quick to catch up to his tape because of his combine performance, and were very pleased with they saw.

I understand that he is currently ranked as a top 50 guy, not a top 32 guy. A 2nd round type of prospect, not a 1st round type of prospect. But I know understand those types of prospects are drafted in the first, all the time.

His 3rd and 4th step are best in class. Ive posted before why I think we should just trust his 1st step develops as well. Hes got 20 lbs on Height. And the frame to put on 10 lbs over Howell. I love R Mason Thomas. Lawrence is superior.

Yes he struggled vs Max. So did the Texas Tech boys. Yes Max was more raw in 2024. But so was Lawrence.

I think he shot up into 1st rd convo in part based off the combine than the overall film that was already there for everyone to see. DJ didn't have him in the top 50 in his original big board and his last one he's a day 2 guy. Same with bleacher report. Same with PFF (they had him even lower early in the process).

I see him more as that Floyd Pearce type rusher. Explosive long but tight hip linear mover. I like Lawrence more than Mason. Like both late 2nd, not really down for either top 27. I know he's bigger than Height, that's part of the reason he's regarded as a 3rd/4th rd guy.

for me, would I rather have Lawrence at 27 or height late day 2 early day 3? If we're just looking for that DPR. I'm going Heights.

Well that is broad NY ... Height late day 2 early day 3 ... well we don't have a late day 2 early day 3 pick. But in that hypothetical I agree with you. Better to just see if Height falls to the late 4th and if not oh well not like he's a can't miss dude.

I'd def rather have Lawrence at #27 than make an insane reach at #58 on Height. Both reaches but Lawrence not near as bad. Better be Mason Thomas at #58 (which is still a slight reach imo) if Young/Jacas/Howell/Lawrence are off the board. Too many really good players in the late 2nd to pass on for a guy like Height. I draft Height if he is there at #127 and we have not gone EDGE yet. And imo Height not a guy worth trading up for either unless just a few spots and costs us just a 7th next year.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
Well that is broad NY ... Height late day 2 early day 3 ... well we don't have a late day 2 early day 3 pick. But in that hypothetical I agree with you. Better to just see if Height falls to the late 4th and if not oh well not like he's a can't miss dude.

I'd def rather have Lawrence at #27 than make an insane reach at #58 on Height. Both reaches but Lawrence not near as bad. Better be Mason Thomas at #58 (which is still a slight reach imo) if Young/Jacas/Howell/Lawrence are off the board. Too many really good players in the late 2nd to pass on for a guy like Height. I draft Height if he is there at #127 and we have not gone EDGE yet. And imo Height not a guy worth trading up for either unless just a few spots and costs us just a 7th next year.

I'm completely fine giving up 2 4ths to move up and get him. No where am I saying I want height at 58. I like him or Jaishawn Barham as potential DPR who can be moved around in space.

In an ideal world we are able to move back into the 1st and snag a late 3rd from say the Pats who need a OT.

I'm no DL guy so I could be talking out of my ass here…… What I have a very hard time understanding when reading some of these conversations is this. Speaking specifically based on tape and college performance; what in the world made Mykel Williams a better Edge prospect and 1st round grade than Lawrence? Because he's a better run defender? Cause Lawrence is leaps and bounds better at rushing the passer. Mykel was and is absolute dog s**t compared to Lawrence in every aspect. Is it cause he has inside out versatility?

A lot of people here thought Mykel was worth the #11 overall pick……but Lawrence isn't even a first round prospect? I just don't get it man. Is it cause the competition? Well Mykel wasn't exactly lighting the SEC on fire. Most of it is projection because of his physical traits. And I like Mykel so please don't take this as me s**tting on him; just trying to understand the thinking/logic behind him being worth #11 overall and Lawrence not being worth #27 overall.

Originally posted by 49ers808:
I'm no DL guy so I could be talking out of my ass here…… What I have a very hard time understanding when reading some of these conversations is this. Speaking specifically based on tape and college performance; what in the world made Mykel Williams a better Edge prospect and 1st round grade than Lawrence? Because he's a better run defender? Cause Lawrence is leaps and bounds better at rushing the passer. Mykel was and is absolute dog s**t compared to Lawrence in every aspect. Is it cause he has inside out versatility?

A lot of people here thought Mykel was worth the #11 overall pick……but Lawrence isn't even a first round prospect? I just don't get it man. Is it cause the competition? Well Mykel wasn't exactly lighting the SEC on fire. Most of it is projection because of his physical traits. And I like Mykel so please don't take this as me s**tting on him; just trying to understand the thinking/logic behind him being worth #11 overall and Lawrence not being worth #27 overall.

Williams isn't a true edge rusher though. That's not apples to apples. Base down DE that pushes inside as a 3T. All said and done he's probably gonna be 270lbs +. Dude was gobbling up double teams before the injury.

Williams is stupid strong at 21 with violent hands. Lawrence overall wasn't playing against NFL caliber OTs vs Williams in the SEC.

you should be comparing Keldric Faulk to Williams and Lawrence to say L Floyd or Pearce.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
you asked me who and I provided just a couple quick answers.

You don't think DJ watched anything on Lawerance prior? I mean that's kinda his job. Currently has him ranked 47th on his big board.

Yes McDonald who's knows wayyyyy more than you or I regarding DL said what he said. Nate Tice watched 4 games and came away with the same conclusion.

Bleacher currently has him right around 50th on their big board.

I'm purely talking about the combine, you clearly aren't. I said no one was calling this kid a 1st rd talent until he all of a sudden put up great numbers. His film didn't magically change after he put up those numbers.

I never said he had to be Von Miller as far as bend goes, he is high wasted and stiff imo. He has enough burst length and a pash rush plan, how much better can he get if he can already do that…That's debatable. He beat up on some bad Big 12 OTs and when he played legit guys like Max, not so great.

I don't hate him as a prospect, 27th overall is too rich for me. I think he's closer to that 58th pick or at the very least do whatever you can to move down, gain more picks and get him.

You're honestly making my point for me, so maybe youre just not understanding what im saying, and im okay with leaving it at that.

Malachi Lawrence is not listed in DJs top 50. Please link me, if you have it, to where DJ listed Lawrence as a day 3 player. Malachi Lawrence is not listed in the BR top 250 that you provided. 250 (!!!!) players, and Lawrence isnt listed. Please link me, if you have it, to where BR listed Malachi Lawrence as a day 3 player.

No, I dont see a player going from day 3 to round 1 after the combine. I see a player going from literally unlisted to potential top 50 pick after the date od the combine. Whats more likely: bleacher report thought he wasn't a top 250 player until he jumped high and ran fast, or that they didn't watch him until they were blown away by his numbers. And yes, I am suggesting that DJ didn't watch enough of Lawrence to rank him prior to the combine. He cant watch everyone. As you said, he does this for a living. Id assume he has more professionalism then to ride the "combine" wave.

Top 50 prospects that play edge (or any other "premium position" frequently go end of round 1. Its simple supply and demand. Lawrence is a top 50 prospect.

You can value highly McDonalds opinion, that's fine. I think watching half a game and making your decision is odd, but thats fine. But you also have Ledyard saying he's edge 1, the guy with the tools worth betting on.

In the end, ill value him myself. All of a sudden on the day that a clip of him vs Iheanachor goes viral, he struggles vs good comp. The clip is from November of TWENTY TWENTY FOUR!

He doesnt have "enough burst" and a pass rush plan. His burst is special. His hand usage is maybe the most advanced in the class. He has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class. If you have one pick in the top 50, hell yea you bet on those traits with pick 27.

Why only 6 sacks then this year? And in a weaker conference? If his burst is so special as you say... and hand usage the most advanced in the class. And has a more complete set of tools from size, athleticism, technique, bend, length, burst than anyone else in the class.

He should have been lighting it up for at least double digit sacks.

Not going to complain if we draft him at #27 cuz I do like him, but I'll take Mesidor, Howell, and Jacas all over Lawrence. Now if we got Lawrence at #58 then I'll be pumped.

Mesidor is a talent. I have him slightly higher than Lawrence. But he was a sack hunter this year. Gap integrity be damed. Plenty of reps where he is just getting into the backfield anyway possible, and it doesn't matter how. Wrong gap? Oh well. There's enough talent elsewhere on that defense that it'll cover for him. 12.5 sacks (in 15 games) is excellent. But it took him until his SIXTH year in college to get there. Why aren't we holding him to the same standard? Previous years: 5 sacks, 4.5 sacks, 7 sacks, 1 sack (3 games), 5.5 sacks.

Gabe Jacas: 4 sacks, 4 sacks, 8 sacks 11 sacks.

Malachi: .5 (3 games), 7.5, 5, 7. Production is fine. And hes definitely gotten better throughout his collegiate career.

What do you refute? Does he not have burst? Does he not have athleticism? Does he not have size? Length? Technique? Adequate bend?

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I think he shot up into 1st rd convo in part based off the combine than the overall film that was already there for everyone to see. DJ didn't have him in the top 50 in his original big board and his last one he's a day 2 guy. Same with bleacher report. Same with PFF (they had him even lower early in the process).

I see him more as that Floyd Pearce type rusher. Explosive long but tight hip linear mover. I like Lawrence more than Mason. Like both late 2nd, not really down for either top 27. I know he's bigger than Height, that's part of the reason he's regarded as a 3rd/4th rd guy.

for me, would I rather have Lawrence at 27 or height late day 2 early day 3? If we're just looking for that DPR. I'm going Heights.

The bold still doesnt add strength the argument made in your OP.

I think Pearce (assuming you mean James Pearce) was stiffer than Malachi, I remember you and I were in agreement about his stiffness and went to war defending that take . And he was smaller. And shorter arms. And less explosive. And less diverse with his pass rush plan. And with weaker hands. And he went pick 26. And used a future 1st on top. And that was with character concerns.

But hey, id take his production from last year on this team right now even tho a lot was cleanup sacks. But if 10.5 cleanup sacks opposite Bosa is the floor, but with the ceiling of the superior traits, why wouldn't that be worth pick 27?

Originally posted by 49ers808:
I'm no DL guy so I could be talking out of my ass here…… What I have a very hard time understanding when reading some of these conversations is this. Speaking specifically based on tape and college performance; what in the world made Mykel Williams a better Edge prospect and 1st round grade than Lawrence? Because he's a better run defender? Cause Lawrence is leaps and bounds better at rushing the passer. Mykel was and is absolute dog s**t compared to Lawrence in every aspect. Is it cause he has inside out versatility?

A lot of people here thought Mykel was worth the #11 overall pick……but Lawrence isn't even a first round prospect? I just don't get it man. Is it cause the competition? Well Mykel wasn't exactly lighting the SEC on fire. Most of it is projection because of his physical traits. And I like Mykel so please don't take this as me s**tting on him; just trying to understand the thinking/logic behind him being worth #11 overall and Lawrence not being worth #27 overall.

Short answer: our opinions are influenced by the media. We believe Mykel is worth a 1st because thats what were told. I hated the pick. But obviously the NFL loved Mykel. Same way they will love Faulk.

Depends on what a team wants. But if your big, and your strong, you can play. Team knows I can draft you and im going to try and mold you into a 3 down sack artist. But even if I fail, you can play. Cashius Howell? If he fails to translate his pass rush production to the NFL, he isnt playing.

Fans will always gravitate to the splash play. Teams will always gravitate to a guy who can line up across from someone and control him.