Malone registered 94 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, four passes defensed, and four forced fumbles through 14 game appearances as a senior in 2021, per Sports Reference. He has recorded 349 tackles, 59 tackles for a loss, 32.5 sacks, an interception, and seven passes defensed through five seasons with the Hilltoppers.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6' 3 1/4" and 243-pound Malone had 23 reps in the bench press. Malone's other measurables include an arm length of 33 1/8 inches and hands measuring 9 7/8 inches.
"Super senior who decided to come back for another season to put more on film for general managers to think about," wrote Lance Zierlein in his draft analysis of the pass rusher. "Malone's wiry build belies his toughness and play strength at the point of attack. He uses quick feet, a flexible frame and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run game. His rush is unorthodox and unpredictable but his burst to close and fluidity inside the pocket are valuable in finishing against mobile quarterbacks. His slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy. Malone could challenge for a future starting job as a 3-4 outside linebacker and offers immediate special-teams value."
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