The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to be smart with their draft picks this year. With only seven selections, finding immediate impact starters in the first three rounds is imperative. The Bucs' needs on defense may have to take an early backseat to an offensive weapon, but round two is lining up nicely for them.
Tampa needs edge-rushing help in a big way, but the first round might not be the best place to find someone to fill that role, not without overreaching on a player. The two top guys will be long gone before Tampa is on the clock at 15.
Many have speculated that Keldric Faulk could be their target, but fans need to realize that the hype is far from guaranteed success. There is, however, a potential second-round prospect who has made their way to Tampa on a 30-visit. If he is available when the Bucs are on the clock, he should be their guy.
#Bucs brought in UCF edge Malachi Lawrence for a visit per @AaronWilson_NFL 👀
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) April 16, 2026
Lawrence recorded 20 sacks during his college career, and would be a great option for Tampa Bay to address their pass rush woes. https://t.co/gQB5cQX4TH
Malachi Lawrence could provide the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the pass rush boost they need
Lawrence is a pristine prospect with significant upside. His stock is down due to his deficiencies, but they are coachable. Tampa needs someone who can get to a quarterback, collapse a pocket, and create problems for an offense. Lawrence is that guy.
The incoming rookie has the prototype size teams look for, but he still has a buildable frame, and he will need to get more power to play aggressively at the NFL level.
His biggest issues are in the run game. He isn't a three-down edge setter, but that, as we said, is coachable. Lawrence needs to be less worried about making the tackle and more about stretching the sideline and forcing the runners back inside.
While his pass rush is top-notch, he doesn't break down well at times. His failure to bend will often leave him vulnerable to play-action leaving his flat-footed and reaching for the ball carrier.
Despite the negatives, Lawrence is exactly what the Bucs need. He is fast off the snap and quick off the blocks, keeping offensive linemen away from his chest. His long arms allow him to gain control against blockers. He also has a non-stop motor.
His quickness and power stand out against bigger offensive linemen, and that can't be taught. The coaching staff will have the clay to mold Lawrence into a quaility edge-rusher, but for year one, fans should expect him to be more of a passing down defender until he gets the development he needs to get into the next phase.
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