Dallas Cowboys rookie Malachi Lawrence (No. 23 overall) has yet to sign his first NFL contract. But his former UCF Knights coaches are already discussing what his future could look like after football.

In an interview with Cowboys’ writer Tommy Yarrish, UCF defensive run game coordinator Mike Dawson discussed Lawrence’s post-football goals while reflecting on his final college season and pre-draft process.

"Malachi is very, very intelligent. [He] has expressed that he wanted to be a coach or would like to be a coach when he's done playing," Dawson said, per Yarrish.

Lawrence recorded a total of 72 tackles (47 solo), five passes defensed, and 20 sacks across four seasons and 39 games played with the UCF Knights. His sack total ranks 10th among UCF’s all-time best sack producers.

Though Dawson spoke candidly about Lawrence's long-term future after football, the rookie has yet to adapt to the new system of the Cowboys and play in the 2026 season. 

Moreover, signings have stalled for a while due to restrictions set by the league's current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Such rules determine how much each rookie can earn based on draft position, according to Kurt Daniels, DallasCowboys.com writer.

This has caused issues for several rookies selected between picks No. 22 and No. 32 of the 2026 NFL Draft, as well.

Despite the signing issues, the Cowboys will expect Lawrence to attend the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) scheduled in June. 

As Daniels noted, though he is the only draft pick yet to sign with the Cowboys, it wouldn't have much of an impact on the current team culture or his projected role on the roster. 

But if he is still unsigned by then, he may not be present during the late July training camp.

Lawrence has continued to attend team meetings and offseason events, showing the adaptability and football intelligence praised by his former coaches. 

Lawrence Offers Intelligence and Versatility to Dallas 

UCF head coach Scott Frost, during his interview with the Cowboys' official website, praised Lawrence's football intellect and his ability to adapt things quickly.

“He’s the type of kid you teach him something about football or anything one time," Frost said, per Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. "He’s really smart, got a really good intellect, and that was probably the thing that I noticed quickest.” 

Dawson and Frost praised the UCF rookie's ability to fit into any kind of defensive scheme within a short span of time. They were both impressed with his final collegiate season.

“And then is able to couple that [his physicality and strength] with having a pretty deep toolbox,” Dawson said. “He's kind of got that Rolodex where he can kind of slip through a bunch of different things."

His versatility stems from his previous background of having played as an outside linebacker and tight end during his college days.

His transition to being a defensive end positions him as a seamless fit in DC Parker’s multiple 3-4 defensive scheme. 

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit