NFL Draft Trade Rumors 2026: Rome Odunze’s Chicago Bears asked to steer clear of UCF’s 20-sack edge (Image via Getty: Chicago Bears logo and San Francisco 49ers logo)
Like analysts can predict which draft is suitable for which NFL team, there’s a certain kind of prediction where analysts predict which draft will be deemed unsuitable for which NFL team.
And that’s where the Chicago Bears come into the picture, and they have been asked to steer clear of UCF Knights edge Malachi Lawrence.Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine shared a list titled “1 Prospect Each Team Must Avoid in 2026 NFL Draft.” He chose Lawrence for Chicago. Why? When so many analysts have been predicting him for them, why now. With just days remaining for the draft… let’s find out.
Bears must avoid drafting Knights pass rusher Malachi Lawrence
A to Z Sports’ Kole Noble predicts Malachi Lawrence for Rome Odunze’s Chicago Bears as their first-round, 25th overall pick.
Noble prefers Lawrence over Miami Hurricanes DE Akheem Mesidor and Auburn Tigers DT Keldric Faulk because of a rare amalgamation of height, length, and athleticism. The UCF alum is a 6-foot-4, 253-pounder. When his physical traits are paired with his speed off the edge, he can be the impactful pass rusher that Chicago has been patiently waiting for. Now that was why he suited the Bears. Now, why does he not suit them?Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine reports that Lawrence has incredible athleticism, but he excels standing up.
That could become a legitimate concern when his ability to hold up against bigger perimeter tackles in the run game is tested. This should have Chicago looking for someone else. Yes, they need help on the edge. Yes, they were into Maxx Crosby talks. Yes, they ranked in the top 10 from last in the league in sacks [35]. But they had a poor run defense. They ranked 29th in yards allowed per carry and gave up 2,287 yards on the ground. So, this may not be a suitable match. If the Caleb Williams franchise can’t have Malachi Lawrence, then who else could? Brock Purdy-led San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers are projected to select Malachi Lawrence
The Niners drafted Mykel Williams in 2025 to pair with veteran elite Nick Bosa. But a year later, they are still looking for pass-rushing help. Bosa recorded 17 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in three games, while Williams recorded 20 total tackles, 1.0 sack, and one fumble recovery in nine games in 2025. No wonder they are looking for a long-term solution. Lawrence recorded 28 total tackles, 7.0 sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 2025. His overall college football stats are 72 total tackles [48 solo], 20.0 sacks, four pass deflections, and three forced fumbles.And so, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski reports that Lawrence has the physical tools and athletic profile to instantly boost the Niners’ defensive front on passing downs.The UCF Knights alum could serve as a designated pass rusher early in his career, where he may not be expected to play every down. He could enter the lineup as part of sub-packages, where Williams would move from his typical outside position to the interior on passing downs, thereby creating a faster, more athletic pass rush.The Niners could bring three of the biggest defensive line investments on the gridiron at the same time.So, would it be the Niners or the Bears who draft Lawrence? Only time will tell… just days left now!
