With no Cam Jordan deal signed and Carl Granderson looking more suited as a rotational edge defender than a complement, the New Orleans Saints drafting an edge rusher is nonnegotiable. They could find their complement to Chase Young in late first round, early second round prospect Malachi Lawrence.
The Saints aren't alone in their interest either. Lawrence has met with at least half the league for a pre-draft visits. Literally 16 teams have brought the edge rusher for a visit. KPRC's Aaron Wilson reported the Eagles were bringing Lawrence in, and tacked on an additional 15 previous visits all at once. Every visit isn't reported either, so those are just the one's we know of.
It's interesting that he's had so many visits. The amount of visits certainly displays a level of interest from teams, however, 16 teams wanting to meet with Lawrence suggests there's some universal questions around the prospect that needs to be answered. That isn't inherently bad either. It just means there's something many teams want to bring Lawrence in to find out.
Malachi Lawrence resembles one of Brandon Staley's former playmakers
One comp for Lawrence visually is Leonard Floyd. Floyd played under Brandon Staley in Chicago and with the Rams. It was in Los Angeles where he really popped and had his first double digit sack season. The history between Floyd and Staley could've influenced the comparison, but when you look at their measurables and Combine performance, the comp gains more steam.
Lawrence measured in at the Combine at 6' 4 3/8: with 33 5/8" arms . Floyd is 6' 5 5/8" with 33 1/8" arms. That's about an inch in height and half an inch in arm length. Lawrence had the higher vertical jump and broad jump performances by half an inch and three inches respectfully. They also had nearly identical 10-yard splits. Lawrence and Floyd are both lengthy, explosive guys.
Don't look at Lawrence's measurements and think he's just speed. Lawrence has a really good pass rush plan and uses his hands well. You see a lot of twitchy pass rushers rely on their speed to beat linemen. Lawrence does a good job pairing his explosiveness with technique.
Even if the Saints somehow re-sign Jordan before the draft, Lawrence should remain a real option. Even if they draft Lawrence, a Jordan deal should remain on the table. The Saints need depth at the position, not just swapping one guy for another.
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