The Panthers were pathetic in the pass rush last year, and while Phillips showed promise for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, he didn’t blow anyone away (five total sacks on the year). His better production there could also be chalked up to being surrounded by better defenders. He won’t have that luxury in Carolina, so the Panthers need to look for another edge rusher in the draft. UCF’s Malachi Lawrence fits the bill.

Lawrence has a good build (6’4 and 253 pounds) and showed good athleticism in workouts (4.53 forty and 40″ vertical). He had 11 tackles for a loss last season, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. He has a deep bag of moves in the pass rush game; he’s not just a fast bull rusher. He never quits and keeps the pedal to the metal until the whistle blows. While he shows elite pass-rush ability and will make an immediate impact on the Panthers, he does need to improve his run defense if he wants to hang around.