Former Alabama coach, Nick Saban, criticised the selection of Central Florida pass rusher Malachi Lawrence in an awkward ESPN moment. The former Alabama coach called the Cowboys' selection a "reach" and provided some context when later discussing it. Lawrence had 28 sacks across four years with Central Florida, including a career-high 11 this season. The Post's Ryan Dunleavy gave the pick a "B" and noted that Lawrence's stock had risen in the lead-up to the draft.