Undrafted Surge to NFL with Elite Speed & Bull-Rush Power
Tywone Malone Jr. is a 6'4", 309 lbs defensive tackle who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers, bringing a rare 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed that defies his size. His differentiator is his explosive bull-rush ability paired with elite stack-and-shed run defense, making him a dynamic three-technique DT who earned a starting role in his fifth season at Ohio State after a rotational 2024. With no major injury history and a mindset shift that elevated his evaluations under Ryan Day, Malone’s intensity and football IQ make him a high-fit, low-risk prospect for teams needing a pass-rushing interior presence who can also stop the run. You should care because he’s a dynamic athlete who turned an unexpected surge into an NFL opportunity despite not being drafted.
