Draft Profile: Bryan Edwards

February 24, 2020 /
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 215lb
  • College: South Carolina
  • Tape watched: Alabama, Georgia, Missouri
  • NFL Comparison: Courtland Sutton

Pros

  • Release
    Edwards shined when shown press coverage in college. One of the most physical receivers at the line of scrimmage, Edwards has violent hands and the footwork to shed jams. He shows a great ability to accelerate with burst for a big receiver. Excellent at flashing the back of his shoulders to the press, and sliding free quickly.

    He could help himself by working on his lateral agility to give him more tools at the next level, rather than relying on his strength.
  • Physicality
    Simply put, Edwards is a beast. He doesn’t shy away from contact, contributes blocking, and looks to run over people with the football.
  • Contested Catches
    Edwards has a strong, muscular frame and he uses it well in traffic. He is a big target with sure hands across the middle of the field. Edwards excels at jump balls as well, and should provide a good redzone target for NFL teams.
  • YAC
    A punishing runner, Edwards can change field and turn the burners on. He was used heavily in the screen game and made big plays in open field.

Cons

  • Lateral Agility
    Bryan Edwards doesn’t have much wiggle in his game. He has stiff hips and his burst comes from vertical planes up the field. He has good footwork and strong cuts, but he will struggle to separate in close quarters.
  • Route Tree
    Edwards was versatile in college, playing on the outside and inside in the slot, however, his route tree consisted mostly of vertical routes and screens. He lacks the ability to break down and change directions, and as a result will be primarily an outside receiver in the NFL.

Overview

Bryan Edwards will be one of the top big receiver targets in the draft. He has deceptive speed, a good release, and makes strong plays on the football. Disappointing news came out this week regarding Edwards breaking a bone in his foot, and he will miss the combine drills as a result. The combine was a great opportunity for Edwards to showcase why he can separate from the rest of this receiver class. All eyes now shift to his pro day and how his interviews at the combine are received.