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~~ BRYAN EDWARDS ~~
After starting the year quietly and missing 5 weeks with an injury, what can we expect from the post-hype sleeper of the 2020 season?
Let's dive into a deep-dive study of South Carolina's career reception record-holder (-:
After starting the year quietly and missing 5 weeks with an injury, what can we expect from the post-hype sleeper of the 2020 season?
Let's dive into a deep-dive study of South Carolina's career reception record-holder (-:
We'll start with the numbers.
6'3, 215.
Unfortunately, Edwards suffered an ankle injury that kept him from participating in the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. In my WR model, he scored a 75.95 (missing combine didn't help his score), which put him right between Pittman and Ruggs.
6'3, 215.
Unfortunately, Edwards suffered an ankle injury that kept him from participating in the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. In my WR model, he scored a 75.95 (missing combine didn't help his score), which put him right between Pittman and Ruggs.
Edwards had an absurd 48.4% DOM rating and a Breakout Age of 17.8, one of the youngest breakouts ever recorded. These things don't automatically = NFL production, but they have proved to be a useful signifier of potential in college prospects.
Now, let's look at some of his college tape (courtesy of @DynastyNerds film room).
One thing that I've noticed when watching his tape is his quick feet and excellent release.
One thing that I've noticed when watching his tape is his quick feet and excellent release.
A quick right foot jab gets the defender's body turned outside, which allows Edwards to get into a good position to get this kind of separation over the top.
On this one, a quick flutter step mixed with a slight shoulder turn inside baits the defender into sliding into position to defend the slant. But Edwards QUICKLY turns upfield and is able to gain make-up the 2-yard cushion and gain an additional yard of separation over the top.
Hard plant + head fake + deceleration into the flat convinces the defender of the out route. Edwards turns and picks up speed to make room in the gap he created for himself. Nothing flashy here, but it worked.
Although he has a great release at the line and is a very physical playmaker, there are still several areas that need attention. The most glaring hole in his games that I saw was his route-running (mainly, positioning on the field). It is unrefined, sloppy, and predictable.
On this play, you'd want to see Edwards run directly at the defender, make him commit to defending the post or the out. Instead, he reveals his hand by angling inside, allowing the defender to easily angle his body to cover him... 1/2
On top of that, you see Ed turn his head at the 40 and drift 4 yards upfield to the 44. You'd want to see him cut sharp and stay around the 42, cutting off the defender's path to break up the pass. 2/2
Same issue here with the upfield drift on his out route. You can see him turn his head at the 35 and drift upfield all the way to the 40. The throw was right where it should be. Ed should be at the 37, where the ball would have hit him square in the chest.
Another red flag for Edwards is his over-physicality when running the football. Don't get me wrong, I love when players can tough the football for an extra yard here or there. But some players just run in a way that can get them hurt more often than most.
I'm really not sure what Edwards was trying to do here, but that is not the type of running that I want my fantasy managers to do. Every time I watch this clip, I wonder how he wasn't hurt in some capacity--either from the hit or the awkward leg angles/extensions.
There are definitely some mechanics that need polishing for Edwards, but he has undeniable natural talent. With some grooming, he can become an elite fantasy producer at the next level. Just look at these #arroganthands
Our very own @GbridgfordNFL did a breakdown of Edwards back in January on @DynastyNerds. https://www.dynastynerds.com/bryan-edwards-draft-profile/
For more Bryan Edwards breakdowns, I'll refer to @Cover1 who also did an in-depth look at Edwards back in January. https://www.cover1.net/bryan-edwards-most-underrated-receiver-in-the-nation-nfl-draft/
What are your expectations for Bryan Edwards? Is he a bust? Is it too early to tell?
Who should I cover next?
