Bryan Edwards

Wide receiver, South Carolina Gamecocks
6-3, 212
40 time: 4.60e

OVERVIEW

Edwards set school records for career receptions (234) and receiving yards (3,045), while his 22 career receiving touchdowns are one off the school record. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2019 behind Ja’Marr Chase and Jerry Jeudy after totaling 71 catches for 816 yards and six TDs.

to sit out the NFL Scouting Combine after breaking his foot during training, with a few months’ recovery required.

ANALYSIS

Edwards is a well-built, highly productive split end with the frame, reliable hands and fighter mentality NFL teams are looking for in the early rounds. Active route-runner who uses a variety of dekes and techniques to rip through press coverage. Comes back aggressively toward the ball and extends his long arms to pluck away from his frame. Strong hands to make the tough grab, including a one-handed Catch of the Year candidate vs. Tennessee. Turns into an angry running back after the catch, fighting for extra yards. Arguably most physical player on the field vs. Alabama in 2019.

A bigger man, Edwards appears to have just average top-end speed. A bit frenetic as a route-runner with plenty of wasted motion that looks good when isolated on highlight reels but throws off the timing with quarterbacks in real time. Spends too much time at the line of scrimmage battling with cornerbacks in press. Not as consistently physical as a downfield blocker as he is with the ball in his hands.

PRO COMPARISON

Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles — It was hard not to remember the 6-3, 213-pound Jeffery with the Gamecocks (2009-2011) when watching the similarly built Edwards over his four record-breaking seasons in Columbia. Neither offers elite speed, but don’t be shocked if Edwards also winds up proving a difference-maker in the NFL.

Projection: Third-fourth round

—Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)