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North Carolina State’s Garrett Bradbury isn’t the only former tight end in this 2019 NFL Draft class to move to the offensive line. David Edwards, an immediate endorsement of Wisconsin’s coaching staff’s ability to develop offensive linemen, has a chance to be the best drafted out of this Badger crop in this cycle.
Edwards returned to Madison in 2018, shunning a potential NFL career to chase a Big Ten Championship. While that didn’t go as planned for Wisconsin, it also didn’t go as planned for Edwards, who was hampered by a reported shoulder injury which both negatively affected his play, but also his draft stock. Edwards’ athleticism gives him the highest upside of any Badger linemen in this draft.
Height: 6’6
Weight: 308 pounds
40-yard dash: 5.28 seconds
Vertical jump: 25.5”
Broad jump: 8’3
Short shuttle: 4.77 seconds
Three-cone drill: 7.69 seconds
Bench press: 16 reps*
*All measurables except bench press taken from NFL.com’s Draft profile of Edwards as he participated in the NFL Combine earlier this year; bench press performed during Wisconsin’s pro day in March.
Strengths: Edwards is a long, athletic kid. Unpleasant disposition in the run game. Really light on his feet for an offensive linemen. Has big-time potential as a pass protector. Understands and hit his set points and landmarks. Has elite potential as a reach blocker on outside zone concepts. Hand placement in the run game is above average.
Weaknesses: Is still raw at the position, has only played offensive tackle for three seasons; still learning. Hands need work in pass pro. Can panic when threated with a speed rush. Also needs to continue to get stronger in an NFL weight room. Anchor has room for growth, will always struggle with pass rushers with good leverage. Needs to prove he is back from the shoulder injury in 2018.
Summary: Edwards draft stock took a hit after 2017, which proved to be an example of having more tape can give teams more film of your warts in your game. His injury also didn’t help, but Edwards should still be a second day pick in a league desperate for tackle help. He has the potential to be one of the best linemen in this class, and could be an above-average starter in the NFL.
Round projection: Round 2-Round 3