Donovan Edwards RB Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Donovan Edwards RB Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.55 seconds (54%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.8 DOB: 02/25/2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | |
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.55 seconds (54%*) | |
| Age: 21.8 DOB: 02/25/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 81.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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72% |
| Break Tackles: |
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60% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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69% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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41% |
| Run Blocking: |
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63% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#218
Position rank:
#24
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| College Games: 47 College Snaps: 1074 | ||
ESPN RATING: 86/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kenny McIntosh - Georgia |
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58% |
| Braelon Allen - Wisconsin |
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56% |
| Marcus Williams Jr. - Louisiana Tech |
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53% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Donovan Edwards hails from West Bloomfield, Michigan, where he attended West Bloomfield High School. He was a highly decorated high school athlete, winning four district titles and leading his team to a state final appearance as a freshman. His stellar performances earned him a slew of accolades, including the Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan for the 2020-21 season and the STATE CHAMPS! Mr. Football Award as a senior. Edwards was a consensus four-star recruit, ranked among the top running backs in the nation.
At the University of Michigan, Edwards quickly made an impact as a true freshman, contributing both as a rusher and receiver. Over his college career, he appeared in 38 games, earning three varsity letters and numerous awards. Edwards' sophomore season in 2022 was particularly outstanding as he rushed for 991 yards on 140 carries, scoring seven touchdowns and adding 200 receiving yards. Despite playing second fiddle to Blake Corum in 2023, Edwards still showcased his talent, especially in the CFP National Championship game where he had 104 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries.
Career highs for Edwards include rushing for 216 yards against Ohio State in 2022, and catching 10 passes for 170 yards against Maryland in 2021. He has proven to be a dual-threat, excelling in both the running and passing games, and is poised to be a key player to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Shows excellent burst and acceleration, making him a threat to break away on any play.
- Effective in both the run and pass game, providing versatility to any offense.
- Possesses good size and strength, allowing him to break tackles and gain extra yards.
- Displays patience and vision, waiting for blocks to develop before hitting the hole.
- Excels in pass protection, using his physicality to protect the quarterback.
- Reliable hands as a receiver, capable of making plays out of the backfield.
- Shows good agility and footwork, able to make defenders miss in open space.
- High football IQ, understanding defensive schemes and adjusting his play accordingly.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Can struggle with consistency in vision, sometimes missing open lanes.
- Lacks elite top-end speed, getting caught from behind on long runs.
- Needs to improve his balance when absorbing contact to avoid going down easily.
- Durability concerns due to a history of minor injuries.
- Occasionally hesitates in the backfield, leading to negative plays.
Scouting Report: Summary
Donovan Edwards showcases a dynamic blend of explosiveness and versatility, making him a high-upside NFL prospect. His dual-threat capability as a runner and receiver is a significant asset, adding value to any offensive scheme. Edwards' football IQ and patience to let blocks develop are critical traits that should translate well to the pro level.
Edwards does have areas that require improvement. His lack of elite top-end speed and occasional lapses in vision and balance could limit his effectiveness in certain game situations. Durability concerns, given his history of minor injuries, may also impact his draft stock. However, these issues do not overshadow his potential to be a key contributor in the NFL.
In the NFL, Edwards projects as a versatile back who can thrive in a committee backfield or potentially evolve into a feature back with further development. His prowess in pass protection and reliability as a receiver out of the backfield will boost his stock. Taking on the featured back role in 2024 will be crucial for Edwards to showcase his full skill set and address any scouting concerns, potentially solidifying his status as a high draft pick.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
Donovan Edwards percentiles vs other Running Backs (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Donovan Edwards (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.