The Georgia Bulldogs have been regularly sending running backs to the NFL over the last decade, which is the case again for the 2024 NFL Draft, with two more backs entering the professional ranks this upcoming season.
Does Daijun Edwards’ scouting report suggest he could be a regular contributor to an NFL backfield despite his lack of elite production during his days at Georgia?
Daijun Edwards’ Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’10″
- Weight: 207 pounds
- Position: RB
- School: Georgia
- Current year: Senior
- Hand: 9 1/2″
- Arm: 29 3/4″
Edwards was a highly touted running back prospect just outside of the Bulldogs’ backyard in Norman Park, Georgia, after being named to the first-team 2019 All-State Class 7A offense during his final year in high school.
Edwards’ college career got off to a promising start at Georgia by contributing 478 total yards and four scores during his true freshman and sophomore seasons playing behind current NFL running backs James Cook and Zamir White.
38. Daijun Edwards, RB, #Georgia
“A terrific north-to-south runner, Daijun Edwards has shown a great ability to make the most of his carries all season long.”
Top 50 Players to watch tonight: https://t.co/97nnDqx2njpic.twitter.com/uq29oQM90S
— College Football Network (@CFN365) January 9, 2023
Unfortunately, Edwards never secured the starting job and mostly worked in tandem with Kendall Milton — who is also in the conversation for a Day 3 pick this year — which significantly limited his overall impact during his collegiate career on a stacked Georgia roster.
Edwards ultimately finished his college career with 2,425 total yards and 24 touchdowns on just 428 total touches, which tells us he doesn’t have very much tread on his RB odometer entering the NFL.
Edwards’ Scouting Report
Strengths
- Good feel for working behind blockers for inside-zone concepts and will consistently stay discipline to the intended rushing lane.
- Plays with good pad level when sifting through congestion; Not afraid of contact and will take the fight to defenders to finish runs strong.
- Capable of subtle jump cuts and burst with controlled and quick footwork after identifying rushing lanes.
- Quality timing of when to accelerate upfield and cut off the backside of his offensive lineman, who has ideal leverage.
- Reliable, soft hands as a pass-catching option out of the backfield; Has the body control and ball-tracking skills to snag passes away from his frame..
- Willing and efficient pass blocker
- Special-teams experience.
Weaknesses
- Play strength could be a limitation in short-yardage situations when trying to operate through interior traffic at the NFL level; Can be slowed significantly by arm tackles in the trenches.
- Patience working behind pulling offensive linemen is inconsistent; Often gets a bit too eager to get out on the edge, which negates the potential impact of working behind blockers in toss-sweep concepts.
- Lack of creativity as a runner makes his rushing production fit closer to the “get what is blocked” category rather than a dynamic playmaker.
- Suddenness, burst, and top speed don’t routinely jump off the tape nearly as much as you want for a back his size.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
In what many would consider a solid but unspectacular college career, Edwards was a reliable and durable contributor to an offense that won two national championships during his time at Georgia.
Edwards runs hard with good pad leverage, showcases nice patience and vision on inside zone concepts, and is a reliable third-down option with plus-level pass-catching and pass-protection skills.
Yet, we simply didn’t see a ton of explosive plays despite operating behind a very talented offensive line. Edwards’ creativity and contact balance as a runner feels mostly average, which makes his projection to the NFL likely to come with a low ceiling as a potential three-down contributor to a professional backfield.
KEEP READING: Top RBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Edwards’ natural instincts as a runner, adequate burst and lateral agility, and third-down ability do give him a path to an NFL roster. However, his lack of explosiveness and big-play ability make him a Day 3 pick who is likely fighting to make the 53-man roster.
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