Assessing Donovan Edwards’ 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards is expected to be a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft is already generating significant buzz, and one player who is expected to feature prominently is Michigan running back Donovan Edwards. After a stellar performance in the CFP Championship, many expected Edwards to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, he has opted to return to Ann Arbor for another season, which could ultimately boost his draft stock.

A Physical Runner with Versatility

Edwards is a big-framed runner, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds. He has a rare combination of size, speed, and agility, which makes him a threat both between the tackles and in the open field. His subtle hip and shoulder flexibility, along with his impressive anticipation and vision, enable him to avoid big hits from linebackers and safeties. This was evident in Michigan’s 2022 win over Ohio State, where Edwards showcased his ability to set up blocks and quickly react to defenders.

A Comparison to Kareem Hunt

Edwards’ playing style bears some resemblance to that of Kareem Hunt, and it’s easy to see why. Like Hunt, Edwards has excellent balance through contact, which allows him to break tackles and maintain momentum. He also has very nice hands and is capable of doing more than just being a rudimentary outlet receiver. Edwards’ ability to transition from receiver to runner is also impressive, although he sometimes has a slight pause after catching the ball, allowing defenders to close in.

Room for Improvement

While Edwards has a lot of positive traits, there are areas where he can improve. He lacks elite breakaway speed, which means he won’t outrun many defenders in the open field. However, he has a good understanding of his limitations and knows how to use his speed effectively. Edwards also has impressive top-end speed, which he can sustain through traffic.

What to Expect in 2024

With Blake Corum and J.J. McCarthy moving on, Edwards will have more opportunities to prove himself as a feature back. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new challenges, including a new quarterback and a revamped offense. A strong season could propel Edwards into the Day 2 conversation for the 2025 NFL Draft, which would be a significant improvement from his initial 4th/5th round projection.

 A strong 2024 season could catapult Donovan Edwards into the top rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Conclusion

Donovan Edwards has all the tools to be a successful running back in the NFL. With another season under his belt, he could cement his status as a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Edwards to see if he can live up to the hype.