STRENGTHS
Ed has the explosion off the line of scrimmage to be a dominant defensive lineman for the team that selects him. He has the size to be stout against the run and the quickness to split the double team and get into the backfield and disrupt the rhythm of an offense. Ed has played mostly on the nose for his college team but he could play multiple defensive line positions because of his quickness and explosion off the line. He plays with good effort and will work hard until he hears the whistle to make a sack. Ed has the ability to push the pocket on third down and if your team plays a one gap attack defense or running the 46 Defense, Ed is a perfect fit for sure.
CONCERNS
Ed has had a knee issue that muddied up his playing time this year so that will have to be checked out. Also, he had problems with his coach and although his coach got fired and I don’t know the whole story…this is an issue that teams need to investigate.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.02
I have said for years that it takes more than talent to play in the NFL. Ed has the talent; the question is does he have more than talent? Having an altercation with his head coach over a freaking jacket is an issue that for me and stands out as a red flag. What happens when he is selected and doesn’t like his position coach or like the defense he is in? Seems to me that Ed has more respect for his teammates (if he likes them) than he does his coaches. Now I haven’t got a clue what Ed is like, but for me actions have always spoke louder than words. Ed on the field is a show man but as far as doing the grunt work required of a defensive tackle, that is when Ed seems to lack the consistency and interest in doing his job. When Ed is double team and can’t hit the gap quick enough he settles for being handled. That being said…in the right defensive system and with a coach that he likes and can get along with Ed can become very productive. My problem is how many teams have the right system and how do I know for sure that Ed will like his coaches? As an owner spending 1st round money on a player who has shown his dislike and lack of respect on the field, during a game, in front of a whole stadium, to his coach, that is a problem for me no matter how talented he is. It’s a problem for me even if his coach deserves it and is a total jerk. Making excuses for Ed’s lack of maturity is exactly why teams blow the 1st round pick. I think Ed, only fits a certain system and that to me means selecting him too early would not be smart at all. Then again, I have never been accused of being smart. Remember you draft with the information on draft day you have in front of you and that’s all you can do. After that it’s up to the player to succeed. My information SUGGEST that Ed’s talent might not be worth the headaches he might be in the future and there are other options in this draft. Ed has 1st round talent with potential 4th round headaches and that equals 2nd round selection for me.
