Starting the initial five games of 2005,
the athletic Edwards began slowly then was benched in favor of Rob Ninkovich. A
prospect we've highlighted throughout the season, Ninkovich went on to put up
career numbers as a senior.
Edwards finished his final campaign on the
college field with 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He also
intercepted a pass and broke up another.
All things considered, Edwards year was equally
as disappointing as Purdue and much more was expected of the 6-5\270 defensive
end with 4.8 speed.
Starting twelve games as a sophomore Edwards
totaled 45/11/8 in 2004. He was second in the Big Ten for total sacks.
Presently Edwards ranks as a late second round
choice, though that will change based on pre-draft workouts.
Update 11PM
A second Purdue junior has thrown his hat into
the mix as safety Bernard Pollard announced he will also enter next April's
draft.
Pollard moved into the starting line-up as a
true freshman and was awarded all conference honors the past two seasons.
A physical run defender in the secondary, he led the Boilermakers with 92
tackles and three interceptions last year.
Presently Pollard rates as a late first day
pick best suited for a two-deep zone defense in the NFL.
Ray
Edwards Scouting Report from 11/6:
Full Name:
Ray Edwards School: Purdue
Ht:
6-5 Wt: 270 40: 4.71 Yr:
3Jr
Pos: Sensational
athlete with outstanding upside for the next level. Plays low with leverage,
immediately alters his angle of attack and makes plays in any direction of
the field. Fast off the edge and gets a lot of penetration behind the line of
scrimmage. Rarely off his feet. Quick and beats
immobile blockers.
Neg: Flashy
yet marginally productive early in his career.
Analysis: A
defensive prospect who plays with great suddenness and explosion, Edwards
has the potential to be a very early draft pick in
the near future. Offers an array of skills
but needs to take his game to another level.