2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tremaine Edmunds has plenty of room to grow

Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Measurables

6’5”, 253 lbs

40-yd Dash: 4.54 seconds

Bench Press: 19 reps

Stats

2017: 108 Tackles, 14 Tackles For Loss, 5.5 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles

2016: 94 Tackles, 16.5 Tackles For Loss, 4.5 Sacks

2015: 11 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles For Loss

Awards

2017 Third-Team All-American

2017 First-Team All-ACC

2017 Butkus Award Finalist

2016 Second-Team All-ACC

Strengths

Edmunds has a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that helps him stand out from the rest of the linebackers in the 2018 NFL Draft. At 6’5” and 253 lbs, he has great length and long arms that help him in pass coverage.

While he has the size of a prototypical middle linebacker, he has the lateral agility and range that perfectly fits the new breed of linebackers that NFL teams covet. Edmunds has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft as he is just 19 years old, and his level of play continued to improve as the year went along.

Weaknesses

Although he has plenty of room for improvement, the Virginia Tech linebacker does not currently play like a first round pick. His lack of instincts and technique often were the difference between making a tackle in the backfield, or giving up significant yards on a play.

If Edmunds does not improve his ability to diagnose plays, he will struggle in the NFL. He is a risky pick in the first round as he has the ability to be an All-Pro, but could just as easily become a bust.

Verdict

With one of the highest ceilings in the draft, Tremaine Edmunds has a legitimate chance to become a top-ten selection. But whatever team drafts him will be doing so more for his potential than the player he currently is.

Pro Comparison

Anthony Barr

Fit with Raiders

If the Raiders choose to re-sign free agent NaVorro Bowman, drafting Edmunds could make sense as he could use a couple years to develop before he reaches his potential. It would be very risky for Oakland to bring Edmunds in and expect him to be a stud from day one because he simply is not ready yet for the game speed of the NFL.

The problem with selecting the Virginia Tech linebacker at ten overall is there should be elite talents such as Roquan Smith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Vita Vea available that could be strong contributors from day one.