Donovan Edwards and Josaiah Stewart both fared well during a week of practices at the Senior Bowl. Here’s how the #NFLDraft stock of both players are rising.
Three former Michigan Wolverines players represented the program at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama earlier this week — running back Donovan Edwards, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, and long snapper William Wagner.
While Wagner was the only Michigan player to actually play in the Senior Bowl, the week of practices are considered to be more important than the game itself, and that’s where Edwards and Stewart thrived.
While Edwards will be a running back in the NFL, he showed at the Senior Bowl he can contribute in other ways. For one, Edwards was always a great receiving option out of the backfield for Michigan, and he embarrassed defenders in one-on-one coverage in practice.
One of the best moments of the day was talking to Donovan Edwards about this play in 1 on 1s
When you send a guy OUT OF FRAME, you’re cooking dudes out there. @DEdwards__ is a great player, better person man #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/6YgiAXYuk3
— Jordan Richards (@ChaBoyJRich) January 30, 2025
1v1s are inherently unfair for the defense, but still…
Michigan’s Donovan Edwards (@DEdwards__ ) breaking ankles at Senior Bowl last week. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/OenstxcEdv— Scott Kennedy (@ScoutKennedy) February 3, 2025
Edwards also showed he can be an asset on trick plays as a passer. Edwards threw two passing touchdowns at Michigan and had another at Senior Bowl practice.
OH HE’S GONNA THROW IT
Michigan RB Donovan Edwards with a trick play pass at Senior Bowl practice pic.twitter.com/TfbIAxnQCj
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) January 29, 2025
Edwards also displayed his ability to make defenders miss as a runner, While Edwards struggled with yards after contact at Michigan, there’s no denying he’s electric in the open field.
Michigan Wolverines RB Donovan Edwards with a nice jump-cut to avoid the TFL #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/S01DODyxMv
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) January 28, 2025
Fast feet from Michigan RB Donovan Edwards
Edwards looking to stand out in Mobile#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/Nuncrfqk60
— Efram Geller (@Mr1rrelevant) January 28, 2025
Many teams need a third-down back that can be an asset as a pass-catcher — with the right team Edwards could see his career flourish in the NFL.
Stewart was able to show off his speed, which greatly aids his pass-rushing chops as he’s just 6-foot-1, 245 pounds.
Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart wins this rep with an inside move against Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. pic.twitter.com/YPbtsK1nEz
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) January 28, 2025
Stewart was also able to meet with NFL teams and the media to explain why he feels his size isn’t a weakness. He feels he brings something different to the table than some of the other pass rushers in the 2025 draft class.
Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart with the most unexpected answer I got today
What differentiates him from other Wide-9 candidates for the Falcons as far as an advantage?
“My size (6-1, 248) I bring something different. A different kind of play style”#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/huw4sItEbj
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 30, 2025
Stewart didn’t just win with speed during Senior Bowl practices, he also showed he can convert the speed to power off the edge — which should come as no surprise for Michigan fans who saw Stewart tally 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season.
Michigan Wolverines EDGE Josaiah Stewart wins with good inside hands to a rip move in 1-on-1s #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/H789VG8AnS
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) January 28, 2025
Finally, William Wagner also showed what he has to offer NFL teams as a long snapper.
Michigan long snapper William Wagner with a perfect snap during Senior Bowl practice pic.twitter.com/kP8CInskFj
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) January 29, 2025
Wagner, in some ways, had the least to prove out of the trio of Michigan players at the Senior Bowl. Wagner appeared in 53 games for the Wolverines and put out plenty of solid film on punting and kicking units. Kickers such as Jake Moody, James Turner, and Dominic Zvada received deserved praise in years past, but Wagner was a crucial part of those operations.