Donovan Edwards is an elite pass-catching back that has the ability to make huge plays in big moments. @WoodsFootball with a scouting report on Edwards ahead of the NFL Draft.
Running back Donovan Edwards’ career at Michigan its fair share of ebbs and flows filled with highs and lows, but overall, it was a successful four years in Ann Arbor. Edwards rushed for 2,251 yards with 19 rushing touchdowns at Michigan and caught 86 receptions for 797 yards and four receiving scores.
Edwards came up huge in key moments during his Michigan career, most notably against Ohio State in 2022 where he rushed for 216 yards and two rushing touchdowns and the Michigan’s National Championship win over Washington where he rushed for Michigan’s first two scores of the game.
NFL Combine Results
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 205
Age: 22
40-yard Dash: 4.44
Bench Press: 23
Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
Strengths
- Can hit top acceleration fast and leave defenders in the dust
- Great pass-catching back who can run crisp routes
- Reliable as a pass-blocker
- Recognition to bounce to the outside if holes are clogged
- Benched the most reps for a RB at the NFL Combine
Weaknesses
- Hasn’t fared well as a between the tackles runner
- Rarely picks up many yards after contact
- Goes down too frequently when a defender’s hand smacks or grabs his ankle.
- Not likely to be a RB1 in the NFL
Do Your Homework
Edwards goes the distance against Ohio State
Donovan Edwards once said, “We ain’t never losing to Ohio State baby”.
He was right pic.twitter.com/cxwgSuCPuV
— THE RED RANGER (@THEREDRANGER3) February 23, 2025
Edwards with TD No. 2 in the National Championship
SO NICE HE HAD TO DO IT TWICE
Donovan Edwards with his SECOND TD of the night #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/HiaSyzfTLb
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2024
Showcasing his route running chops at the Senior Bowl
Donovan Edwards is breaking ankles at the Senior Bowl practices pic.twitter.com/H9OpWNxAFu
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) January 30, 2025
40-yard Dash
4.45 40 yard dash for Michigan RB Donovan Edwards pic.twitter.com/7a3Qv2tske
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) March 1, 2025
Conclusion
Edwards flashed great speed in the open field, had plays that will live in Michigan lore, but those big moments didn’t lead to consistent production. Edwards never improved running between the tackles and once someone got a hand on him, he went down far too often. However, Edwards can still be an asset as a change of pace back who can catch passes out of the backfield, pass-block at a high level, and have the occasional long run if a gaping hole presents itself. Edwards is likely a day-three pick in a deep running back class. Despite being a late-round pick, Edwards still could have a role as a rookie if a team inserts him in manners that suit his strengths.