NFL Combine Review: DL Mario Edwards Jr.

A national-best 12 Florida State Seminoles were invited to this year’s NFL Combine. While some guys — Jameis Winston, Mario Edwards, PJ Williams — should have no problem going in the first half of the draft. Others needed a good showing this past weekend in Indianapolis to help bolster their draft stock and ensure they would hear their name called in Chicago this Spring.

Let’s take a look at how all 12 Seminoles fared this weekend.

Name: Mario Edwards Jr.
Position: DE
Height: 6-3
Weight: 279
Arms: 33 1/4″
Hands: 10 7/8″

NFL.com Grade: 5.55 (Chance to Become an NFL Starter)

ChopChat’s Notes: Mario Edwards Jr. came to Florida State as the top recruit in the country and — in two years as a starter — was one of the most integral parts of a very good Florida State defense.

Edwards pass-rushing stats never looked particularly eye-popping because of the scheme he was running and the role he played in it. But he’s also not as explosive as you would ideally look for an edge rusher to be and will likely need to find a good fit in the NFL that allows him to play to his strengths rather than asking him to pin his ears back on most plays. That’s not to say he couldn’t be serviceable in the latter, but he has a chance to really blossom in the former.

If you really need to see what kind of an impact Edwards had on the Florida State defense the past two seasons, just watch the tape from when he’s not on the field. Namely, watch the BC game in 2013 and the NC State game in 2014. Edwards missed both and the defense got mauled.

The kid is an impact player, it’s just not always obvious if you don’t know what he’s being asked to do. He also has to be in shape to have that impact– and that’s not always where he starts the season.

Look for Edwards to be selected sometime on day two (rounds two and three).

Combine Results:

40 Time: 4.84
Bench Press: 32 reps
Vert Jump: 32.5″
Broad Jump: 120.0″
Three-Cone Drill: 7.44
Shuttle: 4.55

What They’re saying:

Strengths:

"Scheme versatile. Can play base end or defensive tackle in a 4-3 (depending on weight) or as a 3-4 defensive end. Has thick bubble and legs. Comes off snap with decent power. Can brace and anchor at point of attack. Flashes upper-body strength to press and lock out tackles. Above-average closing burst as tackle. Strength to leverage and toss blockers when motivated."

Weaknesses:

"Ineffective as pass rusher. Played some stand-up defensive end in college and showed no explosiveness off snap. Play speed and fire go missing from pass rush. Hand usage is hit or miss and appears to lack power with hands. Inconsistent getting arm extension, limiting ability to control and dominate a snap. Too involved in hand fighting and plays through a straw, losing sight of ball carrier."

Sources Say:

"“I think conditioning and desire are a big problem for him and they go hand in hand. He just looks content to stay blocked by lesser players, and it is so frustrating to watch because you know he has the talent to be so much better.” — AFC West scout"

NFL Comparison:

"Jeoffrey Pagan"

Bottom Line:

"He’s a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle who has to make a living playing the run. Edwards failed to reach expectations while at Florida State and ended his career as a core defender rather than dominant force. His “level of ability” is higher than his current level of play and could continue to be the case unless he finds more passion and effort from snap to snap."