NFL Draft Profile: FSU DT Mario Edwards Jr.

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.

Mario Edwards Jr. (DT), Florida State

6’3” | 279 lbs.

2014 stats:

44 tackles, 11 TFL, 3 sacks, 5 PD, 2 FF

Selection:

2nd round, No. 35 overall (Oakland Raiders)

What scouts are saying:

"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." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

"Utilizes long arms and strong hands to keep blockers out of his frame, and does a good job of maintaining vision, awareness and patience when engaged with taller opponents. When given space off the line, Edwards exhibits good acceleration that transitions nicely to power on contact, as he's routinely able to force tackles to retreat, and eat up any space to the quarterback's left. He's flexible and loose-hipped when asked to establish position underneath his opponent or change direction, and he has the balance to recover and stay on course when tossed or knocked aside by blockers. Good bloodlines. Father, Mario Edwards, Sr. was a standout cornerback at Florida State and spent five seasons in the NFL." — Derek Stephens, CBSSports.com

"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." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.

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