Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction NFL Draft grade: Bryan Edwards

The Las Vegas Raiders chose Bryan Edwards from the University of South Carolina with the 81st pick, is he worth the selection?

The Las Vegas Raiders clearly came in to NFL Draft weekend with a plan to load up on weapons for quarterback Derek Carr and went back to back in the third round with Lynn Bowden Jr. and Bryan Edwards. The former South Carolina Gamecock is a different type of receiver than Bowden or Henry Ruggs III as he brings a level of size and physicality that the earlier picks can’t match.

Edwards comes in at 6’2” and 212lbs and is known for making catches in traffic over smaller defensive backs. As noted in the article announcing his selection, Edwards was unable to do any drills at the NFL Combine due to a broken foot suffered in February and is the latest in lower body injuries.

The South Carolina native missed the last two games of the 2019 season due to a knee injury and tore his meniscus as a senior in high school.

Aside from those injury concerns, Edwards started at least 12 games in the first three years of his career in South Carolina and was a four-year starter for the Gamecocks. Edwards recorded 22 touchdowns over his career and declared for the draft as the all-time leader in receptions and yards at South Carolina. He is the type of productive player that may have limited upside but can come in and contribute immediately as a more mature athlete.