The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Bryan Edwards in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he could end up being quite the steal.
Last season, the then-Oakland Raiders had their issues at the wide receiver position, whether it was injuries, or inconsistent play. Still, there were some flashes of potential, as Tyrell Williams proved to be a touchdown machine early on, and Hunter Renfrow finished his rookie season with back-to-back 100-yard games.
As they entered the 2020 offseason, changes needed to be made at the position group, and Mike Mayock went right to work, bringing in Nelson Agholor via free agency. In the 2020 NFL Draft, Henry Ruggs III from Alabama became the team’s first of two first round picks, and they went back to the wide receiver well in the third round, selecting South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards.
Edwards college career ended on a bad note, as he saw his season end due to injury. That is the reason this player even fell to the third round, as he had first round ability, and has already started drawing rave reviews at the professional level.
If Edwards is as good as he looks so far, he could end up being the steal of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas Raiders WR Bryan Edwards could be steal of the 2020 NFL Draft
Edwards at South Carolina
A native of Conway, South Carolina, Edwards stepped onto the scene at the University of South Carolina, entering the lineup as a freshman, and never looked back. He had a record-setting career with the Gamecocks, re-writing the record books at the wide receiver position, and becoming one of the bigger threats in the SEC.
After being named a Freshman All-American, and earning a spot on SEC’s All-Freshman team, Edwards continued to dominate as a sophomore. He hauled in 20 more catches than the previous season, had almost 800 yards, and five touchdowns.
As a junior, Edwards had his most productive season, racking up seven touchdowns, and finishing with a career-high 846 yards. In a senior year cut short by injury, Edwards would set the school’s reception and receiving yard records, surpassing Kenny McKinley and Alshon Jeffery. In addition, he set a school record with at least one reception in 48 straight games.
Edwards earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior, capping off an incredible career with the Gamecocks.
Las Vegas Raiders WR Bryan Edwards could be steal of the 2020 NFL Draft
Edwards drawing rave reviews from coaches and teammates
With a clean bill of health entering his professional career, Edwards has absolutely dominated, and it started early with he and Ruggs drawing rave reviews from their teammates during early workouts. This guy is a physical specimen, and it has not only been his teammates who have been impressed by Edwards, but also a very tough coaching staff.
Greg Olson will be tasked with taking advantage of all the new weapons the Raiders brought in this offseason, and Edwards is a guy who has really stood out early on. Speaking to the media recently, he gushed about Edwards size and quickness.
"“He’s a big, explosive receiver. He’s coming off of an injury in college. Right now he looks healthy. Again, we haven’t had a chance to go full speed, but the thing that jumps out at you is just how thick of a person he is."
Remember, this is a kid who did not do most of the pre-draft stuff, as he was still dealing with his injury. The Raiders actually had a first round grade on him, so to get him with a third rounder, which was actually the final pick they got for Khalil Mack, you have to believe he could end up being a steal.
During his time at Fresno State, Derek Carr played with Davante Adams, and after working with Edwards, he stated that he reminds him of his former teammate in terms of being a violent route-runner. That is some major praise, as Adams is one of the best wideouts in football, and if Edwards has that kind of impact in the Silver and Black, this is another middle round gem for Mayock and company.