CosmoKramer
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With the 71st pick in the RCF Mock Draft
the Chicago Bears select
Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida St.
Mario Edwards Jr., DE, Florida St.
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.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 3 or 4
SOURCES TELL US
"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.
Chicago continue to add bodies along their defensive line with another Seminole in Mario Edwards Jr. Talented underachiever that progressed little since his freshman season, when he started some games for a stacked defense and looked like a future star. Stayed fresh playing in a deep rotation throughout his career, the Bears are banking on Edwards Jr.'s best playing days are ahead of him.
The St. Louis Rams and @Phills14 are on the clock.