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Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Mario Edwards Jr

By Dennis Amo

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The final piece to the defensive tackle prospect puzzle is Mario Edwards Jr.  Edwards is a possible prospect for the Buffalo Bills to look at come the second day of the NFL Draft in early May.

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Mario Edwards Jr is out of Florida State.  He has a draft draft of 5.53 which keeps him the classification of possibly being an NFL starter.

Edwards started 13 games last year but missed the game against North Carolina State due to a concussion.  He was ranked the top defensive prospect in the nation coming out of high school.  Standing at 6’3″ tall he has the prototypical height for a defensive tackle but weighing in at only 273 pounds, he is coming up a little light in that area.

Some strengths and weaknesses for Mario Edwards Jr is…

"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.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.– NFL.com"

Edwards is compared to Jeoffery Pagan, from the Houston Texans.  Pagan was drafted in the 6th round at the 177th overall pick.  Pagan played in all 16 games but did not start any and came away with 5 tackles on the year.

The bottom line is…

"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.– NFL.com"

As far as Buffalo is concerned, I don’t know if they Buffalo Bills will give Mario Edwards Jr a look or not.  Maybe not in the 2nd or 3rd rounds but quite possibly in the 5th round if he is still there.  He has some potential but his side is just not their for a big interior defensive lineman and what the Buffalo Bills are use to on the interior of their line.

Next: Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Gabe Wright

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