View photos of Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds in college. Photos by AP Images.
It's again athleticism that separates linebacker Tremaine Edmunds from the rest. He is ranked as the number three prospect on Jeremiah's Top 50 Prospects list, and for good reason.
Though he usually will line up off the line of scrimmage, he has been used as an edge rusher to get to the passer. He's effective in stopping the run by coming up to fill gaps as well, according to NFL.com. His real strength lies in his lateral range, going sideline to sideline and making tackles.
Areas of improvement that concern some are his instincts and ability to diagnose plays, according to NFL.com. He's usually able to rely on his athleticism, but that may not translate once at the NFL level- especially in man coverage. But a guy that can both come off the edge and drop into coverage will be an upside for any team, regardless.
He started every game in 2016 and again in 2017 for the Virginia Tech Hokies. In 2017, he registered 109 combined tackles, 14 for loss, 5.5 sacks, forced three fumbles and nabbed himself an interception. That performance earned him Second-Team All-American from three major outlets and First-Team All-ACC. He was also a Butkus Award finalist which ultimately went to yesterday's prospect Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama.
He drew an NFL comparison to now Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher although an NFC regional scout had this to say: "Good luck with your player comp on this one. They don't come like him. I don't think there has ever been a linebacker that has had his size and speed. You're better off comping him with a basketball player."
Daniel Jeremiah has Edmunds going ninth overall to the San Francisco 49ers in his Mock Draft 1.0.
