Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds is an explosive linebacker prospect who makes plays from sideline to sideline.
Tremaine Edmunds is a long and athletic defensive prospect. He uses his quickness and burst to make plays all over the field. His skill set fits the mold of a 4-down linebacker who can support the run, hold up in coverage and contribute on special teams.
This is an aggressive defender who is always in attack mode. Edmunds plays downhill and doesn’t hesitate to initiate contact. He does a great job fighting off blocks as he works his way to the ball carrier.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
Edmunds uses his long arms and a strong initial jolt to keep blockers off his frame. He is capable of both meeting blockers in the hole and cleanly working his way through traffic. Edmunds is always around the football whether it’s making a play behind the line of scrimmage, ranging to the edge or closing the back door.
His value and overall draft stock is higher because of his potential in coverage. Edmunds is a balanced and explosive athlete capable of holding up against the pass. He drops in coverage with a wide base and his head on a swivel.
This allows him to feel the developing routes and create tight throwing lanes. He could stand to improve his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and jump routes. This is something that will improve with more experience.
His athleticism and speed gives Edmunds the ability to turn and run with running backs. He is someone that can also be used to mirror quarterbacks who are running threats.
Virginia Tech also uses Edmunds as a blitzer where he shows an excellent closing burst and snap awareness. He has a non-stop motor that also plays a role in his success as a blitzer. Edmunds doesn’t get many opportunities to rush off the edge, but has the length and quickness to develop that part of his game.
Overall, this is an elite athlete with playmaking ability. He plays the game with the aggressiveness that tends to make defenders special players.