2018 NFL Draft Profile: Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham

Chase Edmonds

College: Fordham

Position: Running back

Height/Weight: 5-9/210

College Stats: 938 carries, 5,862 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 67 rushing touchdowns

Analysis

In terms of college productivity, Edmonds' track record is one of the most impressive in the entire running backs crop of the 2018 draft. Edmonds is likely the most promising FCS back since North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen.

Strengths

Edmonds provides luxuries that not all backs can. He’s patient enough to let his blocks play out in front of him but he can also dip back and redirect himself very quickly when those blocks don’t come to fruition. He’s a smart runner, he sees when defenses lose outside contain and he knows when to bounce outside and pick up chunk yardage. Edmonds has a strong lower half that he uses effectively to get leverage and finish runs through second-level defenders.

Weaknesses

His 5’9” frame is likely maxed out, as there is probably not much room for him to add muscle. Edmonds' size and college-level workload may concern some teams about his usage between the tackles in the NFL. His speed looked unreal against FCS competition but the jump in the talent of the defenses he will face at the next level cannot be overstated. Edmonds' pass-blocking ability leaves a lot to be desired, so there will be a learning curve in that aspect of his game.

Final Thoughts

Edmonds will likely be a Day 3 selection in this year’s draft. The ideal scenario for Edmonds would be to go to a team with a serviceable offensive line that utilizes a running back-by-committee approach. Being a part of a rotation, rather than being a workhorse, will allow Edmonds to truly capitalize on his strengths and outside running ability while another, bigger back can take the grunt work inside the tackles.