Donovan Edwards 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Donovan Edwards 2025 NFL Draft Profile

We already covered Kalel Mullings. Now we’re moving on to the other Michigan running back, Donovan Edwards. However, this one probably requires a more in-depth conversation, given the journey we’re about to discuss here. I’m going to get to the point now if you don’t mind, because I have several more of these to do. Here is your 2025 NFL Draft profile on the Michigan product!

NFL Draft Stock Report: Week 2, Week 4, Week 10, Senior Bowl (1), (2), (3)

Edwards, 22, was a five star recruit coming out of high school and was listed as the number two running back in the country only behind TreVeyon Henderson in the 2021 cycle. The West Bloomfield, Michigan, native checks in at 5-foot-11, 205, and spent all four years with the Wolverines.

The timeline here pretty much looks like this. As a freshman, Edwards had 35 total carries but definitely flashed some talent. Oddly enough, his freshman season was his best receiving season and he was used frequently as a pass catcher. His 2022 season was actually his best season rushing for 991 yards at a 7.1 YPC clip with seven rushing touchdowns. Edwards split carries with Blake Corum for much of his career, but in the Michigan championship season, it felt like he was kept in the garage for when it counted. Then, 2024 was pretty underwhelming as Mullings took over as the lead back, where Edwards notched just 589 rushing yards and 83 receiving yards.

That right there is the biggest question mark when it comes to Edwards. Why did Michigan never use him as the lead back? Why the weird usage for what is actually a talented player? There has to be something I’m missing that I can’t quite figure out. Was it a case of Edwards not being good enough to run between the tackles?

The positive is that Edwards has real speed and can rip off home runs while being a weapon in the passing game. The Senior Bowl performance was kinda quiet, but he showed off those tools at the Combine. Edwards confirmed a lot of things at the Combine including 4.44 speed, very nice leaping numbers, and 23 reps on the bench press. 23 reps is no joke and makes me question why Michigan didn’t respect his power element, which I believe is more than there.

Frankly, I’m not sure why more people don’t like Edwards. He’s like a home run hitter who didn’t get enough at-bats to prove if it’s sustainable. Has real speed and is a tough player. Can actually block and runs with good pad level, falling forward more often than not. Not overly creative but passes the knee bend test and can probably do more than he was asked to do in the pass catching department.

I’m not sure he’s ever going to be an RB1 for anybody, but he’s a total playmaker and can affect all three downs.

Konata Mumpfield 2025 NFL Draft Profile

I have a middle round grade on Donovan Edwards. This past year wasn’t ideal, but he has so many positive traits that it’s hard to discredit him. When you really add everything up, it sure feels like Edwards can be a positive contributor as a speedy back as part of a committee.

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