2018 Raiders Draft Profile: LB Tremaine Edmunds

2018 Raiders Prospect Profile

Name: Tremaine Edmunds

Position: OLB

School: Virginia Tech

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 236 pounds

Projected: Rounds 1-3

Stats:

Versatile and physically imposing, Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds will garner plenty of attention leading up to April’s NFL draft. Pacing the Hokies this season with 109 total tackles (14 for a loss), 5.5 sacks and a trio of forced fumbles, the Virginia native was an absolute animal on the field. Edmunds’ junior year improved upon an equally impressive sophomore campaign (94 total tackles, 14.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception).

“My decision to come to Virginia Tech was one of the best decisions I could have ever made,” Edmunds wrote in a Twitter post. “These last 3 seasons were great and I will always have lifelong memories there.”

The best decision the Hokies made was placing Edmunds in a position to succeed at both outside and inside linebacker. That is the kind of versatility NFL teams covet. Moreover, Edmunds’ 6-5 frame will be hard to ignore. Get this, Edmunds came to school at 6-3.

Team Fit:

The Oakland Raiders defense is in dire need of tenacious and imposing linebackers. Edmunds brings instant impact with a nose and eyes for the ball. He has unusual speed for a player of his size and is equally effective at both the Mike or Sam and Will linebacker spots. As a result, Edmunds draws comparisons to the Minnesota Vikings Anthony Barr. Mike Zimmer captains that defense and his pupil Paul Guenther is now the Raiders defensive coordinator.

Strengths:

Possesses athleticism normally reserved for smaller, more compact linebackers. Able to convert the speed to power when he converges on tackles. A wrap-up tackler and knows when to exert a booming hit versus a technical takedown. Showed he is capable of playing inside and outside. Vision and instincts combine well allowing him to excel in gap discipline and penetration.

Weaknesses:

Needs to refine ability to disengage from blocks. Imperative he uses his size/speed combo to full capabilities. Agility and power can be improved. Can get lost in the wash as his aggressiveness can get the best of him. Similarly, he must grow in coverage, was decent in man and zone concepts when asked to cover.

Notes:

Edmunds will be only 19 years old when drafted (turns 20 in May) and has tremendous upside. With proper coaching.  Edmunds has potential to be an all-around linebacker capable of stuffing the run, rushing the passer, and being a nuisance in coverage. As shown above, Edmunds upgrades the Oakland defense.