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The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner — and an underrated prospect may quietly emerge as the running back of the future for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Enter Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, a dynamic talent who wouldn’t require a premium draft pick to acquire and possesses all the athletic traits to develop into a starting-caliber back with the right coaching at the next level.
2021 (12 games):Rushing – 35 attempts, 174 yards, 5.0 YPC, 3 TDsReceiving – 20 receptions, 265 yards, 1 TD
2022 (11 games):Rushing – 140 attempts, 991 yards, 7.1 YPC, 7 TDsReceiving – 18 receptions, 200 yards, 2 TDs
2023 (15 games):Rushing – 119 attempts, 497 yards, 4.2 YPC, 5 TDs, Receiving – 30 receptions, 249 yards, 0 TD
2024 (12 games):Rushing – 128 attempts, 589 yards, 4.6 YPC, 4 TDsReceiving – 18 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
Edwards can function as a three-down running back and is more than capable of being a home run hitter as both a runner and a receiver. He possesses a great frame and consistently falls forward for extra yards. Edwards’ explosiveness is one of his best traits, but he is also a capable blocker when tasked with pass protection — a team-first trait that was evident in his 2024 team captain selection for the Michigan Wolverines.
One of the biggest issues in his game is his poor vision — which caused him to miss several wide-open lanes, limiting some of those home run opportunities. His inability to quickly process when to bounce a run outside has also been an issue. The explosiveness and acceleration he showed during his first three years with the Michigan Wolverines also appeared to take a step back in 2024.
Edwards would fit the Pittsburgh Steelers offense perfectly as a backup running back behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, while also contributing on special teams. The Black and Gold offense is currently in the midst of an identity crisis — one that has been hampered by a starting quarterback carousel every year since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021. However, Edwards could serve as a potential long-term solution in the running game, as he would benefit from sitting through his rookie year to address his vision issues. Acquiring Edwards would be relatively simple, as he is projected to go between Rounds 6 and 7 — which would be a steal considering the high ceiling and athletic traits he has flashed.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB, Donovan Edwards, Michigan
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- Name: Donovan Edwards
- College: Michigan
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- 40-yard dash: 4.44 seconds
Stats:
2021 (12 games):Rushing – 35 attempts, 174 yards, 5.0 YPC, 3 TDsReceiving – 20 receptions, 265 yards, 1 TD
2022 (11 games):Rushing – 140 attempts, 991 yards, 7.1 YPC, 7 TDsReceiving – 18 receptions, 200 yards, 2 TDs
2023 (15 games):Rushing – 119 attempts, 497 yards, 4.2 YPC, 5 TDs, Receiving – 30 receptions, 249 yards, 0 TD
2024 (12 games):Rushing – 128 attempts, 589 yards, 4.6 YPC, 4 TDsReceiving – 18 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
Strengths:
Edwards can function as a three-down running back and is more than capable of being a home run hitter as both a runner and a receiver. He possesses a great frame and consistently falls forward for extra yards. Edwards’ explosiveness is one of his best traits, but he is also a capable blocker when tasked with pass protection — a team-first trait that was evident in his 2024 team captain selection for the Michigan Wolverines.
Weaknesses:
One of the biggest issues in his game is his poor vision — which caused him to miss several wide-open lanes, limiting some of those home run opportunities. His inability to quickly process when to bounce a run outside has also been an issue. The explosiveness and acceleration he showed during his first three years with the Michigan Wolverines also appeared to take a step back in 2024.
How would he fit on the Steelers’ offense?
Edwards would fit the Pittsburgh Steelers offense perfectly as a backup running back behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, while also contributing on special teams. The Black and Gold offense is currently in the midst of an identity crisis — one that has been hampered by a starting quarterback carousel every year since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021. However, Edwards could serve as a potential long-term solution in the running game, as he would benefit from sitting through his rookie year to address his vision issues. Acquiring Edwards would be relatively simple, as he is projected to go between Rounds 6 and 7 — which would be a steal considering the high ceiling and athletic traits he has flashed.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB, Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Continue reading...
