Donovan Edwards has given the University of Michigan some of the best years in the history of their program. He currently projects as a late-round prospect. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report on the former national champion running back.
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Michigan RB Donovan Edwards
Measurables:
- 5’11
- 215 lbs
Player Background:
Donovan Edwards is a former five-star recruit that attended West Bloomfield High School. He committed to the University of Michigan alongside current Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the 2021 recruiting cycle. Unlike McCarthy, Edwards was able to contribute right away as a true freshman. In 12 games, he posted nearly 500 scrimmage yards, four total touchdowns and was named the Wolverines Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Alongside 2023 third-round pick Blake Corum, Edwards helped lead Michigan football to some of their most successful seasons in program history. As a sophomore, his 7.1 yards per carry, 1,191 total yards and nine touchdowns propelled his program to the semifinals of the 2022 College Football Playoff.
As a junior, Edwards saved his best performance for the biggest of stages. In the 2023 CFB National Championship, he posted 103 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just six total carries. He became one half of the first backfield duo in college football history to rush for 100-plus yards in the national championship.
Unfortunately when Edwards was given the opportunity to be the Wolverines lead back in 2024, he wasn’t able to capitalize. He lost the starting role to Kalel Mullins and was once again a rotational back. Edwards was unable to muster more than 100 receiving yards and ran for just under 600 yards in his final collegiate season.
Accolades:
- 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl Selection
- All-Big Ten honoree (2024)
- Big Ten Griffin-Grange Championship Game MVP (2022)
- Wolverines Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year (2021)
Best Tools/Pros:
The most translatable tool Edwards will bring to the next level is in the receiving game. He isn’t just an adequate receiving option out of the backfield, he runs routes like a receiver at times. At Michigan, he would line up in the slot or even outside. He has strong enough hands to hold onto the ball through contact and possesses a move set good enough to make defenders miss after the catch.
J.J. McCarthy
Donovan Edwards for a touchdown!
Michigan leads Rutgers 21-17 #GoBlue
pic.twitter.com/xRFlN3UsYc— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 6, 2022
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The most impressive tool within his receiving ability is his overall knowledge as a receiver. He just understands how to get open. At the Senior Bowl, Edwards created all kinds of separation against linebackers in one-on-one drills. He runs routes with speed dilation and knows how to deceive his matchup with his head.
There is an advanced level of knowledge in the way Edwards runs. He is able to force missed tackles with different running angles. Multiple times on film, the designed run would be up the middle but instead, he decides to bounce it outside with a more curved running angle. When doing this, Edwards can accelerate to the edge, find the open space and leave defenders with the smallest margin of error when seeking out a tackle.
Tools To Improve/Cons:
Edwards could never claim the title of lead back at Michigan for a reason. While he is an explosive runner, he isn’t a creative one. There were several times on film where he could have made a running lane for himself but he just stuck with the original plan rather than trying to get creative.
The only way Edwards can be a true three-down running back at the next level is if he can improve as a pass protector. The physicality and effort aren’t what he lacks in this aspect of the game. The technique is where he needs to get better as a pass protector. He tends to be late at recognizing his assignments causing him to lunge at linebackers and allow them into his chest.
In some instances, Edwards will stop moving his feet when trying to diagnose runs. He doesn’t possess the lateral speed or agility in order to make up for this lack of movement. These hesitations lead to a lot of negative plays in situations where, if Edwards just read the play properly, bigger gains could have been made.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Evaluators have already seen the ceiling for Edwards as an offensive contributor. He isn’t going to be a lead back at the next level. Instead, his path to a role in the NFL will be as a versatile receiving back in a rotational backfield. He can undoubtedly boost his stock at the combine this week with a showing that displays better athletic traits than what he put on tape.
Even in a loaded draft class at his position, there will be a landing spot for Edwards in the NFL. Sean Payton would love to have a player with the versatility of Donovan Edwards in his backfield or maybe he’ll land with a familiar face. Jim Harbaugh has continued to roster players that he recruited and developed at the University of Michigan.
Prospect Grade and Comparison:
- Mid 7th – UDFA
- Jamaal Williams, BYU
Film Exposures:
- vs Fresno State (2024)
- vs Ohio State (2024)
- vs Washington (2023)
- vs Minnesota (2023)
Main Photo Courtesy of Vasha Hunt – Imagn Images
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