T.J. Edwards, ILB, Wisconsin #53
6011, 244, 4.79
Notes: From Lake Villa, IL. Played quarterback and some safety in high school. Originally committed to Western Michigan but flipped to Wisconsin. Redshirted as a freshman in 2014. Became the starting middle linebacker in 2015, recording 84 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4 PBU and 1 FF in 13 games. Started 12-of-13 games played, with 89 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 INT and 2 PBU in 2016. Played in all 14 games, collecting 81 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 INT and 11 PBU in 2017.
Positives: Can step up and fill with authority. Usually very effective between the tackles. Reads quickly and flows to the ball. Very instinctive and decisive. Can take on and shed blockers. Strong, physical tackler. Above-average sideline-to-sideline range. Really hustles in pursuit. Has an incredible knack for pass defense. Very good hands for the interception. Excellent awareness of the passing lanes. Not particularly vocal, but a solid lead-by-example performer.
Negatives: Isn’t a great open-field athlete. Somewhat stiff.
Summary: Highly experienced and productive team leader who should be able to step in and start early in the NFL.
