Edds' dependability makes him attractive to NFL teams

IOWA CITY - A.J. Edds was known as Mr. Dependable on Iowa's disciplined defense during his four seasons with the Hawkeyes.

Edds, a 6-foot-3 1/2, 246-pound outside linebacker, always played his position with fundamental precision in his three years as a starter. He believes that background might not get him picked ahead of more flamboyant linebackers in this week's NFL Draft, but it will keep him in the league longer.

“That's one of my strong suits, being a fundamental, dependable guy,” Edds said. “I think with some guys that are asked to blitz all the time and do all sorts of things, that's probably going to help them on draft day to get picked higher. But at the end of the day it comes down to making the squad and the more that you can do. If a guy was in a system and wasn't asked to play responsible, disciplined football, when it comes down to making a team, they're going to take a guy that they can account for, guys that are accountable and can be counted on.”

Edds has impressed Dan Shonka, general manager and national scout for Ourlads Scouting Services, LLC. Shonka grades Edds No. 2 among Iowa football players entering the draft after likely first-round pick tackle Bryan Bulaga.

“(Edds is) one of those kind of guys, the more you study tape, he's a guy always there,” Shonka said. “He's always around, making plays, whether he's in coverage, or slapping ball out, or he breaks up well on the ball. I think the thing that we like about him is he's so versatile, but he'll be a (strongside) linebacker, because he can play over a tight end. He's smart, and he's a good space player.

I think he's a guy that can disengage quickly. He doesn't stay blocked. He's got experience dropping in coverage. He turned out athletically even better than we thought.”

Shonka ranks Edds 16th of 61 linebackers at the combine.

Edds finished his Iowa career with 221 tackles. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and seven interceptions. He had five interceptions last season, all of which were in either Big Ten play or in Iowa's Orange Bowl win against Georgia Tech.

Edds' ability to drop into pass coverage, hit tight ends at the line of scrimmage and play the run could vault him into the third round, Shonka said.

“It's the combination of everything where he could be a three-down linebacker,” Shonka said. “He's a tall guy, and when you're dropping zone wise ... his height in his favor. I think zone coverage teams will really value his ability over play over a tight end.”

Shonka said Edds is a true strongside linebacker, a position that traditionally plays head-up against tight ends, in a 4-3 defense. It's also possible Edds could slide to inside linebacker in a 3-4.

“I think my skill set is a little more set for the (strongside linebacker) in 4-3 but at the same time whatever happens, happens,” Edds said. “I'm just excited for the opportunity.”

Edds also has shown skills at long snapper for scouts during his whirlwind off-season. After playing in the Orange Bowl, Edds competed in the Senior Bowl, which features the nation's top senior college football players. He stayed in Iowa City to train and worked out for NFL scouts at the NFL Combine and Iowa's pro day. He never was red-shirted by Iowa and will graduate in May.

He's not particular about where he'll play next year, although he prefers the Midwest to remain close with his family. He, like most players entering the draft this week, just wants a chance to make a team.

“The last couple of weeks have been kind of hurry-up-and-wait kind of a deal because there's nothing going to happen until the draft,” Edds said. “It's been an experience. You just try to make the most of it and try to have some fun with it as well. It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of deal.”