Fantasy Upside
Bryan Edwards is a highlight machine with impressive acrobatic catches throughout his tape. He’s big and physical at 6-foot-3 and 212 lbs. Edwards looks fast on tape for his size, but what stands out most is his body conditioning and his ability to make contested catches. He attacks the ball at its highest point and walls off defenders well, particularly when he sniffs the end zone. He had six touchdowns and 816 yards on 71 receptions last year, despite missing the final two games with a knee injury. The Raiders need a new alpha receiver, and while Henry Ruggs was drafted with a higher pedigree, Edwards might be more suited to the role with his playing style and size. He has high upside long-term if he can make the transition to the pros and stay healthy.
Fantasy Downside
Edwards had some focus drops and he tends to allow the ball into his body on anything he catches in stride. This causes some unnecessary bounces on slants, and he could get his quarterback in trouble trying to turn upfield before securing the ball. He didn’t run in the combine due to a broken foot, but he’s now out of the boot and moving around well, per Ian Rapoport earlier this month. If the foot is an issue, it could derail his chances of climbing a depth chart that includes Ruggs, free agent acquisition Nelson Agholor and holdover Tyrell Williams. Jon Gruden offenses don’t traditionally support multiple fantasy receivers.
2020 Bottom Line
Edwards runs well after the catch and he could do some damage for the Raiders if he cleans up his drops and can avoid any further medical issues. He’s an upside prospect with the potential to develop into a WR1, but he’s just as likely to never climb higher than fourth on the depth chart. He’s a lottery ticket, good for consideration in the last round of the draft.
