Jets signed Michigan RB Donovan Edwards.
Edwards (5’11/205) played in a crowded backfield in 2021 as a true freshman at Michigan, but still managed 439 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on just 55 touches, with most of his production coming in the passing game (20-265-1). He shined in 2022 and 2023 playing in a split backfield with current Rams running back Blake Corum, and averaged an impressive 7.1 YPC in 2022 while rushing for 140-991-7. Last season should have been Edwards’ chance to make the most of his opportunities, but the College Football 25 cover boy slipped to No. 2 on the team’s running back depth chart in his final year, and was out-produced by fifth-year prospect Kalel Mullings who played primarily as a linebacker for the first three years of his career. It was a forgettable season for Edwards, who had shone in big spots for Michigan over the years but never fully emerged as the player many expected to see after his stellar 2022 campaign. While he should benefit from having ideal size and athleticism (9.78 RAS, 4.44 40-yard dash), at the position, Edwards’ lack of efficiency while playing for one of the nation’s top rushing programs is concerning. He averaged a paltry 2.74 YCO/ATT for his career, ranking amongst the lowest of any running back prospect since 2020, and his missed tackles forced rate of 15.3 percent puts him in similarly disappointing territory. Even during his impressive 2022 season, Edwards’ production was largely built on what was blocked for him, not what he created. He’s logged only nine special teams snaps in his career, per PFF, but Edwards will likely need to carve out a role on special teams if he hopes to buy himself a longer look at the pro level.
