Packers # 1 pick......Antwan Edwards
6'0" - 210 - Clemson - 4.5 - Rating: 90
Big, sturdy defensive back split playing time between cornerback and safety over his three years as a starter. He combines intriguing size and skills and is actually one of the few big corners who can play either position very well. He is a very physical corner who shows the ability to bump-and-run well, though he needs more experience in that role. He is a very tough run support defender and shows quick reactions, good use of his hands and strong, sure tackling skills. He plays the sweep very well and has the speed to chase and destroy. As a senior, he made big strides in coverage while playing the complete year on the corner, though he missed some time with a hamstring pull. During the '98 season, he had 2 interceptions and 14 passes defensed while displaying good speed and quickness in coverage. He adjusts well in coverage to the flight of the ball and gets excellent use of his long arms to defend passes. He back pedals in a side saddle style that needs technique work, but it has been effective for him and has not hindered him playing man coverage. At the pro level, it will need to be adjusted to match up with the speedy receivers he will face weekly. He closes quickly to the ball, though he needs work on his footwork to plant quicker and with more power. As a junior, he split time at the two positions with the last five games at corner where he made huge strides as a cover man. He finished strong with a huge game against South Carolina when he made 2 interceptions, taking one back 42 yards for a TD. As a sophomore, he played exclusively strong safety and totaled 83 tackles with 2 picks and 4 passes defensed. He has the prototypical size that one looks for on the corner. He is a safe pick in the first round because if he does not prove to be a pro corner, he has all the tools to move to strong safety. He is the top rated safety prospect this year with the talent to start immediately at strong safety. Late first round pick with the skills to be an every down defender.
By Frank Coyle
SportsLine Football Analyst
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