Summary

David Edwards was selected in Round 5 (#169 Overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin. A multi-year starter in the Badgers’ pro-style, run-heavy offense, Edwards developed a reputation for toughness, durability, and positional flexibility, starting games at both left tackle and left guard during his collegiate career. At Wisconsin, he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition and was a key contributor to consistently productive rushing attacks. In the NFL, Edwards exceeded his draft slot by becoming a full-time starter early in his career, starting 30+ games for the Rams across multiple positions before later joining the Buffalo Bills as a veteran interior presence. Through the 2024 season, he has logged 60+ career games with 40+ starts, providing steady play as a guard and swing lineman. Edwards is widely regarded as a high-character, dependable professional, praised for his toughness, football intelligence, adaptability, and team-first mentality, making him a trusted depth piece and spot starter.

Strengths

• Positional Versatility: Experience at guard and tackle enhances roster flexibility. Understands protections, stunts, and blitz responsibilities.

• Toughness & Durability: Reliable availability and constantly plays through physical wear. Trusted by coaches with consistent preparation habits.

• Run-Game Physicality: Effective on down blocks, double teams, and inside-zone concepts.

• Anchor vs. Power: Solid base allows him to absorb bull rushers. Generally sound punch and latch when technique is clean.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness: More steady than dominant and not a high-end athletic lineman. Can be stressed by quick interior penetrators.

• Recovery Ability: Limited athletic recovery once initially beaten. Better suited inside than at tackle against elite edge rushers.

• Pad Level Consistency: Can play upright, leading to leverage losses.

• Second-Level Mobility: Functional but not dynamic when climbing to linebackers.

Outlook

Edwards is best suited for physical, balanced offensive systems that value reliability, interior strength, and positional flexibility. He fits particularly well as a guard or swing interior lineman, where his power, experience, and awareness can stabilize protection schemes without exposing him consistently in space. Teams employing inside-zone or gap concepts will maximize his run-game effectiveness. Looking ahead, Edwards projects as a high-end depth lineman or spot starter capable of stepping into multiple roles when injuries arise. While his athletic ceiling limits long-term upside as a locked-in starter, his toughness, intelligence, and versatility provide a high floor and continued roster value, especially on a Bills offensive line that doesn’t need to play above the X’s and O’s with Superman behind them turning water into wine. Edwards profiles as a winning-role offensive lineman whose reliability and professionalism help maintain continuity across the offensive front.