TJ Edwards

Summary

T.J. Edwards entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after a highly productive collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. One of the most accomplished linebackers in program history, Edwards finished with 367 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2018) and consensus All-American recognition. Despite limited athletic testing numbers, his instincts, toughness, and production made him a priority free-agent signing. In the NFL, Edwards developed into a high-volume, reliable starting linebacker, first with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the Chicago Bears, where he became the defensive signal-caller. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 700+ career tackles, multiple 120+ tackle seasons, interceptions, sacks, and quarterback pressures. Edwards earned Second-Team All-Pro honors (2022) and played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII appearance. He is widely regarded as a high-character leader, praised for intelligence, preparation, toughness, and consistency, serving as a trusted on-field communicator and locker-room cornerstone.

Strengths

• Elite Instincts: Defensive quarterback who sets fronts and adjusts alignments. Diagnoses run/pass quickly and consistently hits his marks with anticipation.

• Tackling Reliability: Strong fundamentals; finishes plays and limits yards after contact.

• Run Defense Consistency: Excellent gap discipline and angles; rarely out of position. Anticipates screens, draws, and misdirection.

• Zone Coverage Awareness: Effective in hook/curl zones despite being a limited athlete and reads quarterback eyes well.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Lacks sideline-to-sideline range against elite speed. Wins with anticipation rather than burst.

• Man Coverage Ceiling: Can be stressed by athletic tight ends and backs in isolation. Requires scheme protection against spread offenses.

• Blitz Impact: Functional blitzer but not a consistent pressure creator.

• Limited Position Flexibility: Best suited as a MIKE or strong-side linebacker.

Outlook

Edwards is best suited for disciplined, assignment-sound defensive systems that value instincts, communication, and physical run defense at linebacker. He thrives in schemes that allow him to operate between the tackles, direct traffic, and play downhill rather than asking him to match elite athletes in space. Pairing Edwards with a rangy coverage linebacker maximizes his effectiveness and allows the defense to remain balanced against modern offenses. At the middle mark of his career, Edwards projects as a high-end starting MIKE linebacker and defensive leader whose value extends beyond raw athleticism. While speed limitations cap matchup flexibility, his intelligence, consistency, and leadership give him a high floor and sustained starter value. As he ages, his game should remain effective due to processing speed and positioning, making him a long-term stabilizer and culture driver for competitive defenses.