Tremaine Edmunds

Summary

Tremaine Edmunds was selected in Round 1 (#16 Overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech University. Entering the league at just 19 years old, Edmunds was one of the youngest first-round picks in NFL history and immediately became a foundational defensive player. As a Hokie, he recorded 213 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles, earning First-Team All-ACC honors (2017) and showcasing rare size and athleticism for the linebacker position. In the NFL, Edmunds developed into a long-term starting MIKE linebacker, first in Buffalo and later with the Chicago Bears, where he took on leadership responsibilities in the middle of the defense. Through the 2024 season, he has accumulated 900+ career tackles, 50+ tackles for loss, 15+ sacks, and 10+ interceptions, while playing virtually every defensive snap. Edmunds earned two Pro Bowl selections (2019, 2020) and has been praised as a steady presence and communicator within the front seven.

Strengths

• Elite Size-Athleticism Profile: Rare combination of length, speed, and frame with 9.66 Measurables score.

• Range & Closing Speed: Covers ground quickly as one of the league’s most effective sideline-to-sideline defender. Long arms help him finish tackles and stack blockers.

• Coverage Ability: Comfortable in zone drops and his length routinely disrupts passing lanes. Understands offensive structure and route distribution.

• Reliable Leader: Consistently available and handles every-down snap volume. Calm, respected voice; leads by example and preparation.

Weaknesses

• Play Strength vs. Interior Power: Can be washed out by physical guards when pad level rises. While some linebackers would take offense to being described as “finesse,” he is definitely more rangy than violent and not a classic thumper at MIKE.

• Block Shedding Consistency: Relies on athleticism more than technique to disengage.

• Instinctive Trigger Speed: Occasionally a beat late diagnosing downhill run plays.

• Tackling Finish: Lengthy frame can lead to arm tackles instead of wrap-ups. Flashes as a blitzer but not a consistent pressure creator.

Outlook

Edmunds is best suited for modern NFL defenses that prioritize length, range, and coverage versatility at linebacker. He excels in schemes that allow him to play in space, patrol the middle of the field, and use his athletic traits to disrupt passing lanes rather than consistently taking on downhill blockers. Pairing Edmunds with a more physical run-stuffer allows him to maximize his strengths as a rangy, coverage-capable MIKE. Looking ahead, Edmunds projects as a long-term starting linebacker with high floor value. While he may not be a tone-setting run enforcer, his durability, size, and coverage ability make him a valuable piece against today’s pass-heavy offenses. As his instincts and block-shedding technique continue to refine, Edmunds can remain a core defensive contributor and leader in the middle of the Bears defense.