Purdue Defensive End makes the jump

As the college season comes to an end, eligible underclassmen will start to make their future decisions known to all. After a disappointing campaign by the Boilermakers, defensive end Ray Edwards has decided his immediate future will be in the NFL. Update 11PM: A second Purdue junior enters the draft.

Starting the initial five games of 2005,  the athletic Edwards began slowly then was benched in favor of Rob Ninkovich. A prospect we've highlighted throughout the season, Ninkovich went on to put up career numbers as a senior.  

Edwards finished his final campaign on the college field with 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.  He also intercepted a pass and broke up another.  

All things considered, Edwards year was equally as disappointing as Purdue and much more was expected of the 6-5\270 defensive end with 4.8 speed.

Starting twelve games as a sophomore Edwards totaled 45/11/8 in 2004.  He was second in the Big Ten for total sacks.

Presently Edwards ranks as a late second round choice, though that will change based on pre-draft workouts. 

Update 11PM

A second Purdue junior has thrown his hat into the mix as safety Bernard Pollard announced he will also enter next April's draft.  

Pollard moved into the starting line-up as a true freshman and was awarded all conference honors the past two seasons.  A physical run defender in the secondary, he led the Boilermakers with 92 tackles and three interceptions last year.

Presently Pollard rates as a late first day pick best suited for a two-deep zone defense in the NFL.

Ray Edwards Scouting Report from 11/6:

Full Name: Ray Edwards         School: Purdue

Ht: 6-5    Wt: 270    40: 4.71    Yr: 3Jr

Pos: Sensational athlete with outstanding upside for the next level. Plays low with leverage, immediately alters his angle of attack and makes plays in any direction of the field. Fast off the edge and gets a lot of penetration behind the line of scrimmage. Rarely off his feet. Quick and beats immobile blockers.

Neg: Flashy yet marginally productive early in his career.

Analysis: A defensive prospect who plays with great suddenness and explosion, Edwards has the potential to be a very early draft pick in the near future. Offers an array of skills but needs to take his game to another level.