Steven Ridley’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft

With the ninth overall pick in the 2018 Steven Ridley NFL Mock Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select:

Tremaine Edmunds; Linebacker from Virgina Tech University.

Sans Josh Allen, there is not another player who has more “Boom/Bust” potential as Tremaine Edmunds. On one hand, he has the highest ceiling and greatest potential of any defensive prospect in the class. His versatility and athleticism is unmatched within the linebacking class as to what he can do. Realistically, he can play up to three different positions within the 49er’s defensive scheme; the LEO and either the “Mike” or “Sam” spots. On the other hand, he also possess the biggest bust potential in the class. His potential is largely connected to his age; 20 when he enters the draft. The issue is, he really does not know what he does not know. He bites extremely hard on play action and lunges too often upon pre snap reads; over pursuing and being over aggressive as a result. That being said, how well Tremaine does in the league will largely depend on who his defense coordinator is; namely someone with a history of linebacking coaching. Thankfully for fans of the “Gold Rush”, Robert Saleh is just the type of coach who will allow Tremaine to unlock his potential in due time. Here is another positive aspect; Kyle Shannhan need not worry about character issues with Edmunds.