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2019 NFL Scouting Combine: Day 3 draft prospects 49ers should watch

By Matt Stephenson

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 03: Jordan Jones #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after a goal line stop in the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 03: Jordan Jones #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after a goal line stop in the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 3, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. Georgia won 34-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Mike Edwards #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates an interception against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)
COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Mike Edwards #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates an interception against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

Safety Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards, a senior from Kentucky, has provided great numbers since his sophomore year. Coming in at 6-foot and 200 pounds, Edwards is a tackling machine, combining for 317 tackles across his college career.

2018 saw Edwards with a combined total of 82 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss. He recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, along with six pass deflections and one forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Edwards is able to accelerate and close on the ball with great short-distance speed. This gives him the ability to contest those shorter passes and compete for the ball with slot receivers.

He brings with him a good foundation in man coverage and has the ability and eye to wait for plays to develop rather than jumping in too eagerly. Edwards displays a solid run defense, with Kentucky utilizing him heavily in this regard.

While man coverage is his strong point, Edwards is capable of defending in zone coverage due to his quick processing aptitude. With the 49ers often struggling in missed assignments and blown coverage, his skill in this area would add value to the secondary.