Texas LB Steve Edmond Invited To Saints Rookie Mini-Camp
According to Nick Underhill of The Advocate via Texas.247Sports.com, Texas linebacker Steve Edmond has been given an invite to the New Orleans Saints rookie mini-camp.
Edmond was said to be a huge part of the Longhorns defense and in his college career he registered 323 tackles with 23 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles.
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In 2014 he was a member of the watch list for the 2014 Butkus Award and Rotary Lombardi Award as well as a three-time All-Big 12 choice, earning honorable mention honors 2012-14.
Despite these accolades Edmond was not invited to attend the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine and even had a piece of bad fortune.
He tore his meniscus in October of 2014 in a game against Oklahoma for which he later had surgery following Texas’ defeat at the hands of Arkansas in the Advocare V100 Texas Bowl on December 29, 2014.
Oct 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) is tackled by Texas Longhorns linebacker Steve Edmond (33) in the first quarter at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
At his Pro Day the 6’2″ 261 lb Edmond ran a 4.99 40-yard dash, posted a 24.5 inch vertical, a 116 inch broad jump, and did 19 reps on bench press.
Chris Gittings of One West Sports Agency who represents Edmonds explained to 247Sports.com why they chose the Saints.
"“Without a doubt this is the best situation for Steve. Between the scheme fit and the roster fit it’s a good situation, which is why I was excited about it when it came up. They drafted two linebackers, but they really have a lot of questions at inside linebacker.”"
What Gittings is referring to is the Saints current inside linebacker depth which is David Hawthorne, Dannell Ellerbe, Ramon Humber, and Stephone Anthony.
Hawthorne who has played weakside linebacker will be new to the inside but is expected to be able to handle the transition.
Ellerbe is coming off his injured season from 2014 and the Saints are hoping he’s the player he used to be with the Baltimore Ravens.
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Humber has mainly served in a backup role while Anthony will have to earn his spot even though he’s expected to contribute as a first round pick.
If Edmond can prove that his injury rehabilitation is progressing then he might have a good shot at turning some heads at the rookie mini-camp.
Draft analyst Mike Detillier actually had Edmond ranked as his #20 inside linebacker in his draft guide.
This could mean that the Saints have found yet another discarded gem at linebacker — that just use some polishing……
Next: Why Saints Rookie LB Davis Tull is the Steal of the 2015 Draft