STRENGTHS - Edwards has very good length for the CB position and uses it to jam receivers effectively off the LOS as well as defeat blocks. His recognition skills and foot quickness allow him to consistently beat blocks to the POA to get involved in run plays. He does an effective job of breaking down in space and consistently wraps up to finish open field tackles. He flashes some break and close ability on plays in front when he's playing over his feet with proper base and leverage.
WEAKNESSES - Edwards is high cut and narrow through his hips. His pedal is upright and choppy, and consequently he looks stiff and robotic transitioning into his chase and consistently loses a step or two on the flip. Once beaten on the break he lacks the recovery speed needed to make up the difference, and also does not display the long speed needed to stay with receivers on downfield routes. He does not display the agility and COD needed to adjust to the ball in the air, and his game generally lacks explosiveness.
SUMMARY - Kip Edwards has the measurables of a starting NFL CB, but lacks the athleticism and bulk to start at the next level. His long legs hurt his ability to flip and chase efficiently, and he lacks the long speed and acceleration to stay with receivers in space. He does, however, bring value as a run defender, as he uses his length effectively to set and defeat blockers and works to wrap up and consistently finish tackles in space. If he can learn to stay low in his pedal and over his feet, he could develop into a solid backup for a cover 2 based defense, but he will also need to add significant bulk to his lower body first. .