NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers crashes into tacklers Tremaine Edmunds #49 and Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field on September 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

16. Buffalo Bills: Tremaine Edmunds, LB

There was some debate about whether Tremaine Edmunds or Roquan Smith would be the first linebacker off the board. in the 2018 NFL Draft. As we saw, the Georgia product ended up going at No. 8 to the Bears, and then Edmunds lasted until No. 16 when the Buffalo Bills called his name.

The Virginia Tech product has a ton of upside as he has great instincts, desirable speed, and is built like a defensive end at 6-foot-5 and 250-pounds. So far, Buffalo seems happy with their selection as Edmunds finds himself in position to make plays throughout every game.

He’s also gotten the attention of people like Brian Baldinger of NFL Network. When breaking down film of Edmunds, Baldinger had high praise for the young man.

"“This Tremaine Edmunds is one hell of a football player.” — Baldinger said according to Nick Wojton of Bills Wire/USA Today"

That’s some pretty high praise for the young man who has 70 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in his first nine games as a pro. He hasn’t been making the huge splash plays we saw while at Tech, but the more comfortable he gets in his role, the more those plays should happen.

Grade: B-

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