Ray Edwards attended Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio where he was a four-year starter, playing tight end and linebacker. As a junior, Ray totaled 105 tackles and 12 sacks. As a senior he finished with 110 tackles, 12 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles on his way to first team all-state honors and league player of the year. He was considered to be one of the top 10 players in the state of Ohio and one of the top defensive end prospects in the nation. He accepted a scholarship to play at Purdue and was a contributor from the beginning. As a freshman he served as a reserve defensive end and pass rush specialist. He totaled 10 tackles and 2 ½ sacks on the season and was named to the freshman all-big ten team. Ray earned a starting job as a sophomore and came through with the most productive year of his career. He had career highs in tackles (45), sacks (8), and forced fumbles (2), on his way to honorable mention all-big ten. Ray came through with another solid season as a junior, totaling 28 tackles, 5 ½ sacks, and his first career interception. Ray has another year of eligibility left but he opted to leave school early to enter the 2006 NFL draft.

Ray Edwards has a good combination of size and athleticism for a defensive end. He has long arms and the frame to add more bulk. He has a quick first step which helps him beat most offensive tackles off the snap of the ball. He is a very good pass rusher with good closing speed getting to the quarterback. Not only is he a good pass rusher, but a solid run defender as well. He has enough power to hold up at the point of attack but may want to still increase his strength. His biggest problem is his inconsistency. He had a great junior year then had just an average year as a senior. He doesn’t always give 100% on every play and may need to go to a team that will keep him motivated. Although he does have his problems, Ray Edwards has a great deal of upside and could be a very special player with the proper motivation. He would have helped his draft stock had he stayed in school and had a good senior year. As it is he will need to have impressive workouts to solidify himself as a first day selection. At worst he is an early second day pick in the 2006 NFL draft.