Vikings’ DB Edwards ready to showcase his skill

By Krupka  |   Friday, June 16, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Minnesota Vikings
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If you utter the name Dovonte Edwards, there are only three groups of people who are likely to know who he is. North Carolina State fans, Minnesota Vikings fans, and Green Bay Packers fans. The most important person to know Edwards, by far, is Packers quarterback Brett Favre.

In Edwards' rookie campaign, he fought all season long for playing time. He displayed a great attitude toward the game and the team, kept working hard, and had that one special moment.

On Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, he saw his first extensive action. Before the game, he reportedly said with confidence that he was going to intercept a Favre pass and make a name for himself on the national stage. He one-upped himself, intercepting an errant Favre pass, and taking it to the house for a 51-yard touchdown.

Not a bad way to start your career.

At times last season, Edwards played very well. What makes it even more remarkable is that he hasn't been a defensive back for long. He signed on and played wide receiver his freshman and sophomore years with the Wolfpack. He was also an accomplished basketball player in high school, recruited by a bevy of mid-major college programs. At one point, he was added to the NC State basketball team as a reserve guard.

So far this offseason, the second-year corner has a stranglehold on the competition for the nickel back job. At 6-0, 182 pounds, he has good size. As a former receiver, he has good hands, fine speed and long arms. He plays gritty on defense, is physical, and will try to jump routes to make spectacular plays.

The plan would be for Edwards to play in nickel and when he's on the field, move No. 1 cornerback Antoine Winfield into the slot.

With Edwards' work-ethic and excellent attitude, he is quickly becoming a favorite of head coach Brad Childress and defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.

A successful 2006 campaign will, no doubt, do wonders for the Minnesota Vikings. On paper, they already have a solid secondary. A good year from Edwards could give the team one of the best pass defenses in the NFL.

Get more Dovonte Edwards insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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