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Gus Edwards an UDFA to watch for the Baltimore Ravens

By Joe Schiller

PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Gus Edwards #13 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights carries the ball during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 30, 2017 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State won 56-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Gus Edwards #13 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights carries the ball during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 30, 2017 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ohio State won 56-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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Running back Gus Edwards is an undrafted free agent signing that could have a strong chance to make the Baltimore Ravens roster this offseason.

For 14 straight seasons, at least one undrafted free agent has made the Baltimore Ravens roster. It’s an unprecedented streak by a team that values these players more than others but can it continue this season? It’s going to be easier said than done.

The Ravens added 12 draft picks alone, on top of 15 undrafted rookie signings. That’s not to mention any tryout players that have made their way into the mix. A 90-man roster will be dwindled down to 53 players for the regular season, making the backend spots a fierce competition throughout the entire offseason.

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski highlighted one UDFA with the best chance to make each team. Rutgers running back Gus Edwards was his choice for the Ravens.

"Edwards has a slight edge since he’s 240 pounds yet still maintains 4.52-second 40-yard-dash speed. The Miami transfer can be an ideal complement to Alex Collins, Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon.The competition will be fierce with all three undrafted backs on the roster, but the Ravens clearly wanted to add something more to their stable. Edwards presents something a little different with his size-speed ratio."

It makes sense. Out of the entire offseason overhaul on the offensive side of the ball, the Ravens have yet to add a notable running back. They chose not to address the position through the early portions of free agency or the draft.

Edwards spent three seasons at Miami and was redshirted after his sophomore year due to a season-ending foot injury. He played his junior season before making the move to Rutgers as a graduate transfer, totaling 816 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. The Knights struggled in a competitive Big 10 conference but Edwards did enough to stand out as a UDFA for Ozzie Newsome and company.

As it stands, Alex Collins is the starting back with Buck Allen as number two. Kenneth Dixon is a complete question mark after missing the entire 2017 season with suspensions and injuries. But even then his upside will likely be enough to earn a roster spot. The Ravens took three running backs plus Pat Ricard at fullback on the 53-man roster last season, leaving the third spot up for grabs. Edwards will not only have to compete against the starters but the other two UDFA running backs currently on the roster (Mark Thompson and De’Lance Turner).

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 roster bubble players to watch

It’s an uphill battle but if history repeats itself, Edwards could continue the streak by making his way on to the 53-man roster this season.

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