Lavar Edwards: Tennessee Titans Draft DE in 2013 NFL Draft, No. 142

Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back George Johnson (35) is tackled by LSU Tigers defensive end Lavar Edwards (89) in the second half of the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Clemson won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans enthusiasts who were demanding a defensive end can rest at ease. With the No. 142 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Lavar Edwards learned that he would compete with Keyunta Dawson and Scott Solomon for playing time as a reserve defensive end for the Titans.

At 6-4 and 270 pounds, Edwards spent the majority of his college football career as a swingman for LSU. That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t any good—he just played behind talents such as Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery. Edwards has great discipline as a run-defender and will provide value against read-option offenses.

How important are these players who can compete against the read-option? Let’s consider 2013. From Week 4-7, the Titans could play Geno Smith, Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick.

Here’s the NFL.com profile on Edwards. According to the “bottom line:”

"Edwards hasn’t started a lot of games, and his statistics aren’t exceptional. But that’s no shame given the elite talent in front of him on LSU’s depth chart; even in his somewhat limited reps, scouts can see he has the physical tools to contribute as a mid-round 4-3 defensive end prospect able to play on either side of the line of scrimmage. Edwards should be able to find a niche in the NFL as a swing man defensive end, just like he plays at LSU."

As of this submission, the Titans have picks No. 202 and No. 248. Both of these are ineligible for trading because they’re compensatory picks. If Zac Stacy or Khalid Wooten are still available at No. 202, look for the Titans to give them strong consideration. If they wanted more picks, they could trade a late-round pick in 2014 for a late-round pick in this draft.

The Titans have made six picks. Of those picks, four of them were SEC players. These players include Chance Warmack, Justin Hunter, Zaviar Gooden and Lavar Edwards. Their non-SEC players include Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Brian Schwenke.