Daijun Edwards scores first touchdown in NFL preseason debut

Daijun Edwards is no longer a stranger to the NFL end zone. In the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason showdown against the Houston Texans, the rookie running back punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown to cut the Texans lead to 20-12.

The Steelers signed Edwards in April after he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Before heading to the next level, Edwards spent four seasons at Georgia, amassing 51 appearances. He tallied 2,083 yards and 24 touchdowns in the ground game during his collegiate career.

Edwards was more than an excellent rushing threat. He also notched 37 career receptions for 343 yards, ultimately boosting Georgia to two national championships and one SEC title during his time in Athens.

Daijun Edwards played high school football at Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia, where he was a four-star recruit. He ranked as the No. 299 overall prospect and the No. 31 running back in the 2020 class, according to the On3 Industry Rating.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a 10-7 season that saw them finish third in the competitive AFC North. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs, with the offense being a key reason why the team couldn’t get over the hump in 2023.

Daijun Edwards runs it in for 6️⃣

📲 Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/RJCZ461qf9

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 10, 2024

Now, the Steelers are completely revamping their offense, bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback. On top of that, Pittsburgh drafted three offensive linemen. With so much talent already on Pittsburgh’s roster, Edwards hopes to carve out a role for himself. 

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Daijun Edwards

Prior to the NFL Draft, analyst Lance Zierlein broke down Daijun Edwards and what to expect from him in the NFL. In particular, he praised Edwards for how he helped the Bulldogs, even if there were areas of concern moving to the next level.

“Edwards has done a solid job of handling his business and helping the Georgia offense over the last two seasons. He’s slightly undersized as an early-down back, but it doesn’t hold him back as an interior runner with good contact balance and run strength,” Zierlein wrote.

“Edwards is an unorthodox runner with the ability to side-step the first tackler, but his run tends to get bogged down after that, as other defenders rally and scoop him up. He reads blockers fairly well and can squeeze through the crevices, but he lacks the consistent quickness needed to stay ahead of NFL defenses. Edwards should battle for a roster spot as a Day 3 pick.”

On3’s Dan Morrison also contributed to this article.