Armanti Edwards Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Armanti Edwards (14) returns a punt against the New Orleans Saints during fourth quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Kickoff series last season that we decided to do it again.  In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Bears September 7th season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

We’re 80 days away from the Chicago Bears season opener and that brings our Countdown to Kickoff series to number 80, WR/KR Armanti Edwards.  Edwards was a new addition to the Bears this offseason, and faces an uphill battle to make the final roster.  Edwards will be competing with the likes of Terrence Tolliver and Michael Spurlock for the 5th wide receiver spot, and will likely have to show his worth on special teams to win the job.  Spurlock seems to be his main competition, since both players are listed as WR/KR on the roster.

Armanti Edwards spent his college years playing quarterback for Appalachian State.  Most of you will remember him from a 2007 game in which he led the Mountaineers to a stunning 34-32 upset of number 5 ranked Michigan.  Edwards had 3 passing touchdowns that game to go along with one on the ground.  He also put up some pretty impressive stats while at Appalachian State.  As a freshman in 2006, Edwards became one of only a handful of players in the history of college football to throw for 2000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in the same season.

The Carolina Panthers selected Edwards in the 3rd round (89th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft to be, among other things, a wildcat quarterback.  After the wildcat fad ended as quickly as it started, Edwards made practically no impact as a receiver and a somewhat limited impact as a return man.  The Panthers cut him during the 2013 season and he was subsequently signed by the Cleveland Browns.

Edwards will be one of the players I monitor closely during the preseason, since the Bears definitely have a need for depth in the return game in the wake of Devin Hester leaving for the Atlanta Falcons.  What do you guys think?  Will he make the roster?

Be on the lookout for our Countdown to Kickoff series as we continue to work our way to the season opener on September 7th.  We’re 80 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???