With the third overall pick in 1977, the Bengals selected Eddie Edwards, who arrived in Cincinnati from Miami with a reputation as an unstoppable force along the line of scrimmage. A consensus All-American for the Hurricanes, Edwards gave Forrest Gregg and Bill Walsh an immediate, high-octane anchor to jumpstart the Bengals' defense.

Edwards hit the ground running as an interior force. Lined up at defensive tackle for his first three seasons (1977–1979), his initial burst and heavy hands allowed him to shed guards instantly, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors in 1977.

By 1980, the coaching staff slid him out to defensive end, a move that unlocked his full capability as an edge rusher. Edwards utilized long arms, relentless pursuit, and a sudden change-of-direction stick to terrorize opposing tackles.

His peak arrived in 1983, when he exploded for a career-high 13.0 official sacks. Edwards served as a cornerstone defender during the most iconic era of early Bengals football, starting in Super Bowl XVI in 1981 and anchoring the defensive front through Cincinnati's run to Super Bowl XXIII in 1988.

Because the NFL did not make sacks an official statistic until 1982, his official tally stands at 47.5. However, film study and the work of Pro Football Reference confirm he actually brought down opposing quarterbacks 83.5 times during his tenure, a shadow franchise mark that leads all pass rushers in Cincinnati history.