50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Julian Edelman
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) spikes the ball in celebration after catching a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Tom Brady (not pictured) against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
After Wes Welker departed the New England Patriots it was believed the Patriots would suffer by not having a proven possession receiver on the roster. The team signed former Rams Danny Amendola during the off-season that year but it was Edelman who stepped up.
Drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman has become one of Tom Brady’s go to receivers. In his career he has 14 touchdowns on 266 receptions for 2,742 yards and has added 2,179 yards in the return game and four touchdowns with most of his receiving totals coming in the last two seasons.
In 2014 Edelman posted 26 receptions for 281 yards in the post-season alone. In the last two seasons he has 2,028 yards from the receiving position. He jumped from 235 yards receiving in 2012 to 1,056 in 2013.
Edelman is one of the more sure handed receivers in AFC East and is the 2nd most targeted receiver in New England behind Rob Gronkowski.