The New England Patriots’ wide receiver position faces some major questions heading into the 2020 season coming off a rather disappointing campaign, and one of them is related to its most experienced member: How will Julian Edelman look like? The former Super Bowl MVP was his usual productive self in 2019 — he finished the season with 103 catches for 1,147 yards and six touchdowns — but was slowed down by numerous injuries.
Despite those issues and the unclear outlook of playing alongside a new quarterback following Tom Brady’s free agency departure, Edelman is still considered as one of the best pass catchers in football entering the new season — at least according to high school coach and football writer Brad Kelly, who recently ranked the 25 best wideouts in football for Pro Football Network. The Patriots’ top receiver came in 23rd:
23. Julian Edelman
While the Patriots offense struggled at times last season, Julian Edelman quietly had his best statistical season. His 16-game average since 2013 is 102 receptions for 1,117 yards, and his playoff résumé speaks for itself.
Edelman underwent surgery to repair a separated AC joint in his left shoulder, as well as a scope performed on his left knee, after the Patriots’ season-ending loss against the Tennessee Titans in January. That said, the expectation is that he will be good to go whenever the team eventually returns to the field. Once again, Edelman should therefore serve as a veteran leader in the wide receiver room and as a reliable weapon within the offense surrounding New England’s projected new starting quarterback, Jarrett Stidham.