Only 53 of those players will be able to survive roster cutdowns and ultimately make the active team, with others competing for practice squad spots. After all, his intelligence, route running ability and connection with Brady make him a valuable and reliable cog in the offensive machinery one that is a candidate to receive a contract extension during the season.With the NFL free agency and draft both in the rear-view mirror, and the final phase of voluntary offseason workouts underway, the New England Patriots are officially “on to 2023.”Īt the moment, the Patriots 89 players on their roster. As Tom Brady’s safety blanket, he will therefore once again be a candidate to lead the team in catches and possibly other statistics – despite the acquisition of Brandin Cooks and the return of Rob Gronkowski.Įven though the Patriots’ skill positions in general have never been this deep since Edelman was drafted in 2009, it would be a surprise to see him – barring any injury – on the field for fewer than 2017's 80.3% of offensive snaps. In short: 2016 was another highly successful campaign for the former seventh round pick – one that culminated in the second Super Bowl victory of his career a game during which he made one of the greatest catches in NFL history.Ģ017 preview: Entering the final year of his contract, Edelman is once again projected to be a key member of New England’s offensive attack. Edelman finished the season with a combined 22 punt returns for 201 yards (9.1 yards/return) as well as three kick returns for 44 yards (19.7/return). As he did during the regular season, Edelman also led the Patriots in catches (21), targets (36) and receiving yards (342) during the playoffs.įurthermore, the Kent State product also served as a member of New England’s return game rotation. While he saw 10+ targets in three of New England’s first eight games, the veteran was targeted more than 10 times in nine of the team’s final 11 contests – among them all three playoff games. He also scored three touchdowns as well as a two-point conversion.Įdelman was especially productive after the Patriots’ week nine bye and with Tom Brady back throwing him passes. Consequently, he led the team in multiple receiving categories: No other player caught more passes (98), was targeted more often (159 a career high) or registered more receiving yards (1,106 a career high) than Edelman. Throughout the season, Edelman displayed his trademark agility, toughness and chemistry with the quarterbacks. Despite being forced to catch passes from three different quarterbacks and needing time to get back to 100%, the veteran wideout had one of the best statistical years of his eight-year career. Today, we’ll continue the series with the Patriots’ number one wideout.Ģ016 review: After missing seven games in 2015 due to a broken foot, Julian Edelman returned as his usual reliable self in 2016 and, for just the second time in his career, appeared in every one of the Patriots’ games. 53 of currently 88 players will be asked to help the team defend its Super Bowl title. ![]() ![]() Over the course of the next few months, we will take a look at the men fighting for them on the 2017 New England Patriots. However, while the football world seemingly turns slower these days it does not stop.Īfter all, until the late-August's roster cuts, players need to have secured their spots on the team. Free agency and the draft are behind us, while minicamp and training camp won't start until early June and late July, respectively. ![]() We have entered the deepest depths of the NFL offseason.
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