Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When an NFL player finds a team and a quarterback that fits his style of play, he can be set for a very long time. When it comes to fantasy football, you can’t always take the players that were drafted the highest or the players who are the fastest at the combine. Here, we are going to take a look at my number three rated breakout player, and it is New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.
Edelman was looked at as the no. 3 receiver going into the year, especially with the signing of Danny Amendola. Edelman has been with the Patriots since 2009 and did get some playing time, but no one could have imagined that he would become Tom Brady’s favorite receiver during the season.
Edelman had career-highs in every offensive category. His previous high for single-season yards was 359 yards, and he smashed that with a 1,056-yard season. He also scored more touchdowns this season (six) then he has scored over the rest of his career (four). He had 105 receptions and became the new Wes Welker for Brady.
If you are a fantasy football manager, then you really have to consider this former seventh-round pick next season. Brady is one of the most accurate passers in NFL history. That is exactly the type of receiver you want to draft: one that has a quarterback that can get him the ball on a regular basis. Edelman is set to be a free agent this offseason. If he re-signs with the Patriots, look for him to have another 1,000-plus yard season again in 2014.
Edelman does not have the speed that others receivers do nor does he have the height like a Calvin Johnson. What Edelman does have is the grit you want to see in a receiver as well as the consistency with his hands. If he returns to New England, you must have him on your draft radar this coming season for a very nice WR2 option, especially in PPR leagues.
Dom DeCarlo is a Fantasy blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him @DomDecarlo1, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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Fantasy Football 2014 Breakout Player: No. 4 Chris Ivory
Fantasy Football 2014 Breakout Player: No. 5 Kyle Rudolph
