When Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a shoulder injury against the Dolphins, Julian Edelman instantly skyrocketed up the Patriots quarterback depth chart from emergency backup to one play away. Embedded in any Patriots story this week is the mandatory citation that Edelman was a college quarterback at Kent State.
We all know that. So what’s the scouting report for QB Edelman if Brissett goes down against the Texans tomorrow?
Objectively, he had a nice college career. He was a three-year starter for the Golden Flashes. His senior year he threw for 1,820 yards and 13 TD’s while completing 56% of his passes, and led the team in rushing with 1,370 yards. He broke longtime NFL kick returner Josh Cribbs’ single-season school record for total offense.
His college highlights are that of an effective, physically undersized, small school, dual threat quarterback, who would never have sniffed the NFL at the position because he’s too small and doesn’t throw it remotely close to well enough. That’s not breaking news, or a scathing critique. Obviously, NFL scouts agreed and an elite slot-jockey wide receiver was born.
Based on Edelman’s college highlights, if he does get called into action, the Patriots will be running heavy doses of read option and LeGarrette Blount. If you don’t think Belichick has something prepared just in case, you’re out of your flippin’ mind.
Sick production value on the highlight video.