Former New England Patriots wideout Julian Edelman’s legacy as a gritty slot receiver, clutch performer and underdog story continues to inspire a new generation of NFL wideouts who share his tenacity and route-running precision.
As current NFL teams seek versatile playmakers capable of thriving in high-pressure situations, several young talents are emerging with the potential to echo Edelman’s impact, from his playoff heroics to his relentless work ethic. Here are five current players with the chance to follow in Edelman’s footsteps.
Efton Chism III, Patriots
Interestingly, Edelman himself recently said that Chism reminds him of another former Patriots wideout: Danny Amendola. The Chism-Edelman comparison works, too, though.
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Chism, an undrafted rookie, has drawn direct comparisons to Edelman for his playing style and competitive fire. Former NFL analyst Brian Baldinger noted Chism’s similarities to Edelman and Wes Welker, emphasizing his record-breaking college season at Eastern Washington, where he amassed 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns. Chism’s preseason stats—12 receptions, averaging 60.5 yards per game, and two touchdowns—signalled his readiness to step up in New England’s offense in the coming months.
Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
Reed’s explosive quickness and ability to create yards after the catch mirror Edelman’s elusiveness in the slot. As a young receiver in a dynamic offense, Reed’s 2024 breakout—over 800 yards and eight touchdowns—positions him for greater roles, especially with his route discipline and toughness in traffic. He could evolve into a reliable chain-mover like Edelman in playoff scenarios.
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Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Downs brings a similar underdog vibe to Edelman, having overcome size concerns to excel as a precise route runner with strong hands. His sophomore season showed flashes of Edelman’s clutch gene, with key third-down conversions that kept drives alive. Downs’s agility and football IQ make him a natural fit for the slot, where he could develop into a quarterback’s best friend in high-stakes games.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
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Robinson embodies the shifty, versatile archetype, using his speed and vision to turn short passes into big gains, much like Edelman’s YAC prowess. Despite injury setbacks, Robinson’s recent performances indicate a trajectory toward becoming a dependable option alongside Malik Nabers in New York.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba’s smooth route stems and body control evoke Edelman. As he builds chemistry in Seattle’s offense, Smith-Njigba’s potential for contested catches and red-zone efficiency could cement him as a big-time player.
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