New England Patriots: Revisiting and Grading the 2009 NFL Draft

Oct 27, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) before their game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

7th Round #232 overall: Julian Edelman, Wide Receiver

7th Round #234 overall: Darryl Richard, Defensive Tackle

The 7th round of the draft shows why teams keep these picks: the occasional home run. While Dary Richard never played, a quarterback out of Kent State made an impact on special teams and later contributed in all three phases of the game at slot receiver, punt returns, and even at cornerback in a pinch. Although converted from quarterback, the Patriots found one after the draft as undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer made the team as a backup.

As a rookie, Edelman pulled in 37 receptions despite breaking his arm during the season. When starter Wes Welker blew out his knee in the final regular season game, Edelman stepped in with ten receptions for 103 yards against Houston. Starting in the Wild Card round, Edelman has six receptions and two touchdowns in the loss to Baltimore. His playing time fell off, but he was actively involved in special teams and on defense as a cornerback in 2011 and playing more in 2012 on offense until injured.

Stepping in as a starter in 2013 with Wes Welker departed and big money free agent Danny Amendola injured, Edelman put up over 100 receptions and topped 1,000 yards as he positioned himself for a significant payday in 2014.

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED:

Edelman was a home run in the 7th round. Running back Rashad Jennings (picked #250 overall by Jacksonville) or kicker Ryan Succop (Mr. Irrelevant at #256 overall being picked by Kansas City) are the only real contributors taken after Edelman. Of course, Houston found running back Arian Foster as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and he would have been a great grab in the 7th round.

GRADE: A