"Minitron." That is the nickname for New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman. The fifth-year receiver has been hiding in the shadows for the Patriots ever since being drafted back in 2007. He has been outshined by the likes of guys like Wes Welker opting to quietly put up four underwhelming seasons. However, all that has changed as Edelman now leads the team in receiving, leaving quarterback Tom Brady to compare him to some of the best receivers in the league.
Week after week, Edelman has been coming up big for the young receiving corps of the Patriots. Danny Amendola has failed at his job to replace Welker. He cannot stay healthy enough to make an impact on the field. The remaining Patriots receivers are all rookies or second-year pros still adjusting to the New England offense. That has left Edelman to put up 711 yards off 70 catches, doubling his previous career highs.
According to Tom Curran of CSNNE.com, Brady has now given Edelman the "Minitron" nickname, a take on Calvin Johnson's "Megatron" name. Brady praised the efforts of the receiver against the Houston defense. Edelman did a strong job evaluating the coverage before the quarterback ran a play as time was running off the clock. He made a key catch to extend the drive, leaving Brady smiling.
"That was sweet, they were pressing him. He did a great job to get open, used his body, he played great. I call him Minitron," Brady said.
Edelman continues to prove to be an absolute bargain for the Patriots. The receiver is working off a small $1.1 million contract and is on pace to record 948 yards off 93 receptions and five touchdowns. That is pretty decent production for a guy with a relatively small contract.
Edelman has been Brady's security blanket after the loss of Welker. With injuries to both Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, Edelman has been left as the most reliable target the quarterback has. His ability to get open and catch the deep ball has him rightfully earning that Johnson comparison.
"I'm still constantly trying to learn," Edelman said. "My dad always put it in my head, when you're green, you're growing, when you're ripe, you're lost. When you're done learning, you're done. I have to practice fundamentals because I haven't done it that long, whether it's catching the ball extra, running routes keeping my shoulders over my toes; all that kind of stuff. I'm a practice player. I have to practice to do well."
