They've got similar body types and skill sets, and they've each conquered the role of the underdog. Welker went undrafted in 2004 and was later cut by the Chargers before emerging as a dominant NFL receiver, and Edelman made the transition from a college quarterback into a valuable receiving asset during his 2009 rookie season.
Because of those parallels, as well as Edelman's ability to step in when Welker went down in the regular-season finale, the comparisons only seemed natural. Edelman, though, prefers to tune them out.
"I've been hearing it so much that you just let it go in one ear and out the other," Edelman said. "It's unfair to him, ultimately, because he's one of the best in the league, and I'm just a guy trying to earn a job. It's unfair to him, and I just let it go in one ear and out the other because everyone is always saying it."
Edelman fought through forearm and shoulder injuries in 2009 to catch 37 passes for 359 yards and one touchdown. His role should expand in 2010, as Welker could potentially miss the start of the season as he recovers from his own knee and shoulder injuries.
Edelman made it clear he isn’t putting it on himself to replace Welker, but the younger receiver does spend plenty of time studying Welker's habits. That will obviously only help Edelman, and it could make the transition much more seamless for New England's offense.
So, even though Edelman won't listen to the outside comparisons to Welker, it has become apparent that Edelman has found a mentor to model himself after. There might be no better fit for him around the league.
"He's had a huge impact," Edelman said. "Any time you can just sit and watch Wes Welker play, you take mental reps. It helps you a lot because a lot of the times, most of the times, 98 percent of the time, he's right. Anytime you can just sit there and watch him, you visualize yourself in that position, you take a mental rep and it's helping you. It was a huge part of helping me out to transition into the position."
