The Julian Edelman experiment possibly has ended in New England.
He’s not getting cut. But the receiver may not be playing much, if any, defense.
According to Nick Underhill of MassLive.com, Edelman has not been involved in any defensive meetings during offseason workouts, and he has taken no reps on defense during Organized Team Activities.
“You’d have to ask Coach on that,” Edelman said regarding whether he’ll be playing defense in 2012. “All I can do is just worry on trying to learn the receiver position and whatever they want me to do on any other phase of the game.”
When Edelman last played defensive back, he was trying (key word: trying) to cover Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin in the slot during crunch time of the AFC title game. Edelman took no snaps on defense during Super Bowl XLVI.
But here’s the thing. With 90 players on the roster during the offseason, there are more than enough guys to play defensive back. Once the squad is cut to 53, with only 46 dressing on game days, the Pats may need Edelman to flip-flop from time to time.
Even if a guy like Boldin makes Edelman look like a fish flopping in a boat.