Colts Drafted Punter Over Edelman, A Missed Chance

Colts Draft Punter McAfee Over Edelman in Draft Day Twist

Imagine this: a star receiver who could also return kicks, a potential quarterback convert, and a punter so dominant he looked like the best ever seen. This was the draft day dilemma for the Indianapolis Colts.

It was 2009, and scout Tom Telesco was blown away by Pat McAfee’s pre-game kicking and punting display. He declared McAfee the best punter/kicker he had ever witnessed in a workout, even before the game began.

Telesco, who had scouted for the Chargers, Raiders, and Colts, was so impressed that he immediately told the Colts organization they needed to draft McAfee. He even put McAfee’s name down as his top pick. This was a serious endorsement, marking McAfee as a player the Colts felt they had a real shot at landing.

A Choice Between Two Talents

The Colts had their eyes on two players: Pat McAfee and Julian Edelman. Edelman, a receiver from Kent State, was an intriguing prospect.

He was a good player who could do multiple things, including returning kicks. More importantly, he had been a quarterback, and the Colts saw potential in converting him to a wide receiver.

The team’s plan was ambitious: they wanted to draft both McAfee and Edelman. This would have given them a unique weapon in McAfee and a versatile player in Edelman. However, as the draft clock ticked, a tough decision had to be made in the Colts’ war room.

Punter Wins Out, Edelman Goes Undrafted

The debate heated up: should they select the punter/kicker or the quarterback they wanted to turn into a receiver? Ultimately, the argument for the punter won out. The Indianapolis Colts selected Pat McAfee, believing he was the safer, more immediate impact player at his position.

This decision meant Julian Edelman was left on the draft board. He went undrafted, a surprising outcome for a player with his skill set. Edelman later signed with the New England Patriots, where he would go on to build a legendary career.

McAfee’s Path and Edelman’s Rise

Pat McAfee himself was committed to Kent State before his draft. This means he would have potentially been teammates with Julian Edelman. Both players, however, ended up having incredible careers, becoming stars in their own right, though in very different fields.

McAfee became one of the most dynamic punters in NFL history, known for his powerful leg and engaging personality. He also carved out a significant career in media, most notably with The Pat McAfee Show. Edelman, meanwhile, became a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver and a fan favorite for the Patriots, known for his clutch performances.

A What-If Scenario

Looking back, the decision to draft McAfee over Edelman is a fascinating ‘what-if’ for Colts fans. While McAfee was a fantastic player and brought immense value, Edelman’s career trajectory was extraordinary. The idea of having both McAfee’s booming punts and Edelman’s reliable hands on the same team is a tantalizing thought.

The story highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft. Scouts and general managers make tough calls based on the information they have, but sometimes, a player’s future success can exceed all expectations. The Colts chose a dominant special teams player, while another team found a steal in the undrafted Edelman.

Media Superstars Emerge

Both McAfee and Edelman have successfully transitioned into major media personalities. McAfee’s show has become a massive success, bringing his energetic style and insider access to a huge audience. Edelman, too, has found a voice in media, sharing his insights and experiences from his playing days.

The initial goal for the Colts was to potentially draft both players, recognizing their unique talents. While they only got one, both men went on to achieve significant success and become household names, proving their value far beyond the initial draft day predictions.

The Draft Day Decision

The story, as told by those who were there, paints a picture of a difficult choice. Telesco’s immediate reaction to McAfee’s kicking prowess was a strong indicator of his talent. Yet, the potential of Edelman as a converted quarterback and receiver was also highly appealing to the Colts’ scouting department.

In the end, the Colts went with the punter they believed was the best ever seen in a pre-game workout. This decision, while understandable at the time, led to Edelman being available for the Patriots. It’s a classic draft day tale of how one pick can set two different paths for incredibly talented athletes.

Source: No. 1 punter EVER SEEN ⁉️ WILD Pat McAfee-Julian Edelman NFL draft story 🤯 | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)