12 Patriots Who Could Have Their Number Retired After Tom Brady

7. Julian Edelman/Drew Bledsoe

A two-for-one in this scenario, Julian Edelman and Drew Bledsoe come from different eras of Patriot lore but both had incredible impacts on their respective stints.

Bledsoe was the first overall draft pick in 1993. He was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Patriots and led the NFL in passing yards in 1994. His performance was good enough to earn him a spot on the New England Patriots All-1990s Team. Bledsoe was also inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bledsoe has the second-most passing yards and third-most passing touchdowns in franchise history. He is easily the best quarterback in franchise history not named Tom Brady, which is a pretty high bar to supersede.

Edelman was an unheralded draft pick who was selected in the seventh round in 2009. He went from a converted college quarterback to a Super Bowl MVP at wide receiver in Super Bowl LIII. Edelman spent his entire 11-year career with the Patriots, retiring with the second-most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards in franchise history. He was named to New England's All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team.

Third-year receiver Tyquan Thornton is currently assigned no. 11, but surely he can give up the number for two Patriot greats (if Thornton can even hold onto a roster spot).