Bill Belichick compares young Patriots WR to franchise legend Julian Edelman

If you're being compared to Julian Edelman, you're doing something right. Young Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers has been likened to the three-time Super Bowl champion by his head coach Bill Belichick.

The 25-year-old is slowly making strides in his game and has started his fourth year with the Patriots in sensational fashion. While not the finished product by any means, Belichick sees similarities between Meyers and Edelman.

Both started their careers not as one of the best receivers, but through hard work and determination, they started making a big impact on the team.

Belichick said via Zack Cox of NESN:

"Jakobi's [Meyers] development as a player - honestly we've had a lot of guys like that, come in as a rookie free agent, expectations are low immediately. But then things start to improve, such as his blocking, and his overall route running and instinctive, and savviness, different but kind of like Julian [Edelman] in the development."

Bill Belichick compared Jakobi Meyers' NFL rise to Julian Edelman's.

"It's really fun to see guys develop like that. Come in and not be very far along but then progressively just keep stacking, and stacking, and stacking and stacking." https://t.co/2zQLRpgs0W

Belichick added:

"It's been a great time of growth for him. It's really fun to see guys develop ike that. Come in and not be very far along but then progressively just keep stacking and stacking, and stacking and stacking. So, I think you watch guys develop like that, it's really, it's fun to watch. It's a real credit to the amount of work and time they put into it."

Julian Edelman comparision fair for Jakobi Meyers?

Jakobi Meyers as good as Julian Edelman?

Like Julian Edelman, Jakobi Meyers' NFL career started off slowly. Taken in the 2019 NFL draft as a free agent, it took time for him to find his footing.

"When I have a new QB or a guy that's not used to me, I try to get open faster."

Jakobi Meyers talks about the adjustments he makes when playing with a new quarterback #ForeverNE https://t.co/xUGwrs4W4T

His first season saw minimal gametime, but as he made plays, he got more involved in the offense. With each season, Meyers' reception and yards totals have increased. He had a career-best season last year, catching 83 passes for 866 yards and two touchdowns.

BAILEY ZAPPE ➡️ JAKOBI MEYERS FOR THE 24 YARD TD! #Patriots https://t.co/t2EDd0VlTQ

In just three games this season, Meyers has 20 receptions for 261 yards and a touchdown. His receiving totals have gone up in each game and last week against the Lions, he showed up in a big way.

He caught seven passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. Like Julian Edelman, Jakobi Meyers was recruited as a quarterback in college, but then switched to becoming a wide receiver.

To say that the move has paid dividends is an understatement as he is now an NFL-caliber wideout. The comparison to the Patriots superstar is a good recognition for Meyers.

He will surely now want those three Super Bowl rings as well.