Interesting, I remember Lynn Swann having a pretty pedestrian career numbers wise.
Julian Edelman:
9 Seasons
5,390 career yards
499 catches
30 TDs
2 1,000+ seasons
4 seasons with at least 70 receptions (3 over 90)
Playoffs: 18 games, 115 catches, 1412 yards, 5 TDs, 3 Super Bowls, 1 SB MVP
Swann:
9 seasons
5,462 yards
51 TDs
0 1,000 yard seasons
0 seasons with at least 70 receptions
Playoffs: 16 games, 48 catches, 907 yards, 9 TDs, 4 Super Bowls, 1 SB MVP
It's a different era. Both guys are in based on their postseason resume, and Swann was a better red zone option, but Edelman was a better regular season player and more prolific, albeit playing in a much more pass friendly atmosphere. Edelman also not a starter until his 5th season, so most of his numbers have really been compiled over a five-year span. Plus he has contributed more as a punt returner.