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Could The Signing Of Jeff Demps With The Patriots Signal The End For Julian Edelman?
By: Russ Goldman

Could Jeff Demps arrival with the Patriots mean the potential end for Julian Edelman with the team?...

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patfanken

After reading the 3 articles you and your cohorts have given us, you guys better stick with your radio show, because each one gets more far fetched than the last.

Do you really want us to believe that Demps can immediately replace a proven and reliable NFL punt returner with 2 TDs and a 12 yd average, just because he's fast and caught a few punts as a freshman?

Do you expect us to believe that BB would cut his back up slot receiver, whose versatility at other positions has been widely noted to replace him with a player who is 5 months behind in his football preparations, 3 months behind in his playbook knowledge and 3 weeks behind in camp.....JUST because he's fast.

Well, Russ. You may be worried about Julian Edelman's future, I'm beginning to worry about your thought process. Not your best effort, though I'm sure Ice would think differently

Ice_Ice_Brady

I still have not heard any Edelman backers explain where he adds any value besides as a punt returner (good for maybe three returns a game and adding about 2-3 yards above average, for a net total of nine yards above the next guy.)

If you don't believe Edelman is a severe liability on offense, you haven't been paying attention. I was super hyped when he came into the league and looked like Welker, but since then, he has never been on the same page as Brady. He has terrible ball instincts, not very good hands, and can't get open. How many picks were thrown at JE last year? 4? How many receptions did he have? 10?

On defense, come on. Okay, he filled in as a nickel back at times because of necessity, not talent. Cute story, but you can't seriously pull value from his ability to play defense and be the one of the worst cornerbacks in the league. This isn't a knock on him, but he isn't really a two-way player. In fact, he's a good punt returner, nothing more.

Does that justify a roster spot? Edelman is good. He isn't Devin Hester (Hester, by the way, is more versatile and can be a threat on offense.) If Demps can simply add some immediate value as a KR, why is that less value than Edelman as a PR? But Demps has more natural talent than Edelman, has potential to play other positions, and overall could add much more value. Not to mention I would take a stud, breakaway KR over a stud, breakaway PR any day of the week.

Sfpat

Not this again.

I take it you haven't been paying attention to camp and the Pats first pre-season game (uncoverable, precise routes, etc, you can look up the links). Edelman joined the Pats having played QB and never running a pass route or catching a pass in his life. He needed some time to learn the route tree and earn his "stripes." In the meantime, he's flashed exceptional ability and athleticism (yes, I know he dropped a pass or two, which seems to be all most remember). Reiss and others covering the team are claiming he's basically the most exciting receiver on the team, catching everything. So yea, I would say there is reason to be optimistic about him (and he doesn't fumble nearly as much as Demps, but let's not let facts get in the way).

serifyn

I've been hearing reports that Edelman is in competition for the 3rd WR role on this team, that based on the fact that he is one of their 3 best Special teams players means that he isnt going anywhere.

Sciz

That's kind of funny, considering that Edelman's ability to get open has been fantastic so far this camp. Reporters seem to think that he's gotten faster, but he says he just improved his route running to be more efficient with his cuts. The guy is entering his fourth year of playing receiver at an level of football. Ignoring that he's statistically the best punt returner in Patriots history, I don't think he's hit his ceiling as a receiver either.

Either way, his most important role will continue to Welker insurance. And just like Hoyer, I hope we never have to see him play in that role.

Also, don't underestimate the value of just being able to line him up on defense. If there's a short-term CB injury during the season and the Pats are stuck with just 3 CBs for a game or two, then they could stuck with the current roster and use Edelman as the emergency #4 corner without having to sign a different one. That's valuable. He doesn't need to be super awesome. He needs to be able to not be a complete liability, and he wasn't.

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naF staP

This is crazy talk. Bad article is Bad.

italia44

My name is Johnson........Andy Johnson...Martini,shaken,not stirred

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Gronkandez

When I saw the title of this trread/article the first thing I thought was, "Where is Patfanken, the #1 Edelbacker on the board?" Not surprisingly he was the first reply. Lucky for the edelovers he is safe...well, until they draft Honey Badger next year.

Bobs My Uncle

While it's possible the signing of Demps could mean the end for Edelman, it's also the case for many others as well. Didn't really need someone to write an article on it though.