BelichickFan

I know Mayo does because we talked about him before his draft class. I, and several others, wanted to take a shot at him late.

Patriots work out DL Armstead - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Worked out for the Pats today, I didn't know he led the CFL in sacks. Hoping we sign him for 2013.

mayoclinic

I was very high on Armstead going into the 2011 season, and then he took a medical redshirt because of heart problems related to medication, and teams passed on him in the draft. I had hopes the Pats might sign him as a UDFA, and they attended his workout.

Claremonster started a thread last month on CFL prospects of interest:

Who Is The Next Brandon Browner, Cameron Wake or Warren Moon?

Armstead immediately jumped out to me, and I hoped that the Pats would take a look at him. I'm glad that they're doing diligence, whether anything comes of it or not. BB is always good about churning the bottom the the roster. It would be a nice signing - he's 22, 6'5" 298# with good athleticism, and should come cheap. He's played outside at DE and inside at DT, has the length and strength to 2-gap, and the speed to run down plays. Here's an old college clip:

Armond Armstead 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Video 6-5, 295, DE USC - YouTube

Last spring he was a medical question mark who hadn't played in 8 months, but now he's had a season in the CFL without medical issues, and with high productivity. At worst he's training camp fodder, or PS material. At best, he could provide the outside/inside combination that the Pats were hoping to get from Jonathan Fanene. Even if nothing comes of it, I'm glad that the Pats are taking a look.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi

Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

Of course. I had him in all of my mock drafts last year, but as an UDFA. He could surely help out our grizzly shortage.

I'd love to see some game video of him in the CFL.

This is all I found. Armond Armstead 2012 CFL All-Star Highlight Video - YouTube

BTW, is the CFL stronger or weaker competition than the SEC?

Get it shawtaay

I don't know about stronger or weaker, but the SEC has a much more NFL feel to it. These offensive lineman look like they're spaced differently. Still an interesting prospect.

Marqui

Really hope they sign him. He'd be a great fit in this defense if he pans out.

manxman2601

He puts me in mind of Fletcher Cox. Obviously can't judge someone from a highlight reel but I like his ability to change direction.

EwanSellars

are there any other young cfl guys that could have success in the nfl?

DocHoliday

Would this guy sign with the Pats after the season if he can get signed now by other teams?

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mayoclinic

There's nothing stopping the Pats from signing him now to a futures contract. He's not eligible to play this year in the playoffs, based on an NFL rule enjoining CFL players from playing in the NFL in the same season.

Adam Schefter says that Indy and Philly also worked out Armstead, and thinks he will be the equivalent of a "high draft pick":

Armond Armstead, formerly of Toronto Argonauts, on NFL teams' radar -- sources - ESPN

If that assessment is correct, Armstead may be viewed as a potential starting DE/DT similar to how Jonathan Fanene was viewed a year ago, but 7 years younger, and with much higher upside. Add a talent like that - again, assuming Schefter's assessment is correct - to our current DL, and the Pats have suddenly significantly upgraded their DL.

Remember also, the Pats won the highly contested Jeff Demps and Brandon Bolden derbies, so BB clearly has some ability to persuade sought after UDFAs that the Pats offer the best opportunities for personal and team success. Sith mind tricks, no doubt. I think he could reasonably convince Armstead that he has a shot of playing a significant role on the team, and earning considerable playing time. The rest is a matter of money.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi

patsfaninpa

With only 3 picks in the first six rounds. Signing Armstead can take the sting away from what's not going to be a great draft. Also, basically red-shirted Demps and Zusevics. Two draftable players last year who weren't because of injury and Olympics.