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The Jeff Demps reported signing is yet another example of how systematically relentless BB is in addressing all the areas of this team, yet at the same time how he doesn't panic or rush to fill needs. The Pats reportedly showed interest in Demps before he decided not to enter the draft in order to pursue his Olympic dream, and now they've apparently snuck under the radar once again to edge out other teams for a potentially dynamic return player with a ton of upside.
This isn't about whether or not Demps works out, much less turns out to be a "savior". He may, or he may not. Just like Tavon Wilson and Steve Gregory at the safety position, Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette at the DE/OLB position, and numerous other examples. What is clear is that regardless of the result, BB will (1) be absolutely relentless in assessing the skills of the team and in systemically addressing weaknesses to the best of his ability, and (2) that he will be patient and won't panic. If one option doesn't work out, he'll plug holes as best he can and try again when an opportunity presents itself.
That's not to say he's perfect. We've seen more than one personnel move not work out. Chad Brown and Monte Beisel, Duane Starks, Deltha O'Neal, Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Sullivan, Joey Galloway, Chad Johnson, etc. But just as BB kept trying with the TE position until he hit gold with Gronk and Hernandez, it seems like he is continuing to try with the all-purpose back position and kick returner. Demps is just the latest, and he may or may not be part or all of the answer, but clearly BB is committed to solving the problem.
I had guys all-purpose guys like Ryan Broyles (Detroit, 2nd round, #54 overall), Chris Rainey (Pittsburgh 5th round, #159 overall) on my short list this year, and Dexter McCluster (Kansas City, 2nd round, #36 overall in 2010) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay, 2nd round, #64 overall in 2011) in previous years. Guys like Jacoby Ford (Oakland, 4th round, 2010) and Trindon Holliday (Texas, 6th round, 2010) were drafted almost exclusively because of their return ability. BB didnt use a draft pick, and has picked up a player certainly in the Ford-Rainey-Holliday class, and potentially better.
It's also a good lesson for those who are bemoaning the current state of the OL. BB will be ruthless in assessing weaknesses on the team, and relentless in addressing them. OT is thin right now, and the interior line uncertain. I'm guessing things will change over the course of the season.
This isn't about whether or not Demps works out, much less turns out to be a "savior". He may, or he may not. Just like Tavon Wilson and Steve Gregory at the safety position, Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette at the DE/OLB position, and numerous other examples. What is clear is that regardless of the result, BB will (1) be absolutely relentless in assessing the skills of the team and in systemically addressing weaknesses to the best of his ability, and (2) that he will be patient and won't panic. If one option doesn't work out, he'll plug holes as best he can and try again when an opportunity presents itself.
That's not to say he's perfect. We've seen more than one personnel move not work out. Chad Brown and Monte Beisel, Duane Starks, Deltha O'Neal, Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Sullivan, Joey Galloway, Chad Johnson, etc. But just as BB kept trying with the TE position until he hit gold with Gronk and Hernandez, it seems like he is continuing to try with the all-purpose back position and kick returner. Demps is just the latest, and he may or may not be part or all of the answer, but clearly BB is committed to solving the problem.
I had guys all-purpose guys like Ryan Broyles (Detroit, 2nd round, #54 overall), Chris Rainey (Pittsburgh 5th round, #159 overall) on my short list this year, and Dexter McCluster (Kansas City, 2nd round, #36 overall in 2010) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay, 2nd round, #64 overall in 2011) in previous years. Guys like Jacoby Ford (Oakland, 4th round, 2010) and Trindon Holliday (Texas, 6th round, 2010) were drafted almost exclusively because of their return ability. BB didnt use a draft pick, and has picked up a player certainly in the Ford-Rainey-Holliday class, and potentially better.
It's also a good lesson for those who are bemoaning the current state of the OL. BB will be ruthless in assessing weaknesses on the team, and relentless in addressing them. OT is thin right now, and the interior line uncertain. I'm guessing things will change over the course of the season.