Re: Could The Signing Of Jeff Demps With The Patriots Signal The End For Julian Edelm
I still have not heard any Edelman backers explain where he adds any value besides as a punt returner
Demps has more natural talent than Edelman, has potential to play other positions, and overall could add much more value.
EDELMAN
What he brings:
--very good PR skills, with ability to KR too if needed. Either way he offers good ST presence and can take it to the house at any given time
--the proven ability to play different roles in practice preparation situations throughout the week for a specific opponent like Tebow (2x) last year
--possible trick play additions to the playbook under JMcD. His athleticism (broke all of Josh Cribbs' records at Kent State) certainly gives the offense more options. Whether or not they use them more than in the past remains to be seen
--the ability to be a shifty, YAC receiver in the slot if/when someone like Welker goes down, not to mention that he may be able to replace
some of the lost productivity next year under a very reasonable new deal (unlike Hernandez, who's new deal if it happens will NOT be anywhere close to as cheap)
--versatility in the fact that he could possibly line up as a DB for a game or two, thus potentially saving a roster spot. Is it a long term solution? No, but let's remember that he was the only 3 way player in the NFL last season.
--according to TC reports so far this year, he has also improved on his route running ability although we'll save this one for the "hopeful" category since it isn't proven yet
What he lacks:
--
greatness at any one of them. He has not proven to be a good option as a WR when not lined up in the slot to replace Welker, and has lacked chemistry and route running ability with Brady. To this point, his NFL career as a pure WR has not looked good
--he is certainly not anything close to a long term solution as a DB
LOOKING AT YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT DEMPS
As far as your comments re: Demps go, "HOW" does Demps "have more natural talent than Edelman?" If you're talking speed, then yes, but I don't recall Demps being the one to break a bunch of records playing football like Edelman has. You seem to be basing your thoughts on speed alone, which isn't fair to the debate.
"Demps has the potential to play other positions"---and Edelman doesn't, lol? He was the only 3 way player in the NFL last season. If that's not playing other positions, then I don't know what is. He may not have shown greatness at those other positions, but I don't recall Demps doing anything either so far on Edelman's level, not to mention that he has no NFL career to even speak of.
"Demps could provide more value overall"---again, I would like to see exactly how he could do this. Edelman is the kind of player that offers something to every aspect of the team in every way. He is exactly the kind of player that Belichick likes, someone who learns how to do multiple things and offers help/value to the team despite his limitations in size. The problem with the naysayers is that he doesn't do it 'well enough.' (which could in theory, knock him off the roster at some point, depending upon Belichick's opinion)
You are entitled to your opinion. I am only responding to your quoted post. You wanted an answer, so I gave one. Let's hope for the best from both players, but remember that Demps was a late rd pick at best (projection), and hasn't shown us anything at all. Hell, he doesn't even have any idea about anything NEP related yet, and we're already knocking other proven pieces off the team
