so do you think ballard will play here

[IllegalContact]

next year?

there's room for him with the way the pats use their TE's

 

[CityOfChampions]

I think/hope so. Also, cant wait for Jeff Demps.

 

[Sciz]

He'll get a chance to compete. He'll play if he earns the opportunity. Considering that we've seen three different #2 TEs in the last four weeks, I think he's got a solid chance.

 

[DocHoliday]

Undoubtably he will. That guy was good in the SB, and I was relieved somewhat when he was injured

 

[Danger Zone]

I hope so but if not lets TRADE him back to the Giants for a 4th..

 

[mayoclinic]

If he's healthy and recovered, then yes. Big ifs.

It will also be interesting to see what the Pats do with Michael Hoomanamanui, who is a FA. If he continues to step up and Ballard is healthy then Fells becomes expendable, which could save a few cap $$, though I don't know how much.

 

[DocHoliday]

If he's healthy and recovered, then yes. Big ifs.

It will also be interesting to see what the Pats do with Michael Hoomanamanui, who is a FA. If he continues to step up and Ballard is healthy then Fells becomes expendable, which could save a few cap $$, though I don't know how much.

Hoomanawanui's been a terrific blocker lately

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I've got high hopes for him and Demps. Demps at least as a return man.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

If he's healthy and recovered, then yes. Big ifs.

It will also be interesting to see what the Pats do with Michael Hoomanamanui, who is a FA. If he continues to step up and Ballard is healthy then Fells becomes expendable, which could save a few cap $$, though I don't know how much.

According to Jason Fells dead cap would be $667K and cap savings if cut just under a million. Would probably pay for Hooman. That said, doubt Bill cuts any more TE's before the end of camp next season. He's going to want to carry 4 at least going forward because of desire to run two and three TE sets whether his young guns are healthy or not.

Will likely also want more legit WR possibilities next season as well to enable shift to 3 WR as needed or dictated by game plan. Will make for an interesting off season since there is only 1 signed past this season. Don't be surprised to see both Deion and Donte back at least for camp and potential continuing shadow roster duty. And one or two year short money/incentivized deal for Edelman whose value (if heallthy he knows they'll find ways to play him) here minus durability concerns will probably outweigh any outside offers to go try and establish a similar value elsewhere.

 

[Rob0729]

I've got high hopes for him and Demps. Demps at least as a return man.

Well, you may never get your wish about Demps. Demps becomes pretty irrelevant if the league follows through with the proposed rule of getting rid of kick offs.

 

[IllegalContact]

It looks like Ballard is a 2nd year guy, so at least contractually, he's here if the pats want him to be here. If he returns to form, having 2 6'6" 270lb TE's who can block AND catch poses interesting dilemmas for the defense

 

[BB4PRez]

Ballard will get a chance and I think he makes it. He just seems like a Pats type player.

Demps will need to work on his recieving skills - how to be a jam etc. IMO Demps will be a guy who lines up in the backfield then goes in motion to be a wide out and vice versa depending on what Brady sees the defense if doing. i think Demps can do some of the thinks we have seen Edelman do this year.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

/enter dream mode

We beat the Giants in the Superbowl and trade Ballard back to them for a 2nd round pick after they lose their starting TE in training camp.

/leaving dream mode

He's a good TE and having the Best TE, the best mismatch TE and a good all around TE can only be a bad thing for opposing defenses.

 

[dales804]

Has anyone reported on Ballard's recovery from surgery?

 

[Chopblock CB]

Well, you may never get your wish about Demps. Demps becomes pretty irrelevant if the league follows through with the proposed rule of getting rid of kick offs.

Hopefully..Demps has been with the team rehabbing from his "Injury"....I don't think kickoffs are going away all that soon as I do still believe that comment was thrown out there as a distraction to keep folks minds off of the Tagliabu decision shooting down Goodel's Bountygate decision.
Demps is one of those guy who can be the back comimg out of the backfield on the swing or screen passes....he could be your deep threat if he can outrun everyone on the field and Brady getting the ball to him 60 yards downfield in the air. I expect both to be on the roster fin TC and given the opportunities to compete for as job

 

[IllegalContact]

Well, you may never get your wish about Demps. Demps becomes pretty irrelevant if the league follows through with the proposed rule of getting rid of kick offs.

how so?still need a punt returner.......still need 3rd down backs...... the fact that you can put him just about anywhere on offense helps him

I think the julian edelman experiment has run its course.....you just can't keep a guy who can't stay on the field

 

[Chopblock CB]

how so?still need a punt returner.......still need 3rd down backs...... the fact that you can put him just about anywhere on offense helps him

I think the julian edelman experiment has run its course.....you just can't keep a guy who can't stay on the field

The question is can Demps fill the Edelman Roll? will he have the hands of Edelman?...Can he take a hit like Edelman?...will he have the illusiveness of Edelman in the open field?....or is he gonna be one of those catch the ball in the flats and run like hell guys?!!!

 

[PatsFan2]

Hoomanawanui's been a terrific blocker lately

Who?

 

[MoLewisrocks]

how so?still need a punt returner.......still need 3rd down backs...... the fact that you can put him just about anywhere on offense helps him

I think the julian edelman experiment has run its course.....you just can't keep a guy who can't stay on the field

Umm...whose to say Demps can...

 

[signbabybrady]

Well, you may never get your wish about Demps. Demps becomes pretty irrelevant if the league follows through with the proposed rule of getting rid of kick offs.

Seems like an odd determination to me. Obviously his first role was likely going to be kick returner and that would have been a way to help him make the squad but with the kind of speed he has I am sure there is plans to use him in many different ways out of the backfield and I am sure he will be given plenty opportunities to find a niche on this team. It might be a little harder for him to make the team without such an obvious role but I see no reason to give up on the speed just because KRer wont be needed.