Expectations for Jeff Demps?

[Rich<3TheWoodhead]

I almost forgot about Jeff Demps and then watching the track athletes wow the combine I decided to see what the forum thinks. He is just as good as these other track star wr's on the combine this morning ( like tavon Austin who would be doing similar duties in the NFL on special teams. ). I know he isn't as a slot WR ( as a tavon austin) but he should have the KR, PR, and rushing ability locked up for next season. Especially since he had an entire season to bulk up and study. Does this allow the patriots some flexibility when it comes to next season?

 

[Tunescribe]

I almost forgot about Jeff Demps and then watching the track athletes wow the combine I decided to see what the forum thinks. He is just as good as these other track star wr's on the combine this morning. I know he isn't as good a slot WR ( as a tavon austin) but he should have the KR, PR, and rushing ability locked up for next season. Especially since he had an entire season to bulk up and study. Does this allow the patriots some flexibility when it comes to next season?

You're confusing me, I thought he's a running back.

 

[Rich<3TheWoodhead]

You're confusing me, I thought he's a running back.

Meaning he does the same duty's such as KR, PR, and ability to catch passes. I was trying to make the track star and 40yd dash comparison to Tavon Austin that everyone is drooling about.

 

[Tunescribe]

Meaning he does the same duty's such as KR, PR, and ability to catch passes. I was trying to make the track star and 40yd dash comparison to Tavon Austin that everyone is drooling about.

It all depends on his football ability. Straight-line speed in a vacuum means little. I want to see how quick he is, how tough and strong he is, and how durable he is. I also want to see if he can contribute offensively, where guys in similar roles like Slater have fallen short. There's no question this team needs an explosive and reliable kick returner, so I'll be disappointed if Demps doesn't latch on there.

 

[jlu52]

He's gotta make the squad first. If he is able to successfully negotiate that task, I expect that he will provide some excitement on KRs and catching some passes out of the backfield. No doubt he is very fast, hope he is as quick and elusive at this level as he is fast.

 

[Jimke]

Step one is whether Demps can catch kickoffs and punts without fumbling the ball.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

There will be no doubt about how fast he is, but we'll have to see what happens when he comes back in "football" shape. Meaning, he'll have to add some bulk back to his 185 pound frame to take punishment of being a RB/KR/PR.

How much will that slow down his straight line speed with pads and added bulk? I'm not sure about his ability to make cuts and if his body is prepared for that (once again he has been training for straight line speed and little else).

Still, it will be exciting to see him, especially if he could block (though how effective at his weight can he be) and/or catch passes.

 

[Ring 6]

There will be no doubt about how fast he is, but we'll have to see what happens when he comes back in "football" shape. Meaning, he'll have to add some bulk back to his 185 pound frame to take punishment of being a RB/KR/PR.

How much will that slow down his straight line speed with pads and added bulk? I'm not sure about his ability to make cuts and if his body is prepared for that (once again he has been training for straight line speed and little else).

Still, it will be exciting to see him, especially if he could block (though how effective at his weight can he be) and/or catch passes.

He isn't a track star taking a stab at learning how to play football. He is a football player who is also a track star.
We aren't talking about Renaldo Nehemiah here.

 

[Deus Irae]

I expect that he'll be a little slower this year than last, but that he'll have gotten his body more into football shape. How that translates on the field is the million dollar question, given the struggles of his former teammate Rainey.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

He isn't a track star taking a stab at learning how to play football. He is a football player who is also a track star.
We aren't talking about Renaldo Nehemiah here.

Did i say he wasn't a football player? I'm talking about football shape. He obviously trained for the Olympics...he didn't roll out of bed after playing football and just show up. I would think his training affected his football physique and musculature somewhat...reason he was red shirted (in my opinion).

 

[Ring 6]

Did i say he wasn't a football player? I'm talking about football shape. He obviously trained for the Olympics...he didn't roll out of bed after playing football and just show up. I would think his training affected his football physique and musculature somewhat...reason he was red shirted (in my opinion).

You said he has only been trained to run staight ahead not to cut.
That suggests he only trained for track, which is wrong since he has played football. How would any played 'train to cut' other than playing football?

 

[olschool]

Meaning he does the same duty's such as KR, PR, and ability to catch passes. I was trying to make the track star and 40yd dash comparison to Tavon Austin that everyone is drooling about.

Stop drooling about Austin. There's no chance that he'll last 'til the Pats pick, and I don't see BB trading up to draft a WR.

 

[signbabybrady]

Personally my expectations are fairly high. He should make the team as a KRer and he should be one of the better ones in the league.

My expectations are a little less as a RB but still pretty high he should be pretty explosive draw back and screen back. How many reps he can get will depend on his protection but either way he with Vareen will need to replace 40 catches from Woody and I see no reason they shouldn't come close. Anything else he can give competing for the RB1 reps will be gravy.

His speed is very rare and he has a football background no reason he can't have role and succeed.

DO IT!

Just for fun assume he can fill the role explained above and we re-sign Wes and trade up for Austin or Goodwin.

DO IT!

 

[Ring 6]

Personally my expectations are fairly high. He should make the team as a KRer and he should be one of the better ones in the league.

My expectations are a little less as a RB but still pretty high he should be pretty explosive draw back and screen back. How many reps he can get will depend on his protection but either way he with Vareen will need to replace 40 catches from Woody and I see no reason they shouldn't come close. Anything else he can give competing for the RB1 reps will be gravy.

His speed is very rare and he has a football background no reason he can't have role and succeed.

DO IT!

Just for fun assume he can fill the role explained above and we re-sign Wes and trade up for Austin or Goodwin.

DO IT!

I like the idea, in our offense, of isolating speed guys. We spread the field very well, and create a lot of open field opportunities in the passing game. We saw a little of it this year with Vereen, adding Demps on a limited basis, not to mention if the WR changes bring in more speed, could make for some deadly catch and run plays.

 

[mgteich]

Yes, Demps may replace Vereen on this type of play, or perhaps Vereen will improve.

I like the idea, in our offense, of isolating speed guys. We spread the field very well, and create a lot of open field opportunities in the passing game. We saw a little of it this year with Vereen, adding Demps on a limited basis, not to mention if the WR changes bring in more speed, could make for some deadly catch and run plays.

 

[mgteich]

I expect Demps to make the team. Of course, there are no guarantees.

 

[Ring 6]

Yes, Demps may replace Vereen on this type of play, or perhaps Vereen will improve.

I'm not asking him to replace Vereen, and Vereen looked pretty good without needing improvement in this area. I'm saying in addition.

 

[jmt57]

Gator Football Roster/Bios - GatorZone.com

CAREER: Saw action in 51 games, with 27 starts in his career as a Gator…Since 1996, has twice as many 60-plus yard career rushes (four) than any other Gator…Eighth all-time at UF with 2,470 yards rushing on 367 carries, a 6.7 average, and 23 touchdowns on the ground…Had 481 yards receiving on 57 receptions (8.4 avg.) and one receiving TD…Was also a member of the UF men’s track team running sprints and is the only UF athlete to win a national championship in two different sports.​

Jeff Demps - College Football


NFL Draft Scout | Jeff Demps


Pro Football Weekly | Jeff Demps

Positives:
Has world-class track speed that translates to the football field. Possesses game-breaking explosiveness — accelerates in a blink and shows an extra gear very few players have. Only needs a crack, gains the edge and outruns angles in the open field. Has enough shiftiness to sidestep the first tackler. Cuts at high speed and turns on the afterburners. Good potential as a receiver — is agile and pops out of breaks to create separation. Special-teams standout. Surprisingly tough and durable. Mature, motivated, competitive athlete praised for his makeup and football character.

Negatives: Short and small-framed with very small hands. Limited run strength — too easily turned on contact or tripped up. Marginal inside runner. Never carried 100 times in a season. Is a bit straight-linish and does not string moves together. Could stand to refine route-running ability. Underpowered blocker. Questionable mental and physical toughness. May take some time to grasp a playbook.

Summary: A versatile, super-quick slasher with turbo speed and a shredded physique, Demps is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball, as he rips off yards in big chunks. Will have to be used strategically to maintain his durability, but can be a dynamic utility player and mismatch weapon as a change-of-pace back, slot receiver and returner. Could warrant late consideration despite choosing to pursue a track career and graded as middle-round pick on talent alone.​

 

[mgteich]

I get it. What I am saying is that with Ridley, Vereen and Boldin healthy, there is little reason for Demps. I would rather see Vereen develop.

I'm not asking him to replace Vereen, and Vereen looked pretty good without needing improvement in this area. I'm saying in addition.

 

[Rich<3TheWoodhead]

Ridley, Vereen, Bolden, Demps... My guess is that Demps will just be PR KR. With Ridleys growth and vereens it would be interesting to see if McDaniels would do a formation with gronk Hernandez and vereen/ Ridley and or Demps split out wide.