re: Erik Frenz: Patriots sign Olympic track star & Florida UDFA RB/WR/KR Jeff Demps
Yes, Demps
was generally projected to go "Day 3."
But, um ~
hello?? ~ that was because of the risk that he wouldn't sign at
all!!
We have just pilfered a 2nd Round Talent, Ladies and Laddies!! 
That's not entirely unreasonable, given that Detroit used a 2nd round pick (#54 overall) on Ryan Broyles, who was still recovering from an ACL injury. Demps would probably have gone in the 3rd-5th range, but with his upside a 2nd round "reach" wouldn't have been out of the question.
A couple of thoughts:
1. Demps obviously meets an immediate need in the return game this year, but he also plays into the "Uncertainty Theory" approach of the team. Both Woodhead and Welker are FAs this year, and Demps has a ton of upside both as a 3rd down back/receiving threat out of the backfield and as a potential slot receiver. Let him play a return role this year, and see how he develops. Not a bad option.
2. A RB group of Vereen, Ridley, Woodhead, Bolden and Demps would be VERY nice. Ridley and Bolden are both 5'11" 225# guys with power, explosiveness, and decent receiving ability. Woodhead and Demps are both small guys with great speed and elusiveness who can be used as receiving options out of the backfield and on screens. And Vereen is a bit in between both extremes, with the best all-around receiving and ball skills of the group and the strength and power to potentially be a full-time back.
3. It's going to be hard for a FB to make the squad right now, especially with Larsen not on the field. In fact, carrying 5 RBs and 3 QBs would effectively limit the team to probably 8 WRs + TEs, which would be a difficult squeeze.
