The mystery guests
Two players the Pats had tucked away on injured reserve could be difference makers next season while a third they’ve just signed to a futures contract is certainly intriguing.
The first is Jeff Demps. The Olympic silver medalist had what amounted to a red-shirt year to learn the system and get acclimated. We saw a glimpse of what he may provide in terms of being a kick returner and weapon out of the backfield during the preseason. There’s speed. And then there’s what the world-class sprinter possesses, which is a gear no one can touch. He’s the kind of explosive player the Pats could use, especially as a returner.
Also in the Pats’ stable is tight end Jake Ballard, who is an exclusiverights free agent, but will certainly be retained with a simple tender. He was a Patriots killer when he was with the Giants. He’s in the mold of Gronkowski in that he can block and catch. With Gronkowski, he will add to the blocking mix in setting a tone for the running game. He also will provide another option to catch the football. The rugged tight end caught 38 passes for 604 yards with four TDs for the Giants in 2011.
The third? Just signed Armond Armstead. Might they have, like Cameron Wake, another CFLto-NFL star in the making? Who knows? But they dished out a lot of cash ($655,000 guaranteed) for player signing a “futures” contract. He could be a sleeper.
The defensive lineman was highly touted out of USC until a medical issue (heart) did not allow him to play in 2011. The 6-foot-5, 298-pounder, who went undrafted, wound up playing for the Toronto Argonauts. He had six sacks en route to helping the Argos win the Grey Cup.