Patriots officially sign RB Jeff Demps to a 3-year deal

[Canadian_Patriot]

[Billy Spikes]

[Tzimisce]

[Donut]

[BP]

[NextBigThing]

[PatriotsWin!]

Are 3 year deals typically given to UDFAs?
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Elmatic on the sig

[NinjaZX6R]

[Grachuus]

I think the most interesting thing about this experience is that because he's an UDFA there were steep restrictions on the contract and thus the difference possible between contracts was very small. Could be said that this type of restriction set and in this situation the Patriots were one of a handful of teams heavily favored.

I mean really who wouldn't want to pick a top of the line team to sign with when nothing else is really different? Patriots backfield is certainly not set forever and he's a guy who would probably benefit from 10-15 touches which is the style they use. Patriots of course set the hook by declaring their intentions before the draft.
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[patsfan25]

I watched some tape on Demps. My thoughts:

Has a long way to go as an NFL RB. Elite speed, cut, quickness, agility, explosion etc. I don't think I've seen anyone like it before. However, he is fragile as air, and goes down once anybody touches him. Runs way too fast for his mental speed, resulting in stumbling, awkward collisions, and lack of cutback vision. He needs to be A LOT more patient, and run lower on the pads. His speed could so make up for running with a more patient style. I really hope he learns more about the game. This guy has greatness potential talent-wise.
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[24isthelaw]

[patsfan25]

^^

I'd have to disagree with you to a certain extent. Demps needs to learn to lower himself and keep his pads low in traffic. The right technique goes a long way in balance. Keeping his pads low and learning to absorb hits can improve his strength, another technicality. When defenders hit him, he's so focused on getting away with his speed that he isn't aware of a potential hit. He needs to learn to acknowledge hits and take them on. Vision has a lot to do with experience and patience. Tiki Barber started out with poor vision, and had one of the best vision I ever saw from a RB by the end of his career. I don't think he's missing anything he doesn't already naturally have. He just needs to learn the game. That's a big 'JUST' though...
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[Billy Spikes]

***Update***

[VTPatsFan]

[Tzimisce]