Washington Redskins and Teams That Need to Look at Signing Jeff Demps

If speed actually killed, Jeff Demps would be quite the assassin. 

In reality, he's simply an Olympic silver-medal winning track star, a Florida Gators alum and clearly one of the fastest humans living in the United States. 

Not a bad resume. 

After his Olympic triumph in the famed 4x100-meter relay, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Demps wants to play in the NFL and has filed paperwork with the league. 

Which teams make the most sense for the turbo-charged athlete? 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are "seriously interested" in Demps, according to Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com.

With new head coach Greg Schiano implementing an ultra-physical ground-and-pound offense that should prominently feature first-round pick Doug Martin and incumbent starting running back LeGarrette Blount, Demps' speed and ability after the catch would add an interesting dynamic to Tampa Bay's offense. 

As it currently stands, the Buccaneers don't have a true "bubble screen" option or truly explosive offensive burner on their roster. 

Martin's a versatile runner, but doesn't necessarily possess the speed to run away from defenders. 

The 5'9'', 180-pound former University of Florida running back, who scored 23 rushing touchdowns with the Gators, would be an ideal gadget player in Tampa. He would provide a true change of pace to the team's rather straight-forward, head-down, powerful running attack. 

Reynold's also astutely touched on Demps' potential role in the return game: 

"

Lining up Demps and his world class speed next to seventh-round draft pick, Michael Smith, who runs a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, would cause fits for opposing teams kickoff coverage units in terms of defending both speed merchants

"

Exactly. 

San Diego Chargers

Ryan Mathews broke his collarbone last week on his first preseason carry against the Green Bay Packers. He may be back for the season-opener against the Oakland Raiders, but his injury history is worrisome for the future. 

Right now, Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle are the first and second string running backs in San Diego. 

Even if Mathews returns to full health and stays healthy all year—something he hasn't done since his freshman year at Fresno State in 2007—the team is relatively thin at tailback. 

With Philip Rivers as their quarterback, the Chargers love spreading the field and using a variety of vertical routes to stretch defenses.

The occasional screen or outside handoff, when the defense is least expecting it, would be an exquisite complement to the downfield passing game.

Yes, guys like Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish have innate YAC ability and are great in space, but Demps is much faster and would be a much-needed asset in the running game as well. 

Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan loves to keep everyone guessing as to which running back is his starter each week. Roy Helu Jr. was the team's go-to guy in 2011, but his expanded role came after a season-ending knee injury to Tim Hightower.

With Helu Jr., Hightower and Evan Royster, the Redskins seem fine at the running back spot. 

However, the electricity Demps could bring to the rushing attack and in the short-passing game would make things more comfortable for Robert Griffin III.

In 2011, the Redskins' running back trio finished the year with a pedestrian 4.0 yards per carry average that ranked 22nd in the NFL.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner established a fine rapport with speedster Kendall Wright during their careers at Baylor. The familiarity of working with an elusive burner would undoubtedly benefit RG3's transition to the professional game. 

Pierre Garcon's a capable YAC wideout, but the rushing attack could use more burst, which is something Demps certainly would provide.