Breaking Down What Jeff Demps Brings to the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots gave running back Jeff Demps his most extensive look Thursday night against the New York Giants. 

The Olympic silver-medal winner carried six times for 15 yards and caught three passes for 31 during the Patriots' 6-3 loss to the Giants. 

He left late in the fourth quarter with a lower leg injury, but a precautionary MRI Friday revealed nothing wrong, according to the Boston Herald. 

Demps is still a good bet to crack the Patriots' 53-man roster, although nothing is official until final cuts are announced 9 p.m. ET Friday. Even then, no one is safe after teams start claiming players. 

For the sake of this analysis, let's assume Demps makes the roster.

Here's a quick look at what Demps can bring to the Patriots in 2012. 

World-Class Speed on Offense and Special Teams

Demps became arguably the fastest man in the NFL the second he signed with New England.

For some fast guys, that last sentence would be nothing nothing more hyperbole. Not for Demps. He has certifiable world-class speed.

He won a silver medal in London during the 2012 Olympics as a part of the 4x100-meter relay team. Demps didn't run in the finals, but he raced in the preliminary round when his team broke the American record. 

Don't miss the attached video above, either. While Demps won't be facing a Kentucky defense in the NFL, his pure speed into the second level is breathtaking. That kind of speed certainly translates to the NFL. 

Ability to Make Defenders Miss

Demps may only be 5'7" and 175 pounds, but this is a player who can make people miss in the open field. 

Check out the video here of Demps' 29-yard run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his preseason debut. 

Demps makes a cutback on a dime before entering the hole, then he shakes the safety out of his shoes to get to the edge. If Demps had more space along the sidelines, this run is a sure touchdown. 

Granted, Demps made these moves against backups' backups. But these are athletic moves that only a selected few football players can make. 

Not right away, but you'd have to think Bill Belichick will find ways to get Demps into space. With the ball in his hands, Demps has limitless possibilities. 

Versatile Weapon

This is the aspect that made Demps so attractive to New England. 

Not only can Demps line up in the backfield, but he's also had experience returning punts and kicks at Florida. If need be, the Patriots could also line up Demps at receiver to get him the ball in space.

He's essentially a more raw version of Dexter McCluster or Darren Sproles.  

With a football mind like Belichick's, you'd have to assume there are already a package of plays in development for Demps once he gets his NFL feet wet. He's not there yet, but he will be soon enough. 

If anything, Demps' versatility on offense and special teams will speed up his chances of getting on the field early in his rookie season.