Patriots ‘put on a good effort’ vs Panthers: 3 players Belichick praised

Lil’Jordan Humphrey doing big things for the New England Patriots

A player making the most of his opportunity the last two weeks is wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

Excelling in both the passing and kicking game, Humphrey is developing into a nice story for the New England Patriots.  On Friday night, the big receiver followed strong showing against the New York Giants last Thursday with five catches for 71 yards on Friday night.

At just 24 years old, Humphrey seems to be growing into a role with the Patriots as he could fill that big wide receiver/tight end hybrid role it seems the team was trying to morph N’Keal Harry into.  Though most of his reps and production has come with Bailey Zappe at quarterback, he is showing some nice things and is making the decision hard for the Patriots when it comes to that wide receiver depth chart.

"“He’s made some plays for us since he’s been here,” Belichick said of Humphrey.  “He’s a big kid that is tough and has very good hands and is kind of a big receiver, tight end-ish type of guy, has a good feel, very good instincts in the passing game, handles himself well in the middle of the field with linebackers under him, over him, in between him.  Kind of does the right thing there and helps the quarterback out and is a big target.”"

Humphrey’s production is mostly impressive since he was signed last in the offseason.  His toughness after the catch and presence in the kicking game is helping him even more in making a case for a roster spot.

At the very least, it looks like the New England Patriots might have an answer for that third tight end role.