WR\S\CB\ST Deamon Ray Ventrone

Gi-15

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I think he deserve his own thread, small school player from villanova, Ray is catching everything thrown his way since the start of preseason, he's been playing on both sides of the ball, and special teams.
 

backrow

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i love the way Pats use him. very creative and more chances for him to show off his talent
 

PhillyBirds

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I remember seeing him when the Pats played the Eagles. They ran him at WR on a lot of underneath routes, and it worked really well. He caught 4 passes and showed great speed in getting to the outside.

Didn't see him on defense. What did he play in college?
 

backrow

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he played safety in college. apparently he hasn't played WR since soph in high school! but i like this guy, he's got good speed, decent hands and tons of character.
 

Thrashen

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I think it's going to be very hard for the Pats to justify cutting Ventrone. They seem to love multi-positional players (Troy Brown, Mike Vrabel).

He appears to have nearly equal quickness to Wes Welker whenever he gets the ball, which is really saying something. I'd love to see Ventrone at running back, as the Pats already have a "quick white slot WR."

Even if he makes the team, I doubt he'll play much, other than the standard "Sean Morey" special teams role. However, perhaps some injuries to the Pats defensive backs could allow both Ray Ventrone and John Lynch to get some playing time...giving the Pats 4-5 white defensive starters.

Best of luck to Ray this season, the league needs more FOOTBALL players, and Ventrone is one!
 

Thrashen

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Ventrone made the Pats in favor of 2nd round pick Chad Jackson (who was cut along with John Lynch).

Jackson didnt suck too badly, he just never produced (or played much) despite his great 40-time and high draft status 3 years ago. Unlike many black WRs who were drafted high, Jackson actually DID have all the sacred "measurables" coveted by the jock-sniffers.

It's awesome to see a young, white, small-school (Villanova) journeyman outplay a true "afflete" like Jackson. Hopefully Ventrone can play both offense, defense and special teams this season due to injuries.
 

Jimmy Chitwood

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here is a complimentary article on the versatile Patriot.

an excerpt:
"Ray is fast, and he's tough," Belichick said. "Nobody works harder than Ray. He is a smart football player. He puts his heart and soul into it every time he steps onto the field. It doesn't matter whether it's a regular-season or postseason game, or whether it's a walk-through practice. He has that same intensity and the same level of competitiveness on every single play. You've got to love that about Ray. He is a tough kid. He has good speed, good quickness, he's strong for his size. He's not a real tall guy, but he's well put together. He's got good power and plays very aggressively. That stuff will carry [him] a long way."

***************

Ventrone is listed as a defensive back, but he has spent some time during training camp working out as a wide receiver -- a Troy Brown in reverse. It's just another testament to his versatility, as the 26-year-old said he has played every position in his football career except offensive and defensive line. Even with that, Ventrone has simulated Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney while working on the Patriots scout team ...

despite his versatility, talent, and the praise from Belichick, many sports "reporters" think Ventrone should be cut.
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