New England Patriots receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey was just another name in a crowded receivers room at the beginning of training camp.
That line of thinking has obviously changed after seeing the instant production from the former undrafted rookie out of Texas in the first two preseason games. He’s gone from a relative unknown to cracking ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10, along with leading conversations as a live underdog to make the 53-man roster.
The 24-year-old even managed to land a spot on Doug Farrar’s recent “Secret Superstars” list for Week 2 of the preseason.
Yes, the Humphrey hype is real.
He hauled in six receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown in the opener against the New York Giants and then followed that performance up with a game-high 71 receiving yards on five receptions against the Carolina Panthers.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick loves versatility, and Humphrey has it in spades. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he has the size to line up outside and threaten a defense in jump ball situations. But he also has a willingness to work in the slot, where he could really benefit the Patriots over the middle of the field in play-action calls.
And have you seen him on special teams? He is absolutely incredible.
This will be in every team’s Special Team meeting this coming week
“You guys want to know how to make the team?? When you guys are like ‘oh, coach what do you want me to do i’m getting doubled.’ Watch 83 here. You think he complains??” pic.twitter.com/vbQzXyhSiG
— Willaerys III Compton (@_willcompton) August 20, 2022
An argument could even be made that Humphrey is more of a joker tight end than anything else. In either case, the Patriots were without tight end Hunter Henry against the Carolina Panthers in last Friday’s preseason game, and they’re expecting rookie receiver Tyquan Thornton to miss upwards of 10 weeks with a collarbone injury.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey with a nice catch for a TD to give the Patriots the 21-20 lead with under 5 minutes to go.
Humphrey: 6 rec, 62 yds, TD
On the other sideline – Collin Johnson is having a nice night despite a fumble.
Johnson: 7 rec, 82 yds pic.twitter.com/afYcEdoUF2
— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) August 12, 2022
Humphrey could be the right player in the right place at the right time. It isn’t because of dumb luck or anything like that, either. He is where he is because he’s been on the toughest path since day one.
As a former undrafted rookie free agent, he’s used to making believers out of non-believers by proving no spotlight is bright enough to outshine the heart of a man.
People can't stop talking about Lil'Jordan Humphrey
Find someone who looks at you as much as Bailey Zappe looks at Lil'Jordan Humphrey.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 20, 2022
Lil'Jordan Humphrey was really a beast last night. The #Patriots had him block at the point of attack on crack toss a few times, too. And he more than held his own blocking DEs/OLBs to help get the edge.
Don't know if there's a spot for him. But he's doing it all.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 20, 2022
Lil'Jordan Humphrey now makes a diving play to down a punt. He's making it incredibly hard for the Patriots to let him go.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 20, 2022
Hell of a rep from former Saints WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey. Good for him. https://t.co/p1Eica2Lbu
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) August 20, 2022
Lil'Jordan Humphrey out here playing with a purpose. That's an elite special teams play.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 20, 2022
Mac Jones called Lil'Jordan Humphrey "a beast." Also said he reached out to Humphrey when the Patriots signed him in June and invited him to a throwing session.
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandallNESN) August 20, 2022
Lil'Jordan Humphrey is having himself a preseason, man.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 20, 2022
I just noticed last night that former Saints WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey has 11 catches through two preseason games for the Patriots. And I also saw this incredible special teams highlight but didn’t realize this was him too (credit @draftjm13 for pointing it out). Good for Humphrey. https://t.co/oUpODe3inF
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 20, 2022
Lil'Jordan Humphrey, take a bow. What a ST rep. https://t.co/RK3vU3PNeU
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) August 20, 2022
I really like Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Can he make the roster as a TE?
— Brett (@TheBg_12) August 20, 2022
Patriots need to get their offense figured out from a consistency standpoint, but they’re a sleeping giant with an explosive group of skill players.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s performance this preseason has really driven that home, setting himself well above others on the bubble
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) August 20, 2022
i dont wanna live in a world where i dont see lil'jordan humphrey in a pats uniform. https://t.co/7rcYnsmt5z
— Yeen (@OneShotUDie55) August 20, 2022
Might be time to hop on the Lil Jordan Humphrey hype train 🚂
— Beantown_Talk (@Beantown_Talk) August 20, 2022
Lil Jordan Humphrey making one hell of a case to make the team
— Patrick (@PatrickL561) August 20, 2022
Based off what he's shown as a receiver, the Patriots shouldn't let Lil'Jordan Humphrey go but if he adds solid, consistent and impactful special teams play as well then man lock his roster spot up.
— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) August 20, 2022
Tre Nixon drops a pass on third down. Then, the Patriots punt and Lil’ Jordan Humphrey makes a diving effort into the end zone to knock the ball back in play. When the coaching staff is looking at the bottom of the roster. These plays make a difference. Humphrey is making a push
— Derek Havens (@PatriotsHaven) August 20, 2022
After 2 preseason games and viewing last night’s in-person, Lil’Jordan Humphrey is easily the biggest surprise gem in camp. #Patriots
— dippin’ dobs (@Baskin__Dobens) August 20, 2022
Really feels like Lil’Jordan Humphrey has played his way into a roster spot
— Nick LaPan (@NickLaPan) August 20, 2022
