For every team each preseason, a surprise player seemingly comes out of nowhere to either push for a roster spot or even make their way onto the 53-man roster entering the regular season. Lil'Jordan Humphrey is that player for the New England Patriots this preseason.

The fourth-year wide receiver has stood out in both of New England's preseason games so far. Against the New York Giants, Humphrey had six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown, the only receiving touchdown for the Patriots so far this preseason. He followed that up with arguably a better performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, recording a game-high five receptions for 71 yards:

Not only has Humphrey been the Patriots' top receiver through the first two preseason games, he has done it after joining the team roughly two months ago. New England didn't sign him until mid-June, after the conclusion of OTAs and minicamp practices.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ¡
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ¡
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ¡

While Humphrey has impressed so far, he isn't hanging his hat on what he has done up to this point.

“I'm on my way. I'm not there yet,” Humphrey said Monday. “I still have a lot of work to do. I feel like I've made the best of my opportunities that I've got, and I need to be more consistent with that and continue to grow.”

Humphrey has already impressed multiple important people in Foxborough. Patriots coach Bill Belichick took note of Humphrey's instincts in the passing game following Friday's win over the Panthers. Meanwhile, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was impressed with Humphrey's instant commitment to the team.

“When he got signed here, I remember I texted him and asked him if he wanted to come catch, and he immediately responded and found a way to make it out to where we were and came to our throwing session,” Jones said.

Humphrey is also gaining the attention of his fellow Patriots receivers after he got some first-team reps at the end of Monday's practice in Las Vegas.

“He can catch the ball, man,” Patriots wideout Jakobi Meyers said. “That man's got some hands on him. And he gets open. I like seeing him go out there and make plays. Just a calm, cool, collected guy so I'm happy for him.

If Meyers' comment wasn't a tell, Humphrey is a big receiver. He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds. That size is something that Humphrey has used to his advantage in the preseason games. One instance was on his touchdown catch, in which Humphrey needed to fight for an underthrown pass from Bailey Zappe 20 yards up the seam:

Humphrey is aware of his size and knows he can use it to his advantage when working in the middle of the field.

“I'm kind of a big body,” Humphrey said. “I know nobody is going to lay the wood on me too hard. It's just comfortable.

“Being in the league a couple of years, I've learned from a couple of guys how to read coverage, read safeties, read linebackers, and it helps a lot, especially because I'm not the fastest.”

The lack of speed might be a reason why Humphrey hasn't taken off so far since the New Orleans Saints signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash at the combine that year and has just 16 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns over the first three years of his career.

As Humphrey looks to kickstart his career in New England, Belichick mentioned that he's a “tight end-ish type of guy.” So, Humphrey has been getting some snaps at tight end, too, and he's fine with it.

“Whatever they want me to do, I just do it,” Humphrey said. “So I got some work during camp at [tight end] and I’m just trying to get better at it. It’s fun. Playing football is fun. So yeah, I love it.”

Not only has Humphrey made highlights so far in the receiving game, but quite possibly his most impressive highlight so far came on special teams. Late in Friday's game against the Panthers, Humphrey saved a Jake Bailey punt from being touchback. He swatted the ball back into the field, allowing the Patriots to down the ball at the 3-yard line.

Entering Year 4 and on a new team, Humphrey just wants to prove his worth.

“It’s really important just to show that I’m valuable,” Humphrey said. “I’m a valuable player. I can do anything. Doesn’t necessarily have to be receiver. I can do make plays on special teams if that’s what you need me to do.”