Watts impressing; Denver turned down Duckett/Lelie swap; Shanny denies 3 team trade

[SoCalBronco]

denver broncos
Watts' performance may demote Lelie
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer





Watts made 31 catches in his rookie season. (Post file)

In recent seasons, Ashley Lelie has been a No. 2 receiver wishing he was a No. 1.

For the 2006 season, even if Lelie ended his unofficial holdout and rejoined the Broncos, he probably would be listed somewhere behind No. 3 on the depth chart. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan sent the message Thursday that he is ready to move on without Lelie, the team's former first-round draft pick who missed the team's 14 offseason practices in hopes of forcing a trade.

Asked to name one player who has surprised him most during the voluntary workout camps, Shanahan had an interesting response: Darius Watts.

"He really stood out," Shanahan said of the enigmatic receiver. "He showed a lot more confidence. Very consistent catching the ball."

A bit later in his camp-ending news conference, Shanahan delivered a qualifier for Watts: "Hopefully, he can keep it going when the lights turn on."

Selected in the second round of the 2004 draft, Watts had a promising rookie season with 31 catches, only to virtually disappear to the inactive roster last year when he failed to demonstrate he had cured a disturbing bout of the drops.

With Rod Smith entrenched as the No. 1 receiver, newly acquired Javon Walker expected to make a full recovery from knee surgery for the No. 2 spot and Watts apparently a serious threat to veterans David Terrell, Charlie Adams, Todd Devoe and rookie Brandon Marshall for the No. 3 slot, the Broncos think they have enough depth to overcome the apparent loss of Lelie.

So what becomes of Lelie, who slipped from 54 receptions, 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in 2004 to 42, 770 and one last year? Similar protests by Broncos veterans did not work out well for the player. The Broncos remain leery that trading Lelie might send the




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wrong message to other players who may one day consider airing similar gripes to try to force a move.
However, also under consideration is whether the Lelie situation has reached a point of no return.

As the veteran nucleus of Tom Nalen, Smith, Al Wilson, Keith Burns and Jake Plummer participated in all of the offseason workouts, the concept of team before self was reinforced.

Would Lelie be welcomed back to the Dove Valley environment?

If so, how far down the depth chart would his forefinger drop before he found his name?

The Broncos entertained trade offers for Lelie during the April draft, but Houston wouldn't give up its fourth-round draft choice, and Denver declined the Atlanta Falcons' proposed swap of backup running back T.J. Duckett.

Shanahan denied reports a three-team swap involving Lelie was in the works.

As the Broncos break for summer vacation before reconvening for mandatory minicamp July 6-8, about all that seems certain is Smith and Walker aren't the only receivers who have jumped ahead of Lelie.

"Let's talk about the people that are here," Shanahan said.

Staff writer Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3916009

[Taco John]

Sounds like Shanahan is content to let Lelie sit...

[epicSocialism4tw]

Sounds like Shanahan is content to let Lelie sit...

I really hope that Shanny is committed to that. Lelie's tantrum is out of line.

[SoCalBronco]

I don't believe his denial on the three team trade talks. Denver is just trying to "shake the tree" as Jeremy Green of ESPN put it, to see if they can get something better than what they have been offered.

[Dukes]

You'd think Lelie would have enough sense after four years not to butt-heads with Shanahan. This is a lose-lost situation for him. What a punk.

[Taco John]

Totally out of line. I'd love to see us hold onto him and send a message that Denver doesn't play games with players trying to force a trade.

Ashley Lelie is a man without any honor the way he's been acting. I'm suprised, because I had always pegged him as a character guy. Suprising to see how little of that he actually has.

[Kaylore]

"Same as it ever was"

[Taco John]

I don't believe his denial on the three team trade talks. Denver is just trying to "shake the tree" as Jeremy Green of ESPN put it, to see if they can get something better than what they have been offered.


I think there has probably been something kicked around, but I doubt it's very serious, or will materialize into anything. Three team trades are pretty rare. Two three team trades in one season by the same team? When is the last time you saw that?

We've turned down some pretty decent offers for Lelie. It looks like Shanahan wants second round value from the guy at the very least.

[watermock]

Ironic that Duckett was offered. He was a surprise choice by Dan Reeves one pick in front of Lelie and we were all excited about the prospect. Just like Sapp has accepted his role, it was Lelies to spread the field. All he had to do was play out his contract this year. I've never seen anyone roll themselves so bad since Arrington.

[OrangeShadow]

i hope we let ashleys butt ride the pine

[27atwater]

I don't see dealing him as giving in. he's gonna go to a new team who won't pay him what he wants and who won't let him be the #1. Meanwhile, we at least get someone who can contribute...and even more importantly...not disrupt the team. It'd be different if he had 3 or 4 years left on his deal and it was all about $$$ (then I'd agree to sit his a$$), but it's not. Let the bich go.

[MechanicalBull]

I think they are still fielding offers maybe a 3 way deal or maybe not but we all know how close to the vest Shanny keeps everything. I'm just so glad we did not get Duckett cause I don't think he would improve our running game that much and depending on how Bell and Dayne look he could end up as the third rb. I think Shanny is playing the waiting game with Lelie cause he doesn't have that much to lose but Lelie has a whole lot and is too stubborn/stupid to realize that.

[BroncoBen]

You figure this is the last year on Ashley's contract, so it would be better to get something for him than nothing considering he will be gone next season.

But in this case... unless the Broncos can find a team that is willing to pay too much for him, in either a high draft pick or starting player then let him sit the entire season.

Fine him for not coming to camp, take back some of signing bonus and when he does come back after game 6 of the regular season, make him in-active the rest of the season.

If he wants to play hardball, the Broncos can bury him so far down on the depth chart that he will be helping the waterboy during team practices.

The upside is that it sends a message to the rest of the team, perform to the best of your abilities, fulfill your contract and the Broncos will take care of you.

I don't buy into the argument.. "What would you do if this was your job?".

You sign a contract... you fulfill the contract to the end. That is what makes you a man of your word.
<br>

[watermock]

I don't know who fed this into Lelie's head in a contract year. He should be busting his butt. GM's have to be shaking their heads when Shanahan has always fielded good to great offenses and everyone has their role. It should be remembered that if he doesn't show up we still have his rights next year, and when he leaves for sure, in 2008 we would get some sort of compensatory pick. Neither is that appealing to either party I would imagine.

[anthonypacino]

I'm all for hosing Lelie for his tantrum he's having but I would have pulled the trigger on the Duckett deal, he's a better short yardage guy IMO than Dayne and he's been in a RBBC for quite some time now, he hasn't complained or made a stink about not being "the man". Might as well get something out of him while he is here, better than paying him to ride the pine. Nobody is going to give him the money he wants next year anyway.

[27atwater]

If Ash stays, put his a$$ on the punt team and keep him t5here. Maybe it'll toughen him up.

[BroncoBen]

....I would have pulled the trigger on the Duckett deal, he's a better .....

Nah.. Duckett has been hampered by injuries.. and there have been questions about his character, remember he was attacked after a Nelly concert and refused to let the Falcons give him a physical.

His work ethic has improved, but his running style and durability are still in question.
<br>

[i4jelway7]

Totally out of line. I'd love to see us hold onto him and send a message that Denver doesn't play games with players trying to force a trade.

Ashley Lelie is a man without any honor the way he's been acting. I'm suprised, because I had always pegged him as a character guy. Suprising to see how little of that he actually has.


I've never liked Ashley as a person, everytime I have met him he has been a complete d*ck head... now with that said I would love to see his ass rot on the bench but with the talent we have on this team, and the very few rosters spots I would just rather get him out of here and give his roster spot to someone who wants to be here... IMO Marshall will be either 3 or 4 depending on what Terrell does in training camp & preseason. Adams & Devoe are on the bubble.. I would be very suprised if Lelie was on this roster come pre-season.

[Jason in LA]

I'd say Shanny is putting Lelie on notice that Lelie is falling down the depth charts. I wouldn't be shocked to see Lelie back in Denver very shortly.

If the Broncos do keep Lelie, they are going to play him. Question him all you want, but the guy has too much talent to ride pine. And he's motivated to play well. The Broncos will be sitting pretty with Smith, Walker, and Lelie.

People have wanted a 3rd WR for years. Now we have three 1,000 WRs (when Lelie finally comes back), and people want to complain.

[BroncosMT]

I think Shanny and the Broncos find themselves between a rock and a hard place. One the one hand if they trade Lelie they can hopefully get "some" value for him and get someone to contribute. On the other hand Shanny feels like you need to sit him to send a message that we as an organization aren't going to mess around. When you sign on the dotted line you better be willing to live out the contract or not play football. Don't want people to think that they can come to Denver and if they don't like it that they will get what they want.

For me either or sounds good. Depending on who we'd get...Sit his ASS down!!!!

[27atwater]

I'd say Shanny is putting Lelie on notice that Lelie is falling down the depth charts. I wouldn't be shocked to see Lelie back in Denver very shortly.

If the Broncos do keep Lelie, they are going to play him. Question him all you want, but the guy has too much talent to ride pine. And he's motivated to play well. The Broncos will be sitting pretty with Smith, Walker, and Lelie.

People have wanted a 3rd WR for years. Now we have three 1,000 WRs (when Lelie finally comes back), and people want to complain.


yeah...ummm...about that...ummm...I think yer wrong. We're moving on. The time has passed for Ash to succeed in Denver.

[baja]

The other way to look at Shanny's praise for Watts is he is trying to make Lelie squirm while by talking up Watts hopes some team is listening and might try offer up a nice package for Watts.

Naturally I hope this is not the case and Watts is coming around as I predicted he would and I win all those bets ;D

[Rascal]

"Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said Darius Watts has "stood out" more than any player in offseason workouts."

My Mastermind-to-English translation book says that means, "Ashley Lelie better show up fast or he'll start camp fourth on the depth."

[BroncoInferno]

The other way to look at Shanny's praise for Watts is he is trying to make Lelie squirm while by talking up Watts hopes some team is listening and might try offer up a nice package for Watts.

Naturally I hope this is not the case and Watts is coming around as I predicted he would and I win all those bets ;D

Hot damn, baja...our faith may just pull Watts through ;D

[Jason in LA]

yeah...ummm...about that...ummm...I think yer wrong. We're moving on. The time has passed for Ash to succeed in Denver.

So you really think that if Lelie comes back for training camp, and goes about it as business as usual, Shanny should sit him for the entire year just to teach him a lesson? That wouldn't be very smart.

If the Broncos can't workout a good deal for him, then they would be smart to play him.

Lelie's not going to be stupid and sit out the year.

[brncs_fan]

The problem with "sitting his ass" is that may only inspire him to sign with an AFC West team so he can Kennison us two times a year.

[27atwater]

So you really think that if Lelie comes back for training camp, and goes about it as business as usual, Shanny should sit him for the entire year just to teach him a lesson? That wouldn't be very smart.

If the Broncos can't workout a good deal for him, then they would be smart to play him.

Lelie's not going to be stupid and sit out the year.
a-I doubt he comes in and behaves

b-i think he'll be traded anyways

c-yes, i think shanny is just cocky enuff to sit him just to prove a point. shanny is already prepared to play w/o him.

[27atwater]

The problem with "sitting his ass" is that may only inspire him to sign with an AFC West team so he can Kennison us two times a year.


if he were actually good enuff to do that.

[NOLA Bronco]

The problem with "sitting his ass" is that may only inspire him to sign with an AFC West team so he can Kennison us two times a year.


So what? When the Broncos play the Chefs, I am more worried about the RB and TE then Kennison. Kennison gets some yards because they have no one else to throw to.

[NOLA Bronco]

Lelie really ought to talk with Bobby Humphrey regarding the effectiveness of a hold out. Especially after a year where your production declined.

I am amazed how Lelie can be so stupid. He refuses to compete, yet expects to be a top dog? Sounds like another candidate for a Vermeil player, if he was still coaching....

[Gcver2ver3]

Lelie is a good WR but........

Daruis Watts is making noise........Brandon Marshall shows promise......and we have our studs in Javon Walker & Rod Smith............oh and let's not forget that David Terrell has been earning praises by shanny......

Basically we're stacked at WR all of a sudden......so where does Lelie fit?

I say instead of proving a point, just let the guy go and wish him the best of luck and trade him to get us talent in another position.....

I may be in the minority but I've wanted TJ Duckett to be a Bronco since he was drafted by Atlanta.....I always thought he'd thrive in our system...he may have character issues but a change in scenery may help...

[12th man]

Lelie is a good WR but........

Daruis Watts is making noise........Brandon Marshall shows promise......and we have our studs in Javon Walker & Rod Smith............oh and let's not forget that David Terrell has been earning praises by shanny......

Basically we're stacked at WR all of a sudden......so where does Lelie fit?

I say instead of proving a point, just let the guy go and wish him the best of luck and trade him to get us talent in another position.....

I may be in the minority but I've wanted TJ Duckett to be a Bronco since he was drafted by Atlanta.....I always thought he'd thrive in our system...he may have character issues but a change in scenery may help...
Exactly. We have a ton of depth at wr to fill in a third spot, and I am certain with the instruction of Dinger someone will step up and be solid. But you have to admitt, if Lelie would wise up and be that third guy, it would be more comforting to have that more experienced guy than these other wr's. Lelie is talanted and can stretch the field. But whatever. If we lose him, so be it. someone will step up.

[broncsyanks]

its just a part of negotiating tactics. we need to send the message that we will have him sit as well as to other teams that if they are going to offer something, then we are not in a bad spot so that we have to take anything for our former 1st rounder

[broncos-rock]

Wheres Wolf at saying things are getting seriously hot at dove Valley???

[Taco John]

For my part, I'm not going to get too caught up in any of the praise Shanahan is heaping on any of the other WRs. That could be as much smoke screen as anything.

[NaptownChief]

Hasn't Atlanta figured out that no matter how many WR's you bring in it won't change the fact that Ron Mexico can't pass?

[Smiling Assassin27]

Once WR's start blowing out knees and/or coming in to camp fat, Shanny's phone will ring.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Watts impressing? OK.

[redrage]

Has anyone caught on yet on the irony of this thread? The same forumn that is bad-mouthing a WR who wants to be traded, wants to be the #1 target and calling him a selfish jerk just celebrated a couple months ago a trade in which the team aquired the exact same thing.

[Taco John]

Has anyone caught on yet on the irony of this thread? The same forumn that is bad-mouthing a WR who wants to be traded, wants to be the #1 target and calling him a selfish jerk just celebrated a couple months ago a trade in which the team aquired the exact same thing.



Do you see the irony of your post? Nobody cares what you have to say, and yet you posted it anyway...

[redrage]

Do you see the irony of your post? Nobody cares what you have to say, and yet you posted it anyway...
Good one (??)

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil....

What do you know? There IS no evil!!

[bombquixote]

It's pathetic, but I'm actually psyched about Watts again. I'm such a drone.
Shanahan: Watts is benched
Me: Watts sucks.

Shanahan: Watts showing potential
Me: Watts is the next Marvin Harrison.

I'm also psyched about Marshall. I can see a time after Rod retires when it's Walker and Marshall, better than Rod and Ed together.

With or without Lelie, though, we're fine at receiver. ****ing finally.

[bombquixote]

Good one (??)

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil....

What do you know? There IS no evil!!

You could be fun if you actually talked good smack. As it is, you bore me. Welcome to my iggy list.

[redrage]

You could be fun if you actually talked good smack. As it is, you bore me. Welcome to my iggy list.
I guess it's just a matter of perspaective. Bronco fans think other Bronco fans' smack is the end all, while everyone else's is lame. What they don't realize is that it is all pretty lame.

Ignore away. I think I'll manage to get up in the morning.

[Gcver2ver3]

It's pathetic, but I'm actually psyched about Watts again. I'm such a drone.
Shanahan: Watts is benched
Me: Watts sucks.

Shanahan: Watts showing potential
Me: Watts is the next Marvin Harrison.




that was funny..........LOL

to a degree i'm the same way

[sirhcyennek81]

Me: Watts needs to show he wants to get better
Shanahan: ayup
Watts: what?

:Broncos:

[Garcia Bronco]

what can
i say....:garcia:

[FantomForce]

Sounds like Shanahan is content to let Lelie sit...
More power to the man:thanku:

[Spider]

It's pathetic, but I'm actually psyched about Watts again. I'm such a drone.
Shanahan: Watts is benched
Me: Watts sucks.

Shanahan: Watts showing potential
Me: Watts is the next Marvin Harrison.

I'm also psyched about Marshall. I can see a time after Rod retires when it's Walker and Marshall, better than Rod and Ed together.

With or without Lelie, though, we're fine at receiver. ****ing finally.
LOL post of the week right here .......

[bcbronc]

You figure this is the last year on Ashley's contract, so it would be better to get something for him than nothing considering he will be gone next season.

But in this case... unless the Broncos can find a team that is willing to pay too much for him, in either a high draft pick or starting player then let him sit the entire season.

Fine him for not coming to camp, take back some of signing bonus and when he does come back after game 6 of the regular season, make him in-active the rest of the season.

If he wants to play hardball, the Broncos can bury him so far down on the depth chart that he will be helping the waterboy during team practices.

The upside is that it sends a message to the rest of the team, perform to the best of your abilities, fulfill your contract and the Broncos will take care of you.

I don't buy into the argument.. "What would you do if this was your job?".

You sign a contract... you fulfill the contract to the end. That is what makes you a man of your word.
<br>


imo, the only point this would prove is that shanny and the organization care more about spiteing a player than they do about winning superbowls. can you imagine the meeting when champ, lynch, al, nalen, and rod walk into shanny's office and ask him why he simply left an asset on the shelf, and shanny replied "to prove a point". i don't think that would go over all that well.

i'm still holding on to a small glimmer of hope (or maybe it's simply denial) that lelie will be back. but if he doesn't come back, i expect shanny to turn him into another assett. the nfl is too competitive to simply sit ashley and let him walk away just to prove a point, especially when disruptive situations in denver are few and far between (and usually dealt with swiftly and decisively).

[Hulamau]

For my part, I'm not going to get too caught up in any of the praise Shanahan is heaping on any of the other WRs. That could be as much smoke screen as anything.

Thats exactly what it is Taco. Come on guys its only 14 days of QB camp with Walker, Lelie and Hixon out. Shanny is trying to give Watts some props early to build his confidence which is great, but I wouldn't read too much into it too soon.

If Lelie does come back and Walker heals up for camp, there is no doubt in my mind it will be Rod, Walker and Lelie as the starting 3 at the end of training camp.

Assuming Shanny doesn't make Ash sit just out of spite. The last two years Watts was ALL world according to all reports during minicamps and training camp and then disappeared.

I hope for the best for him, but lets not go over board here too soon. The first year he faded big time toward the end of the season saying he got worn out by the long season, and he looked worn out before the season started last year.

I'm not convinced yet that he has the basic physical stamina and strength to be consistent through a whole NFL season. Everytime I see a photo of his right arm I wince at how skinny it is and the left isnt much bigger. Maybe he can put it all together this year, but I'm take a wait and see view of it at least through preseason.

[broncosteven]

a-I doubt he comes in and behaves

b-i think he'll be traded anyways

c-yes, i think shanny is just cocky enuff to sit him just to prove a point. shanny is already prepared to play w/o him.


Shanny pulled C with Waffel House How quickly players forget! Didn't he Suspend Gardner keeping him on some sort of not able to perform list & refesued to release him until the next year (how quickly I forget LOL!).

I won't believe the Watts hype until I see him out in games catching balls & making plays. It is one thing to praise work out warriors but I want to see players executing on the field in game situations!