Rookie WR Royal could be surprise starter

[SoCalBronco]

Denver
July 11, 2008

Rookie WR Royal could be surprise starter for Broncos


As we near training camp, word out of Denver is that Keary Colbert has a slight edge over Darrell Jackson to become the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, but rookie Eddie Royal is a dark-horse candidate for the job, according to sources. We hear Broncos coaches like what Royal showed in the squad’s minicamps and are willing to give him a shot at passing the two veterans on the depth chart. When he was drafted in the second round it largely was believed that Royal would contribute almost purely as a kick returner this season, but those views are beginning to change. Observers of the Broncos’ OTAs say Royal has been inconsistent at times, but his speed and ability to get in and out of breaks quickly have endeared him to the offensive coaching staff. Regardless, Denver is feeling upbeat about its receiving corps at this point, with a potential top five of Brandon Marshall, Colbert, Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Royal.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=afcwest

[Sassy]

Go Eddie ;D

[watermock]

The next Madise? Or maybe even (insert bust here).

[broncofan2438]

That would be great to see

[theAPAOps5]

I am telling you after researching this guy when we drafted him I think he will be a bright spot. Not ready to crown him the next Hixon but this guy could be good.

[yerner]

I'm taking this as a report that DJack a Keary Colbert suck.

[theAPAOps5]

I am not because it hasn't said Royal is the starter it says the coaches are impressed.

[elsid13]

I highly doubt any rookie WR is going to be more then the 4th option at start of the year. Shanahan runs a complex offense and take time for guys to understand what he wants, plus Shanahan will always defer to vet because of the experience factor.

[nickademus]

its time for a royal with cheese baby!!!!!!11

[DomCasual]

Royal doesn't sleep. He waits.

[Borks147]

haha, I guess in a twisted way its good we can never seem to draft a pure kick returner. Darrent Williams was drafted basically to play special teams and ended up being a decent cornerback, now maybe Royal ends up with the same ascent. Jack Williams seemed (ever since draft day) to be more of the type that would play predominantly special teams.

[Borks147]

Royal doesn't sleep. He waits.

dont start

[DomCasual]

dont start

If Eddie Royal roundhouse kicks you, you will die. If Eddie Royal misses you with the roundhouse kick, the wind behind the kick will tear out your pancreas.

To date, Eddie Royal has never missed a roundhouse kick.

[BroncoMan4ever]

With Royal, i will be happy if he is a solid return man for the team, anything he can contribute as a receiver is just bonus in my eyes

[Kaylore]

I highly doubt any rookie WR is going to be more then the 4th option at start of the year. Shanahan runs a complex offense and take time for guys to understand what he wants, plus Shanahan will always defer to vet because of the experience factor.

Eddie Royal will be the number one receiver! He will score five touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 returning) in his first game! Eddie Royal destroys all!!!!!!!!

[SoCalBronco]

Eddie Royal will be the number one receiver! He will score five touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 returning) in his first game! Eddie Royal destroys all!!!!!!!!

Eddie Royal could make Aaron Francisco cry.

And that's saying something.

[Popps]

I can't wait to be wrong about this pick. I thought it was a little silly to take a mini-receiver that high with this team's needs. But, if he contributes this quickly an opens up the offense, I'll be thrilled to be wrong about this pick.

[NFLBRONCO]

Denver
July 11, 2008

Rookie WR Royal could be surprise starter for Broncos


As we near training camp, word out of Denver is that Keary Colbert has a slight edge over Darrell Jackson to become the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, but rookie Eddie Royal is a dark-horse candidate for the job, according to sources. We hear Broncos coaches like what Royal showed in the squad’s minicamps and are willing to give him a shot at passing the two veterans on the depth chart. When he was drafted in the second round it largely was believed that Royal would contribute almost purely as a kick returner this season, but those views are beginning to change. Observers of the Broncos’ OTAs say Royal has been inconsistent at times, but his speed and ability to get in and out of breaks quickly have endeared him to the offensive coaching staff. Regardless, Denver is feeling upbeat about its receiving corps at this point, with a potential top five of Brandon Marshall, Colbert, Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Royal.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=afcwest

Homer :) I really hope this guy lives up to hype and produces we really need him. I'm excited to see this guy in 08.

[Cito Pelon]

Any way one looks at it, Denver has a potentially excellent receiver corps. Lots of weapons. Colbert is an Eddie Mac kind of guy, a relatively slow smart guy that knows his receiving role and blocking assignments and executes them. Not a prima-donna, he's where he's supposed to be and really is a good blocking WR. I'm not surprised Colbert has the edge over Jackson right now, Jackson is more your prima-donna kind of WR. On local radio Jackson was on with the Irv, Joe and Jim Armstrong afternoon guys just after he was signed, and Armstrong dropped this question on him:

Armstrong: How's your blocking?
Jackson: (hesitation) My blocking?
Armstrong: Yeah, your blocking.
Jackson: (I'm paraphrasing) Well, I don't like to take on linebackers too much. That's not my game. But I will if I have to.

Point is, Colbert is more willing I think to attack ANY D player to block for running game success, and that may be why Colbert is rated ahead of Jackson right now. I prefer Colbert myself right now because I remember he really did block well in his time in Carolina, and WR blocking is a big part of a kickass running game.

Royal has been mentioned in mini-camp for getting into and out of his breaks fast. Plus, some mention of having good hands. I haven't heard a thing about his return skills, no mention at all. So I'm a little wary about how he's gonna contribute. The team needs a returner, not another Stokley.

TE is darn good with Graham and a healthy Tony, but I'm thinking Royal should be a return specialist. I guess we'll see who returns kicks in TC. Ideally, Royal is the 4th WR and returns most KR's and punts, a Welker kind of guy.

Then we have Selvin and Pittman at RB who both have good hands. So any way you look at it, Denver potentially has an excellent corps of receivers. Potentially the best from top to bottom I've seen in all my years of watching the Broncs.

[DomCasual]

I hope he works out. I am just way cynical about anything rookie-related at this time of year. They're all the next Jerry Rice, Champ Bailey, and Joe Montana - at least in the media. Unfortunately, on the field, they almost all turn out to be the next Dominik Hixon, Adrian Madise, etc.

If he stablizes our return game and doesn't catch a single pass this year, I will consider it a victory. Don't get me wrong - he's a 2nd Round pick, so he needs to do something at WR eventually. But for this year, what we really need him to do is help us with field position.

[SouthStndJunkie]

No....not the kiss of fluff.

[SoCalBronco]

No....not the kiss of fluff.

It could be worse. We could be reading about Tuten's sled or about how they are going to really let the DL loose this year.

[DomCasual]

It could be worse. We could be reading about Tuten's sled or about how they are going to really let the DL loose this year.

Yeah, I definitely appreciate reading it. And while I seriously, seriously doubt it'll end up happening, it at least indicates he's doing well.

Sorry, man. I hope we didn't seem like people weren't appreciating your having posted it.

[yerner]

You guys are excited to see Keary Colbert play? Uh, Really? We must be talking about a different keary colbert.

[Inkana7]

You guys are excited to see Keary Colbert play? Uh, Really? We must be talking about a different keary colbert.

Yes, we are.

Lemme guess, though, you watched a ton of Panthers "tape" and say he sucks because, in actuality, you just skimmed his stat sheet?

[Los Broncos]

Super Bowl for sure now...

[socalorado]

Any way one looks at it, Denver has a potentially excellent receiver corps. Lots of weapons. Colbert is an Eddie Mac kind of guy, a relatively slow smart guy that knows his receiving role and blocking assignments and executes them. Not a prima-donna, he's where he's supposed to be and really is a good blocking WR. I'm not surprised Colbert has the edge over Jackson right now, Jackson is more your prima-donna kind of WR. On local radio Jackson was on with the Irv, Joe and Jim Armstrong afternoon guys just after he was signed, and Armstrong dropped this question on him:

Armstrong: How's your blocking?
Jackson: (hesitation) My blocking?
Armstrong: Yeah, your blocking.
Jackson: (I'm paraphrasing) Well, I don't like to take on linebackers too much. That's not my game. But I will if I have to.

Point is, Colbert is more willing I think to attack ANY D player to block for running game success, and that may be why Colbert is rated ahead of Jackson right now. I prefer Colbert myself right now because I remember he really did block well in his time in Carolina, and WR blocking is a big part of a kickass running game.

Royal has been mentioned in mini-camp for getting into and out of his breaks fast. Plus, some mention of having good hands. I haven't heard a thing about his return skills, no mention at all. So I'm a little wary about how he's gonna contribute. The team needs a returner, not another Stokley.

TE is darn good with Graham and a healthy Tony, but I'm thinking Royal should be a return specialist. I guess we'll see who returns kicks in TC. Ideally, Royal is the 4th WR and returns most KR's and punts, a Welker kind of guy.

Then we have Selvin and Pittman at RB who both have good hands. So any way you look at it, Denver potentially has an excellent corps of receivers. Potentially the best from top to bottom I've seen in all my years of watching the Broncs.

You forgot Hillis. Great hands, and even played WR at ARK. Dude will be the "X" factor on offense!

[Drek]

You forgot Hillis. Great hands, and even played WR at ARK. Dude will be the "X" factor on offense!

I think he has a good chance to be.

Kevin Faulk doesn't get a lot of hype for the Pats but if you watch them play Faulk is making key plays blocking, receiving, and carrying. He doesn't do a ton of any one but he makes the critical plays to keep a drive alive or finish it in the end zone.

Hillis is that kind of player. I just hope he gets the shot to do it here with the Broncos, not a year or two from now for someone else.

And on the subject of Royal, I wouldn't be surprised if he sees significant time as the #2. He's an explosive player and Cutler's arm will enable him to actually use all of his athleticism to get down field and get open. Couldn't do that in college, VaTech hasn't had a QB with an NFL level arm his entire time there.

[ZONA]

Personally, I still think Stokely will end up being the #2 guy. He gets open, he catches. Simple.

[Killericon]

I would like to see Royal at #2, but I'd prefer Jackson over Colbert.

[worm]

I want to see Royal beat the press before i pencil him in as a #2 dark horse.

[Inkana7]

I want to see Royal beat the press before i pencil him in as a #2 dark horse.

That's supposedly one of his strengths. There's more to a player than his height and weight.

[elsid13]

I want to see Royal beat the press before i pencil him in as a #2 dark horse.

I wanting to see him look like he running the right routes before we make him #2.

[socalorado]

I think he has a good chance to be.

Kevin Faulk doesn't get a lot of hype for the Pats but if you watch them play Faulk is making key plays blocking, receiving, and carrying. He doesn't do a ton of any one but he makes the critical plays to keep a drive alive or finish it in the end zone.

Hillis is that kind of player. I just hope he gets the shot to do it here with the Broncos, not a year or two from now for someone else.

And on the subject of Royal, I wouldn't be surprised if he sees significant time as the #2. He's an explosive player and Cutler's arm will enable him to actually use all of his athleticism to get down field and get open. Couldn't do that in college, VaTech hasn't had a QB with an NFL level arm his entire time there.

Yeah, i really see Hillis as the all around "nightmare" player for opposing defenses. He can do alot more than block.
TE Chris Cooley is a good example of a player who can run routes and catch, block and also go out on screens as the delay guy or decoy and then get the dump off and run for YAC. The skins have employed a very similar offense to NE and it was very effective at the end of last season. Chris Cooley found his nitch in the NFL playing the H-Back position.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

If Eddie Royal roundhouse kicks you, you will die. If Eddie Royal misses you with the roundhouse kick, the wind behind the kick will tear out your pancreas.

To date, Eddie Royal has never missed a roundhouse kick.

Start!

Start!

Start!

[Cito Pelon]

You forgot Hillis. Great hands, and even played WR at ARK. Dude will be the "X" factor on offense!

Good point.

On the other hand, Shanny could outsmart himself and F it all up. Who knows? Just gotta see how it plays out. The O potential is certainly there. On paper this is a very potent O, it depends on the coaching staff to make it shine.

[CoopDawg]

Hopefully Royal turns into a weapon on special teams this year through the return game, outside of that I'm not hoping for too much. Rookie WRs rarely do much in the Broncos system.

[Gcver2ver3]

eddie royal = steve smith...

you heard me right...

[Cito Pelon]

Well, let's see what the genius Shanny can do with all these O weapons. I think it's 50/50 whether or not he f's it up. Seems like he's been outsmarting himself for a long time. Seems like he revels in complexity instead of scoring TD's.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

eddie royal = steve smith...

you heard me right...

Just super strong, cut-on-a-dime part of Steve Smith. I can do without the sucker-punching moron part.

[Gcver2ver3]

Just super strong, cut-on-a-dime part of Steve Smith. I can do without the sucker-punching moron part.

agreed...

[theAPAOps5]

Personally, I still think Stokely will end up being the #2 guy. He gets open, he catches. Simple.

Actually he won't be the #2 he doesn't get open as the #2 he gets open as the #3 in the slot. He has even stated he is more suited for the slot.

[Lestat]

nice to hear, a rookie pushing the vets is always nice. if he can give anything this season in addition to return abilities it's a plus

[SoCalBronco]

What would Eddie Royal do?

[Atlas]

Personally, I still think Stokely will end up being the #2 guy. He gets open, he catches. Simple.

Stokley is the best slot WR in the NFL. He'll stay there. That is where he is most effective.

[SoCalBronco]

Stokley is the best slot WR in the NFL. He'll stay there. That is where he is most effective.

I disagree. Kyla is better than Stokley in the slot, IMO.

[BroncoBuff]

I disagree. Kyla is better than Stokley in the slot, IMO.
LOL

[BroncoBuff]

dont start
Royal doesn't start. He's always on.

[That One Guy]

Royal doesn't start. He's always on.

LOL! My lord... sometimes this site is like a gorilla kicking me in the nads while I'm trying to eat my ice cream... I tell ya...

[BroncoMan4ever]

i am beginning to wonder. Hillis can be an X factor FB who comes in on goal line plays, and add some extra power to the running game for tough yardage. But i am thinking that he might end up doing some return work for the team. He did it at Arkansas and was pretty good at it.

I am also pretty sure that he will make the 53 man roster simply because he can do too many things to not get noticed. He can catch, run, block, return, do special teams, this guy can be an unglorified warrior that just comes in does his job quietly and well but gets no praise for it from the casual fan. he will be that player who for the next 10 years just acts as an unheralded anchor for this team.

[montrose]

As far as being a WR goes, my impression was that Royal was drafted to be the heir to Stokley - as we're now implementing the slot into our offense.

[broncogary]

i am beginning to wonder. Hillis can be an X factor FB who comes in on goal line plays, and add some extra power to the running game for tough yardage. But i am thinking that he might end up doing some return work for the team. He did it at Arkansas and was pretty good at it.

I am also pretty sure that he will make the 53 man roster simply because he can do too many things to not get noticed. He can catch, run, block, return, do special teams, this guy can be an unglorified warrior that just comes in does his job quietly and well but gets no praise for it from the casual fan. he will be that player who for the next 10 years just acts as an unheralded anchor for this team.

Now if he could just long-snap. :thumbs:

[baja]

I can't wait to be wrong about this pick. I thought it was a little silly to take a mini-receiver that high with this team's needs. But, if he contributes this quickly an opens up the offense, I'll be thrilled to be wrong about this pick.

Don't worry Popps you are always wrong. ;D

Except when it comes to Apple. ;D ;D

[elsid13]

I can't wait to be wrong about this pick. I thought it was a little silly to take a mini-receiver that high with this team's needs. But, if he contributes this quickly an opens up the offense, I'll be thrilled to be wrong about this pick.

He not a mini-receiver. He is 5-10 and solid 185. Mini WR are Steve Smith, Moss (s) (NYG an WASH), Desean Jackson.

With Marshall on the other side, he will be able to play off the line and that should help against the press

[Dedhed]

You forgot Hillis. Great hands, and even played WR at ARK. Dude will be the "X" factor on offense!

Forget about Hillis being the "x" factor and "secret weapon". I want to see him simply be a legitimate blocking FB. If he catches a pass every 6th game and gets 3 carries all year, fine, but I want to see him take on LBs in the hole before he does anything fancy.

[broncosteven]

Denver
July 11, 2008

Rookie WR Royal could be surprise starter for Broncos


As we near training camp, word out of Denver is that Keary Colbert has a slight edge over Darrell Jackson to become the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, but rookie Eddie Royal is a dark-horse candidate for the job, according to sources. We hear Broncos coaches like what Royal showed in the squad’s minicamps and are willing to give him a shot at passing the two veterans on the depth chart. When he was drafted in the second round it largely was believed that Royal would contribute almost purely as a kick returner this season, but those views are beginning to change. Observers of the Broncos’ OTAs say Royal has been inconsistent at times, but his speed and ability to get in and out of breaks quickly have endeared him to the offensive coaching staff. Regardless, Denver is feeling upbeat about its receiving corps at this point, with a potential top five of Brandon Marshall, Colbert, Jackson, Brandon Stokley and Royal.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/default.htm?mode=afcwest

I like hearing that he gets out of his breaks quickly, Hope he can do the same in real games.

BTW we are not going to find out next year that he has a withered right hand after getting it stuck in a combine when he was a kid or something horrific that will prevent him from catching a ball?

[kmonty]

Now if he could just long-snap. :thumbs:

Lichtensteiger can!

The thing is, Leach is freakishly perfect in that department. Every single time. A robot. I think he'll long snap as long as he wants to.

[listopencil]

As far as being a WR goes, my impression was that Royal was drafted to be the heir to Stokley - as we're now implementing the slot into our offense.

Yep.

[Borks147]

Lichtensteiger can!

The thing is, Leach is freakishly perfect in that department. Every single time. A robot. I think he'll long snap as long as he wants to.

safest job in the nfl if you're good.

[nickademus]

r u kidding after the way that guy in dallas got grilled for messing up one long snap (last snap he ever made) the long snapper is almost as important as the third string qb.

[Killericon]

HOF thread right here. A freaking gold mine.

[BroncoBuff]

I can't wait to be wrong about this pick. I thought it was a little silly to take a mini-receiver that high with this team's needs. But, if he contributes this quickly an opens up the offense, I'll be thrilled to be wrong about this pick.
I was fine with the pick, I just thought it was a round early.

[Inkana7]

I was fine with the pick, I just thought it was a round early.

The rest of the NFL disagrees with you.

[Killericon]

I was fine with the pick, I just thought it was a round early.

Perhaps, but noone(and I mean noone) knew what the hell was going on with the WRs when that run started.

[broncosteven]

Perhaps, but noone(and I mean noone) knew what the hell was going on with the WRs when that run started.

Peter Noone is now an NFL GM?

[thumpc]

He's a strong slot guy, he'll be sealing DE's an LB's from there with some mean crackbacks.

[BroncoBuff]

The rest of the NFL disagrees with you.
I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.

[elsid13]

I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.

come on Buff there is a reason that are called "mock" drafts. Very rarely are they accurate, most had Sweed and Thomas going in the first. Beside the with run on WRs there was no guarantee, Royal would have been there in the 3rd

[Drek]

I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.

He was considered a fast riser leading up to the draft and those projections were obviously mostly crap what with how far down DeSean Jackson, Hardy, Sweed, etc. all slid.

[Inkana7]

I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.

And DeSean Jackson and Devin Thomas were both top 20 picks in every draft projection I saw.

[socalorado]

I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.
http://www.gbnreport.com/3-roundprojection.html
Check the projections of where the WRs would go.
Royal goes one spot ahead of the 1st WR selected in the actual draft.
(See 3rd round)
Well, i dont remember the top couple of guys actually going as high as they did. STL took Avery in the second. I would say he was a 3rd round projection. And TB took Dexter Jackson in the 2nd! projected no higher than the 4th! All way ahead of a number of "draft experts" WR's on their list.
I remember before the draft Royal was called the "steve smith" clone. Real strong, real fast, and real as a person.
As for potential trouble, ive alread read articles about "Mesean" as a training camp nightmare. ALREADY.

[socalorado]

Perfect Example Why ROYAL was the better pick.
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Jackson could become McNabb’s savior

By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports 11 hours, 10 minutes ago

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkoKfO.RHXp6lTbnFrKnqQQ5nYcB?slug=jc-deseaneagles060208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

PHILADELPHIA Beyond running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Kevin Curtis, Donovan McNabb’s offensive threats struck very little fear in defenses last year. The Philadelphia Eagles are counting on rookie receiver DeSean Jackson to make things more difficult for the opposition in 2008.

Jackson, one of Philadelphia’s two second-round picks in April’s NFL draft, has the kind of speed that wows. Jackson, generously listed at 6-feet, 178 pounds, has the speed to run through defenses.

...

“What we can do right now is move people around, put some pretty interesting groups out there,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “DeSean will be in a lot of places for us, the slot, outside, places where we feel we can get matchup problems.”

What the Eagles can do is make opponents pay for mistakes, particularly if opponents try to blitz.

That was obvious during a drill at the team’s rookie mini-camp session on Thursday when Jackson ran through a zone coverage for a deep pass that would have been a touchdown. Jackson just glided through the defense with an almost deceptive stride. For a somewhat smaller player, Jackson runs smooth.

Still, that was May, when big plays in practice are about as meaningful as a teenager with peach fuzz at a biker bar.

The problem is that Jackson has this tendency to act like a kid who thinks it’s cool to sit in the back of class and stare at the ceiling tiles with a disaffected attitude. During every individual drill, Jackson was the last in line to do the exercise. When wide receivers coach David Culley stopped to talk to the group, Jackson was the first (and often the only) one to take off his helmet. He looked off in every direction except directly at Culley.

About the only time Jackson seemed to pay full attention was when Reid was observing up close. In the NFL, you have to work harder than just when the big boss is looking.

All of that makes you wonder if Jackson gets the big picture, if he understands that he’s part of a big plan to put one extraordinarily quick offensive unit on the field from time to time; the type of unit that could ruin the great pass-rushing defenses from the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. The defenses that made McNabb’s life miserable a year ago.

“I understand what people have said about me, but you can’t do nothing about what people say except go out and prove them wrong,” said Jackson, who many people expected to be a first-round pick when he declared to come out of Cal after his junior season. “That’s what I’m going to do now, prove them all wrong.”

Another article on "Mesean"
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/college...titude-issues/ (http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2008/05/28/cal-football-the-truth-about-desean-jacksons-attitude-issues/)<!-- / message -->

[BroncoMan4ever]

Now if he could just long-snap. :thumbs:

hell he probably could do that too. And also be out kicker and punter this year

[Kaylore]

I dunno ... Royal was third round or lower in every draft projection I saw. Don't get me wrong, I am very stoked we have him. Besides, we didn't have a 3rd round choice, and that was before we all found out the seriousness of B-Marsh's problems ... the draft was before the McDonalds bag, In other words, the fans were probably one step behind what Shanahan knew was potential trouble with him.

This is Pro Football Weekly's draft value chart - their final one before the draft. It's based on a summation of what they hear from team GM's and scouts around the league. Looks like Eddie Royal went right where they expected him to. ;)

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2008/value042208.htm

[epicSocialism4tw]

This article is basically saying this: "Calling Darrell Jackson...you better show up to camp ready"

[BroncoBuff]

You guys are protesting way too much, reality is reality. And I'm not talking mock drafts, too many idiots involved in them. I'm talking draft rankings:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/2065/wrsut5.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9607/wrs2xb0.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4340/wr3qj8.jpg

[epicSocialism4tw]

He was considered a fast riser leading up to the draft and those projections were obviously mostly crap what with how far down DeSean Jackson, Hardy, Sweed, etc. all slid.

Royal(e With Cheese) is a nice looking player.

If he returns kicks for us successfully and gets in a few catches a game, I would consider his drafting a boon. He would fill some needs that we have had for a long time.

I think that he'll stick and that he'll be a contributor. He has a stack of skills.

[rugbythug]

Lets argue this, next july we will have better information.

[BroncoBuff]

That Pro Football Weekly really nailed it, Khan.

I'm really glad we have him ... he's fast, solid, and now we know smart. But I'm not holding my breath for him to start. Rookies and west-coast offenses don't mix well in my view. He'll see the field plenty, returning kicks plue we'll need four or five guys at WR.

I'm especially happy to have Darrell Jackson too. Don;t believe that article, D-Jax is killer bargain after a down year with a down team. Next to Boss and Clady, he'll prolly play the most number of downs of any newcomer this year.

[Kaylore]

You guys are protesting way too much, reality is reality. And I'm not talking mock drafts, too many idiots involved in them. I'm talking draft rankings:


None of those use real scouts except (interestingly enough) scouts.com

I'm just going to re-post what I already said. Click the link. You'll be impressed with how accurate they were. Also, Royal was hardly the only pick to go earlier than people thought and if you scroll down you'll see that PFW's ranking was the best at predicting how the draft was going to go.

This is Pro Football Weekly's draft value chart - their final one before the draft. It's based on a summation of what they hear from team GM's and scouts around the league. Looks like Eddie Royal went right where they expected him to. ;)

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2008/value042208.htm

[BroncoBuff]

simultaneous post - I responded above you.

Gotta hand ot to PFW, they nailed it, and looking through, they nailed several others.

[Kaylore]

That Pro Football Weekly really nailed it, Khan.

I'm really glad we have him ... he's fast, solid, and now we know smart. But I'm not holding my breath for him to start. Rookies and west-coast offenses don't mix well in my view.
I don't disagree with that. I think he's doing well, but even Marshall, who had a similar pre-season, really disappeared for awhile once the season began and this was partly because of the play book being hard to execute week to week. I just wanted to point out that we weren't the only ones who had Royal as a second round grade.

[Kaylore]

simultaneous post - I responded above you.

Gotta hand ot to PFW, they nailed it, and looking through, they nailed several others.

Yeah. Oh well. ;D

[DivineLegion]

A girl I work with just graduated from Vtech, she told me Eddie Royal is a realy nice guy...quiet, reserved, smart...She said the kid has his head on strait. I think its his personality that made him a top ten WR in Mikes mind.

[Kaylore]

A girl I work with just graduated from Vtech, she told me Eddie Royal is a realy nice guy...quiet, reserved, smart...She said the kid has his head on strait. I think its his personality that made him a top ten WR in Mikes mind.

I guarantee you it had little to do with his personality.

[DBroncos4life]

I'm very pleased with our WR corps this year. I still think Jackson is our best pick up this off season.

[dbfan21]

If Marshall comes back strong from the injury and Royal develops into a legit threat in the passing game, we will have a heck of a WR corps. Stokley is a phenomenal slot receiver. I know Colbert and Jackson are not top-level receivers, but they would make great third, fourth and/or fifth options for Jay in a wide-open offense.

Let's hope it all comes together!!

[Crushaholic]

Darius Watts looked good in camp, as well. I'm just sayin'....;D

[Beantown Bronco]

Took less time than expected:

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=68979&highlight=madise

[Steve Sewell]

I highly doubt any rookie WR is going to be more then the 4th option at start of the year. Shanahan runs a complex offense and take time for guys to understand what he wants, plus Shanahan will always defer to vet because of the experience factor.

It ain't that hard to run a fly route or bubble screen, which is what they'd likely do with him.

[elsid13]

It ain't that hard to run a fly route or bubble screen, which is what they'd likely do with him.

I agree with that, but if he running fly routes or screens he isn't going to see the field as Denver #2 WR like some are predicating here.