Ashley Lelie question

[Florida_Bronco]

I've seen several posts on here from people who make it sound like Ashley is definetly gone next year, (assuming a trade doesn't happen this year) and I can't figure out why.

Are people just not thinking it through or what? I have seen nothing to suggest that Denver will not resign Lelie next year, so why is everyone so certain that he's gone?

[doof]

http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/loc...106134531.html

Miller: Lelie's Absence Isn't Pleasing To Shanahan
A Post From CBS4 Broncos Insider Gary Miller's Blog

Gary Miller
Reporting

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(CBS4) DENVER The Broncos off season workout program is voluntary. Players are strongly encouraged to attend, but it's their choice. Rod Smith has voluntarily showed up every day for more than a decade. Virtually every other player elects to participate, too. But this year, Ashley Lelie is voluntarily staying away.

I haven't spoken to Lelie or the Broncos about the situation, but I've been around long enough to know Mike Shanahan is miffed. Extremely miffed.

The only player who didn't participate in the workouts through the years was Shannon Sharpe. But each year, Sharpe would show up for training camp looking like he'd been working out 24 hours a day for months, so there wasn't much anyone could say. Plus, he delivered big time on the field.

There have been reports during the off-season that the Broncos explored trading Lelie, first to San Francisco -- then to Green Bay. Maybe Lelie is reacting to that. He is reportedly working out on his own in Arizona.

One thing is certain: when Lelie shows up, he won't look anything like Sharpe. He also won't perform like Sharpe.

Here's another certainty. If this is a battle of wills, he won't beat Shanahan. The smartest thing Lelie can do is come to Denver and work out with his teammates as soon as possible. If he stays away and doesn't come to town until training camp, I have one piece of advice ... Ashley, don't pull a hammy.

[Conklin]

not to mention a member on this board knows him personally and has received the feeling from Lelie himself that hes not utilized and is better than perceived and wants to be less restricted(which means new team)

[Popps]

Originally Posted by doof

http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/loc...106134531.html

Miller: Lelie's Absence Isn't Pleasing To Shanahan
A Post From CBS4 Broncos Insider Gary Miller's Blog

Gary Miller
Reporting

Save It E-mail It Print It
(CBS4) DENVER The Broncos off season workout program is voluntary. Players are strongly encouraged to attend, but it's their choice. Rod Smith has voluntarily showed up every day for more than a decade. Virtually every other player elects to participate, too. But this year, Ashley Lelie is voluntarily staying away.

I haven't spoken to Lelie or the Broncos about the situation, but I've been around long enough to know Mike Shanahan is miffed. Extremely miffed.

The only player who didn't participate in the workouts through the years was Shannon Sharpe. But each year, Sharpe would show up for training camp looking like he'd been working out 24 hours a day for months, so there wasn't much anyone could say. Plus, he delivered big time on the field.

There have been reports during the off-season that the Broncos explored trading Lelie, first to San Francisco -- then to Green Bay. Maybe Lelie is reacting to that. He is reportedly working out on his own in Arizona.

One thing is certain: when Lelie shows up, he won't look anything like Sharpe. He also won't perform like Sharpe.

Here's another certainty. If this is a battle of wills, he won't beat Shanahan. The smartest thing Lelie can do is come to Denver and work out with his teammates as soon as possible. If he stays away and doesn't come to town until training camp, I have one piece of advice ... Ashley, don't pull a hammy.

This guy's right on the money. Lelie should shut up and play ball. Shanahan will make that guy's life miserable.

I've actually been happy with Lelie's role, now that it's obvious he's not a #1 WR. But, this is starting to sound a bit like a situation where we should just get what we can get for him.

[12th man]

I realy don't think this is a big deal. it's not like he's the only player to work out by himself. Just as long as he is fit for trainging camp, I don't think it is a problem. maybe lelie does want out, but if he is going to be a great wr this year, maybe shanny would want to keep him. I would realy want Lelie to stay. either way I think he going to have a great year this year. He's been with us now for a few years, so he knows the offense better and a little wiser. he has heimerdinger to help him, and I think heimerdinger is going to do great things for our passing game and definately help lelie. lastly, if lelie realy wants to leave here he's going to work hard and make plays and show team what he can do, or if he does want to stay, he'll work hard and make plays to show he is worth bigger money. so I think lelie is going to have a great year based on those facts.

[Hulamau]

Originally Posted by doof

http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/loc...106134531.html

Miller: Lelie's Absence Isn't Pleasing To Shanahan
A Post From CBS4 Broncos Insider Gary Miller's Blog

Gary Miller
Reporting


I haven't spoken to Lelie or the Broncos about the situation, but I've been around long enough to know Mike Shanahan is miffed. Extremely miffed.

"Gee lets see I have absolutely no reason to say what I'm going to say but I'll print it anyway"

Don't you just love blogs! I seriously doubt Ash is pulling a pissing contest with Shanahand. Lelie has been a total trooper and team player every year hes been here and never made a fuss once! Hes back Jake to the hilt and never complained about running fly patterns all day either. And its just not his style.


I'd be willing to wager that this has all been worked out quietly between Shanny, Ash and his agent in light of the likely trade in two weeks.

I have no doubt Ash is anxious to get the chance to show what he can do with more opportunity, but this writer is just blowing smoke rings out of his arse.

[Hulamau]

Originally Posted by 12th man

I realy don't think this is a big deal. it's not like he's the only player to work out by himself. Just as long as he is fit for trainging camp, I don't think it is a problem. maybe lelie does want out, but if he is going to be a great wr this year, maybe shanny would want to keep him. I would realy want Lelie to stay. either way I think he going to have a great year this year. He's been with us now for a few years, so he knows the offense better and a little wiser. he has heimerdinger to help him, and I think heimerdinger is going to do great things for our passing game and definately help lelie. lastly, if lelie realy wants to leave here he's going to work hard and make plays and show team what he can do, or if he does want to stay, he'll work hard and make plays to show he is worth bigger money. so I think lelie is going to have a great year based on those facts.

Good points either way!

[DrFate]

Lelie has no real leverage. Additionally, he is more valuable as our #2 than we'll get in a trade. I think he plays this year and then tests free agency in 07.

[chaz]

Originally Posted by DrFate

Lelie has no real leverage. Additionally, he is more valuable as our #2 than we'll get in a trade. I think he plays this year and then tests free agency in 07.

i think that is what lelie wants to do, but the question is should we let him get to free agency...

would it be possible to tag him next year...dont think hes worth the franchise money, but transition maybe? dont know the details on that...

[yavoon]

Originally Posted by DrFate

Lelie has no real leverage. Additionally, he is more valuable as our #2 than we'll get in a trade. I think he plays this year and then tests free agency in 07.

sure he has leverage, the broncos receiving core gets hurt dramatically if he doesnt show. not saying he'd do that, just that he does infact have leverage.

[watermock]

This is just a shot across the bow. He would be RFA anyway I think so we would likely get a first or second, and he won't get that. I'm not sure how all that works, but there will be compensation.

[Lestat]

i don't get it either, people keep talking like Lelie's already got one foot out the door but there are 3 reasons you can't let him go

1.He knows the system in & out
2.He's young & cheaper than other similar WR's
3.He's got untapped potential & only 1(2 in 06 season) season removed from a 1,000 yard season

unless you take a WR high who is gonna replace him? the Broncos are not gonna pay market price for a stud WR, their not gonna let him walk in leiu of Terrell & Watts unless both surpass Lelie or come close(see Hayward replacing Berry), you can't trade him now cause his value is down & despite what everyone thinks your not gonna get Walker cheap & certainly not for Lelie(GB would be in the same scenario in having to pay a young WR)


so while some may be disappointed you might as well get used to seeing the 6-2 200 lb WR with 4.3 speed & the #85 jersey in denver for a long time & while your at it warm up to that other 6-2 200 4.3 WR from Florida named Jackson cause he's comin too

[Jason in LA]

My question is, who is going to replace him if he is gone?

[youcandoit1687]

ya ur dead on lestat...CJ is gonna replace rod after a year or two. waht if lelie just wants a change in pace. working out on ur own i think u can work out longer(CBA contract deals limit workout time at denver facilities). any idea who he is working out with(trainer?players?). we shouldnt doubt him unless he comes in fat or underachieves during the season.

[maven]

I think he's easily coming back this year. There isn't a player on Denver's roster or in the draft that can replace him this season. I still think Denver takes a WR high, but he will not have the experience Lelie will provide for this season. Now if they let Lelie walk after this season, I would presume the high draft pick will be ready to step in.

[youcandoit1687]

ya hopefully this high pick will be playing slot early and then will move to 1 and 2 downs leaving lelie for 3rd downs, or relieve rod from time to time

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by Jason in LA

My question is, who is going to replace him if he is gone?

Do you want the Baja answer or do you want the real answer?

Baja answer: Watts

Real Answer: That person is not on our team yet. I don't think we've heard the end of this issue by a long shot.

[youcandoit1687]

if we get VD through some trade that would fend off the problem for a little but i would like to draft CJ or Stovall this draft either way.

[watermock]

Lelie isn't a free agent this year. We can give him a RFA tender, or transition tag in 2008.

The concern is he shot over the bow at Dove Valley by not showing up for Voluntary workouts. It's typical for players wanting money/unhappy. I think the latter applies here, but is probably associated with money because he hasn't stood out. It's just not been a good fit.

The question is to get as much as possible before he hits the market then.

[watermock]

Originally Posted by youcandoit1687

if we get VD through some trade that would fend off the problem for a little but i would like to draft CJ or Stovall this draft either way.

Why "for a little"? VD is faster, better hands and can block like a monster. Here is the reality. This kid is a 4.38 WR in a TE body that can fight thru tacklers, block like a monster and play multiple positions from H-Back to WR and can outrun almost all DB's. The word from scouts is "astonishing".

[youcandoit1687]

well yes im not diminishing VD by any means,he is the man but i think we need a better receiver(if lelie leaves) than the CURRENT watts,terrell,etc. stovall would compliment VD nicely if CJ isnt available. especially in the red zone. play action, VD runs a 5 or 10 yard speed out, stovall over the top, kyle johnson on the flat and one really confused curl to flat LB.CJ would give us even more intriguing options with VD

[Ballhawk]

If you think Rod is a monster blocker on the outside, think about VD lining up wide

This is one of the reasons I wouldn't be upset getting a guy like Lendale or Addai, VD pulls the Saefty wide Lendale bust off 5 yards...just so many mismatches.

[youcandoit1687]

ya itd be nice(shockey and gates do it to namea few) lol but he is more of an asset at TE so thats why we need a WR too.

[watermock]

Big difference, WR have to be taught to block...VD loves to abuse defenders. He's bigger and faster than Lawson for christ sake.

He's got his game tape besides his pro day numbers as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq5g7...vernon%20davis

[watermock]

VD would be a dominant DE or OLB, but has offensive skills.