Position Analysis: Wide Receivers

[Dos Rios]

Post draft, I was hoping to see some discussion from the regulars here on how the team is set up for this year and the future at various positions. Forgive a usual lurker for giving it a shot.

WR on the surface looks to be in better shape going into this year and beyond than anytime in the Shanahan era. People talk about the late round rbs plugged into the Denver system, but it seems to me Shanahan has traditionally done the same thing with WRs. Smith and McCaffrey, as much success as they had, were an undrafted practice squad player and a journeyman castoff. For years, Shanahan tried to go cheap with veteran retreads (Reed, Anderson) or one-dimensional young speedsters (Nash, McGriff). With the Terrell rehab, the Owens flirtation, and the Walker acquisition, I see a change in WR philosophy toward finding true, elite physical talent, even at a higher price than the team usually spends on WR. I'm guessing this is a tardy recognition that the team can no longer rely on elite talent at QB (or TE for that matter), and needs better skill at the wideout to make the passing game go.

A ton of players will compete for 5-6 slots:

Smith: Only question is how many years left.
Walker: Should be a no-brainer. Top talent of the group. Hopefully a 6-7 year starter.
Lelie: Plenty of discussion elsewhere. Personally I hope it works out and he stays. While he's not an all-around talent, I think his production has a lot to do with the QB and the playbook. Would like Walker/Lelie for years to come. He may not be the toughest guy on the team, but he sticks his nose in there and blocks well.
Terrell: Prove it. I'm skeptical. To me it looks like one of those moves designed to show Shanahan is smarter than everyone else. I hope the turnaround is true, but I'd hate to see Terrell take up a roster spot based solely on the coach's ego.
Watts: The only other receiver to show glimpses of elite talent. Can get open all day long. Catch it, Darius. I'd rather see patience spent here than Terrell or any rookie.
Adams/Devoe: Are either of these guys Rod Smith in infancy or merely fringe players you can find every summer on the street? A lot of investment so far in Adams in particular. I'm still hopeful but at least one is definitely gone.
Marshall/Hixon: Lots of post draft optimism, but the usual rule of thumb is that one will be cut, and the other is at best a practice squad guy. I hope the Marshall to TE talk is untrue - not much success with this strategy in the past (Jackson, the kid who went to Houston). If these two replace Adams/Devoe, I hope it's on merit and not potential. The 4,5 and 6 slots have been a revolving door of rookies with potential for about 10 years, and I have yet to see the payoff.

Overall, this position looks solid for the next 3-5 years. However, if you take both Smith and Lelie out of the mix, there's just Walker and (lots of) unrealized potential. I'd love to read some more informed thoughts on the role of this position in the Broncos plans in the foreseeable future.

Back to lurking.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Here's how I see the final depth chart shaking out:

1. Rod
2. J Walk
3. Devoe
4. Terrell
5. Marshall
6. Watts

Lelie is all but a goner... weather or not we get anything out of him. He burned every bridge in Denver before the public tantrum in the press.

Watts -- really dissapointed me with the hands problem. The only reason I think he stays is the enormous potential he has, IF he can get his head straight.

Adams -- cut

Hixon -- cut/IR/Practice squad

I initially thought Devoe would make the leap to #2, but that was contigent upon a no-deal for Javon.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I think since Elway left we haven't had a QB with an arm that can make deep throws or zing it on a rope with the receiver in stride, hence the limited emphasis on speed outside of Lelie, who is to one-dimensional. Walker should change that when Cutler takes over. I like the Marshall pick since the guy played defense much of his college career and then exploded...he looks like the Eddie Mac kind of physical receiver we need to take the underneath stuff and keep linebackers honest and prevent them from pulverizing our TE's. On Hixon I have no clue...never heard of him so who knows. The Devoe/Adams experiment should get one more camp but both are marginal at best and I think Marshall pushes them out. On Watts and Terrell, give me Terrell, who has both an NFL body and superior speed, to go along with an improved dedication. Watts has his claw, which seems like a much greater testimony to coaching ego than Terrell's rehab. At the end of camp, I figure it will be Smith, Walker, Terrell, Marshall and Lelie, who won't get traded and will be on the roster but riding the pine with a bad attitude. If there's a missing element, it's the smurf-like speed guy in the mold of Sinorice Moss who can be a big time return guy and an option for the hitch and go that can burn a defense with pure speed.

[Natedogg]

Great post. The one reviever i differ slightly with you on is devoe. To me, he has shown more "glimpses of talant" than watts. The philidelphia TD, great special teams play, and, for wat it was worth, a great 2005 preseason. If he gets playing time i think he could be a player. He does have a very big frame.

Adams came on a little bit at the end of last year, but i dont have much hope for him. My gut tells me he'll be sippin beers at the same table as adrian madise before too long.

I am really excited about terrell also. I think he has topnotch raw talent. Like you said earlier, although it looks like too many bodies for the spots, you can never have too much depth as we learned the hard way when eddie mac (ever so calmly) broke his leg on Septemer 10th.

[Rascal]

Hixon is already destined for the IR as he has a bad foot that will require surgery that we didn't know about.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Originally Posted by Rascal

Hixon is already destined for the IR as he has a bad foot that will require surgery that we didn't know about.

He said on the radio this morning that the Broncs knew about it and it is healing fine. Of course that is his public stance. He sounded like a very intelligent guy.

My take:
1. Rod of Course
2. Walker of Course
3. Lelie unless they can trade him
4. Terrell
5. Marshall
6. Hixon if foot is OK. If not, Broncs may only keep 5 this year as they will keep three QBs.

Watts only stays if Lelie is gone.

Adams and Devoe are gone unless there is an injury.

[Rascal]

There is no way we only keep five WR's. We use too many on ST's and the often come down with minor injuries throughout the season.

[Hulamau]

Originally Posted by Rascal

Hixon is already destined for the IR as he has a bad foot that will require surgery that we didn't know about.

Where did you read he wil require surgery or is that just specualtion? Shanny said he had a simple fracture in his leg which is good to go be end of May.

[Hulamau]

Originally Posted by Natedogg

Great post. The one reviever i differ slightly with you on is devoe. To me, he has shown more "glimpses of talant" than watts. The philidelphia TD, great special teams play, and, for wat it was worth, a great 2005 preseason. If he gets playing time i think he could be a player. He does have a very big frame.

Adams came on a little bit at the end of last year, but i dont have much hope for him. My gut tells me he'll be sippin beers at the same table as adrian madise before too long.

I am really excited about terrell also. I think he has topnotch raw talent. Like you said earlier, although it looks like too many bodies for the spots, you can never have too much depth as we learned the hard way when eddie mac (ever so calmly) broke his leg on Septemer 10th.

I think Devoe is goingto take a nother stpe up and make teh team again this year too. Not as a top three guy but ahead of Watts.

I'm just not convinced Watts is soley a headcase and that is why he has the dropsies. I think its his right arm and hand with nerve damage that he cant do a dman thing about, despite being a route running demon.

[WABronco]

I don't see either WR getting cut in camp. Marshall will be needed if/when Lelie is traded or holds out. I highly doubt that he'll move to TE. He's got good enough speed, and he's super physical. I can't picture a tiny slot-back being able to cover him.

Hixon is slated to be the returner, and it sounds like he's got too much raw potential to risk losing him.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by Hulamau

Where did you read he wil require surgery or is that just specualtion? Shanny said he had a simple fracture in his leg which is good to go be end of May.

I think it was on KFFL after the draft. But apparently it was bogus. Typical.

[jonny1]

I believe it is a small bone on top of the foot near the toes, and he had a screw put in it awhile back.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Rascal

Hixon is already destined for the IR as he has a bad foot that will require surgery that we didn't know about.

It was a known injury, part of the reason experts thought he'd drop past round 4. Never been reported (that I've seen) that he need surgery, Shanny says he'll be cool by the end of May.

Hixon will earn a roster spot with his KR/PR abilities as well as being a kick-off/punt gunner. He's more athletic and more versitile than Devoe and Adams, which is what got the two of them on the team in the first place.

Rod and Walker are locks. I think Lelie is traded before the regular season. We'll carry 6 WRs, the other 4 being Terrell (#3), Adams (#4), Marshall, and Hixon. Watts or Devoe might sneak onto the roster if the coaches decide that Marshall would work better as an H-Back, then he steals Nate Jackson's spot.

[Ballhawk]

I have it
1. Rod- Hopefully no falloff
2. Terrell-Will win #2 job in Training camp
3. JW- Team will take it slow may move to #2 later
4. Watts- If he shows better hands/Claw whatever
5. Marshall - Will play more of an Hback role
6. Hixon- Returner

[jebures]

Originally Posted by Dr. Broncenstein

Here's how I see the final depth chart shaking out:

1. Rod
2. J Walk
3. Devoe
4. Terrell
5. Marshall
6. Watts

Lelie is all but a goner... weather or not we get anything out of him. He burned every bridge in Denver before the public tantrum in the press.

Watts -- really dissapointed me with the hands problem. The only reason I think he stays is the enormous potential he has, IF he can get his head straight.

Adams -- cut

Hixon -- cut/IR/Practice squad

I initially thought Devoe would make the leap to #2, but that was contigent upon a no-deal for Javon.

your faith in DeVoe is your weakness....sorry a star wars line

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Drek

It was a known injury, part of the reason experts thought he'd drop past round 4. Never been reported (that I've seen) that he need surgery, Shanny says he'll be cool by the end of May.

Hixon will earn a roster spot with his KR/PR abilities as well as being a kick-off/punt gunner. He's more athletic and more versitile than Devoe and Adams, which is what got the two of them on the team in the first place.

Rod and Walker are locks. I think Lelie is traded before the regular season. We'll carry 6 WRs, the other 4 being Terrell (#3), Adams (#4), Marshall, and Hixon. Watts or Devoe might sneak onto the roster if the coaches decide that Marshall would work better as an H-Back, then he steals Nate Jackson's spot.

You might be onto something here. But it's not out of the realm of reality to believe all the receivers mentioned in this thread make it except Adams.

The team now has two players that can long snap in Scheffler & Kuper. That frees up a slot now held by Leach & the Nate Jackson experiment is over. Alexander isn't guaranteed a slot either. Especially if Sheffler or Duke steps up their game.

TE's= Alexander (maybe), Duke, Sheffler
WR's= Smith, Walker, Lelie, Terrell, Devoe, Marshall, Watts, Hixon (replaces Adams as the returner).

[Mediator12]

Originally Posted by papi728

You might be onto something here. But it's not out of the realm of reality to believe all the receivers mentioned in this thread make it except Adams.

The team now has two players that can long snap in Scheffler & Kuper. That frees up a slot now held by Leach & the Nate Jackson experiment is over. Alexander isn't guaranteed a slot either. Especially if Sheffler or Duke steps up their game.

TE's= Alexander (maybe), Duke, Sheffler
WR's= Smith, Walker, Lelie, Terrell, Devoe, Marshall, Watts, Hixon (replaces Adams as the returner).

Your Never going to see eight Wr's on the 53 man roster in denver. Seven IMHO is a pipe dream. The new guys are here to compete. Adams and Devoe had great ST's value last year and both of these new WR's have played Defense full time and are fast too. I think training camp battles at WR are going to be classic this year for the first time in Broncos history

I really like what I am seeing and I hope my guy Watts and Lelie get their heads screwed on straight!

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Your Never going to see eight Wr's on the 53 man roster in denver. Seven IMHO is a pipe dream. The new guys are here to compete. Adams and Devoe had great ST's value last year and both of these new WR's have played Defense full time and are fast too. I think training camp battles at WR are going to be classic this year for the first time in Broncos history

I really like what I am seeing and I hope my guy Watts and Lelie get their heads screwed on straight!

You think it was a mere coincidence that both of them have played defense (and played well)?

I don't.

Personally I think Watts is going to get a chance in preseason and camp but if he doesn't get his head screwed on he is gone. I think we will keep Marshall because of his versatility and Terrell (along with Rod, Walker, and Lelie if he isn't traded).

If Hixon is healthy enough to do ST's return you can kiss Adams goodbye (assuming Hixon can catch). And I think Devoe is gone as well.

IMO:
Rod, Walker, Lelie, Terrell, Marshall, and either Hixon or Adams. Although I still think one of these guys (Hixon, Adams, or Devoe) will end up on IR. If lelie stays your boy Watts is gone IMO.

[DBroncos4life]

Hixon has IR/NFLE writen all over him.

[cabronco]

Thank God for whoever replaces Adams as kick off return guy. The dude has tunnel vision, and no feel for holes to break through at all . He was more of a crash test dummy.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Your Never going to see eight Wr's on the 53 man roster in denver. Seven IMHO is a pipe dream. The new guys are here to compete. Adams and Devoe had great ST's value last year and both of these new WR's have played Defense full time and are fast too. I think training camp battles at WR are going to be classic this year for the first time in Broncos history

I really like what I am seeing and I hope my guy Watts and Lelie get their heads screwed on straight!

Never say never. I too don't think all the receivers will make the squad. I said it's a possibility. But I also didn't think the team would keep 5 TE's last year either.

[DBroncos4life]

Originally Posted by cabronco

Thank God for whoever replaces Adams as kick off return guy. The dude has tunnel vision, and no feel for holes to break through at all . He was more of a crash test dummy.

I hate Adams, he is a hard worker but man the guy pisses me off. I hope that Hixon is a good return man so we can say bye to Adams.

[Rascal]

from Dr. Z

A

BRONCOS: Two years ago Javon Walker caught 89 balls for the Packers. He wanted a long-term deal. Instead he got a torn ACL in his right knee. But wait, the story has a happy ending, because on draft day this year he was traded to Shanahan U., which also moved up to draft QB Jay Cutler, rated by some as the best of the Big Three. And how are these for extra weapons in the receiving game -- Tony Scheffler, a swift TE, Brandon Marshall, an oversized wideout? I mean there's going to be more firepower in the air over Denver than the RAF threw at the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...des/index.html

[anthonypacino]

I would expect to see at least 5 WR's on the roster for next season
Smith
Walker
Terrell
those guys are more than likey locks, although I am still a little skeptical about David Terrell.
I do not want to see Marshall switch to TE, he can better serve us at WR, if he has to spend a season on the PS i could handle that choice, cause this kid will be the Rod Smith of our new "era" Broncos.
Devoe, Adams and at least on of the rookie imcumbants will be battling it out in camp. If Lelie by some reason stays, this is going to be one of the most competitive training camps in recent memory.

[The Neck]

I'll say marshall beats out terrell in camp, too many offseason puff pieces for his progress to be real.