Blog entry on Colts #4 receiver battle (1 Viewer)

[djcolts]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

 

[Todem]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

I guess being a slot WR hurt Wes Welkers value last season huh.

Gonzo II can flourish this season if Marvin is healthy as a nice WR3 in the slot. When Marvin hangs up the cleats Gonzo's targets will increase.

 

[djcolts]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

I guess being a slot WR hurt Wes Welkers value last season huh.

Gonzo II can flourish this season if Marvin is healthy as a nice WR3 in the slot. When Marvin hangs up the cleats Gonzo's targets will increase.

Apples and Oranges with the Wes Welker comparision. The Colts have faced almost exclusively soft zones since the 2005 season. I don't see Gonzalez getting anywhere close to what Stokely got from the slot in 2004 in terms of stats because of how defenses play the Colts. Plus, Dallas Clark is also a de facto slot receiver.

 

[massraider]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

I guess being a slot WR hurt Wes Welkers value last season huh.

Gonzo II can flourish this season if Marvin is healthy as a nice WR3 in the slot. When Marvin hangs up the cleats Gonzo's targets will increase.

Would you like a list of slot receivers that didn't put up big numbers last year? It's kinda long.

 

[TheFanatic]

Would you like a list of slot receivers that didn't put up big numbers last year? It's kinda long.

 

[Football Jones]

Gonzalez is Harrison's replacement. Book it. He'll be one of the starting WRs when Harrison retires or no longer can out-produce Gonzalez. That said, I pretty much envision Gonzalez getting the second-most targets in '08. He's silky-smooth & is much better after the catch than Wayne. Eventual WR1 for them, IMO (maybe 2010).

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Would you like a list of slot receivers that didn't put up big numbers last year? It's kinda long.

Manning + Colts O+ Gonzalez' play last year > Just about every receiver's situation on any hypothetical list. He might not be Welker, but he can be close in a non PPR.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Gonzalez is Harrison's replacement. Book it. He'll be one of the starting WRs when Harrison retires or no longer can out-produce Gonzalez. That said, I pretty much envision Gonzalez getting the second-most targets in '08. He's silky-smooth & is much better after the catch than Wayne. Eventual WR1 for them, IMO (maybe 2010).

This is not at all clear. Gonzalez is very borderline in terms of being a #1 WR, and IMO he isn't. But it's close enough to argue.

 

[RoyDubb]

Gonzalez is Harrison's replacement. Book it. He'll be one of the starting WRs when Harrison retires or no longer can out-produce Gonzalez. That said, I pretty much envision Gonzalez getting the second-most targets in '08. He's silky-smooth & is much better after the catch than Wayne. Eventual WR1 for them, IMO (maybe 2010).

This is not at all clear. Gonzalez is very borderline in terms of being a #1 WR, and IMO he isn't. But it's close enough to argue.

you may be right, but a WR2 in the Colts offense, opposite Reggie Wayne is a WR1 in fantasy.

 

[Penguin]

you may be right, but a WR2 in the Colts offense, opposite Reggie Wayne is a WR1 in fantasy.

A #1 fantasy WR would be a top 12ish WR, I can't see Gonzo ever cracking the top 12.

 

[massraider]

Would you like a list of slot receivers that didn't put up big numbers last year? It's kinda long.

Manning + Colts O+ Gonzalez' play last year > Just about every receiver's situation on any hypothetical list. He might not be Welker, but he can be close in a non PPR.

Perhaps. But the list of slot wideouts in the Colts system that had good years is one player long.

 

[RoyDubb]

you may be right, but a WR2 in the Colts offense, opposite Reggie Wayne is a WR1 in fantasy.

A #1 fantasy WR would be a top 12ish WR, I can't see Gonzo ever cracking the top 12.

I'm sure noone thought Wayne would be a top-12 WR after 1 year in the league.

 

[Penguin]

you may be right, but a WR2 in the Colts offense, opposite Reggie Wayne is a WR1 in fantasy.

A #1 fantasy WR would be a top 12ish WR, I can't see Gonzo ever cracking the top 12.

I'm sure noone thought Wayne would be a top-12 WR after 1 year in the league.

You may be right, I just don't think AG is that good and I can not see him in the top 12 with or without Wayne. I also thought I read somewhere this spring that Payton was playing three more years then hanging it up. If that's the case, it's very unlikely that Gonzo would ever be the #1 WR on the Colts while Manning's still at QB.

 

[cstu]

Question about Wayne's rookie year - was he a starter? I seem to remember he was but that was back in the day when Peyton would throw to anyone that didn't have Harrison written on the back of his jersey.

 

[pizzatyme]

No way Gonzo is WR1 material. He was just decent as a WR3 last year!

I highly doubt Gonzo moves outside this year if Harrison isn't healthy. The only way this happens is if Hall and/or Aromashodu falter heavily.

It is obvious that the Colts like Clark AND Gongo in the slot.

We'll see, but those placing Gonzo as a #1 WR are mis-guided IMO.

 

[Tanner9919]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

I guess being a slot WR hurt Wes Welkers value last season huh.

Gonzo II can flourish this season if Marvin is healthy as a nice WR3 in the slot. When Marvin hangs up the cleats Gonzo's targets will increase.

Stokley, part II

...could be a monster year for Gonzalez in the slot, if Marvin holds up..

 

[pizzatyme]

This is from StampedeBlue.com - a very active Colts fan blog.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

by BigBlueShoe on Jun 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT in Training Camp

...

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year two to year three. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

To me - if the blogger is correct about Gonzalez being a full-time slot receiver (and, I don't know if this is the case or not) - this may hurt Gonzalez's value for this season, and give some extra value (in larger leagues) to either Hall or Aromashodu - depending on who wins the #4 receiver posiition.

I guess being a slot WR hurt Wes Welkers value last season huh.

Gonzo II can flourish this season if Marvin is healthy as a nice WR3 in the slot. When Marvin hangs up the cleats Gonzo's targets will increase.

Stokley, part II

...could be a monster year for Gonzalez in the slot, if Marvin holds up..

You guys are killing me! Brandon Stokley had exactly 1 big year for the Colts. The very next season he played in 15 games and had 1 ONE TD.I love the Gonzo hype here. This is going to make Roy Hall/Aromashodu that much more of a late round steal!

 

[coolnerd]

Question about Wayne's rookie year - was he a starter? I seem to remember he was but that was back in the day when Peyton would throw to anyone that didn't have Harrison written on the back of his jersey.

There were real questions if Wayne could be the type of nfl WR2 that took pressure off of Harrison until his 3rd year. As I remember he was considered a mild disappointment until that year, and very few though he could be a legimate fantasy stud.Remember whether your a fan of Gonzalez or not, he has at minimium a defined role in the Colts offense, and depending on Harrison's health/legal troubles is the odds on favorite to start. If you are pumping up Hall, remember Gonzalez keep him irrelevant at OHio state, and while he has shown a little something in a handful of chances, Aromashodu has been with three teams in the NFL already. IMO<, Gonzalez will get a chance to mess up as a starter before either of the two guys chance to succeed.

 

[T Bell]

bump

 

[Duke1948]

You guys are killing me! Brandon Stokley had exactly 1 big year for the Colts. The very next season he played in 15 games and had 1 ONE TD.

I love the Gonzo hype here. This is going to make Roy Hall/Aromashodu that much more of a late round steal!

i would think that it would be a big league before those 2 were even draftable.

 

[BigRed]

those placing Gonzo as a #1 WR are mis-guided IMO.

I was thinking "medicated" but OK.

 

[Football Jones]

I can't express enough how big Gonzalez is going to be in that offense. They'll finally have a guy that can run after the catch (no disrespect to Wayne or Harrison). BTW, Gonzalez will outproduce Harrison this year. Book it. And he'll be their #1 WR in '09, IMO.

 

[pizzatyme]

those placing Gonzo as a #1 WR are mis-guided IMO.

I was thinking "medicated" but OK.

Either works for me.