Player Spotlight: Eddie Royal (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2009 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 120 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos

Player Page Link: Eddie Royal Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[Kiddnets]

really tough read - new QB, new coach, new system, new philosophy - I really have no idea what he is in for.....luckily I have him for cheap in a keeper league so its a no brainer to keep him. In a redraft.....high risk IMO.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

really tough read - new QB, new coach, new system, new philosophy - I really have no idea what he is in for.....luckily I have him for cheap in a keeper league so its a no brainer to keep him. In a redraft.....high risk IMO.

This won't make the final synopsis unless you include projections.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I'm high on Eddie, I see him leading the Denver WRs in Recs

95 Recs / 1100 yds / 7 TDs

 

[travdogg]

I'm high on Eddie, I see him leading the Denver WRs in Recs

95 Recs / 1100 yds / 7 TDs

Is that with or without Marshall?

 

[Kiddnets]

really tough read - new QB, new coach, new system, new philosophy - I really have no idea what he is in for.....luckily I have him for cheap in a keeper league so its a no brainer to keep him. In a redraft.....high risk IMO.

This won't make the final synopsis unless you include projections.

well thats my point - any projection is a complete shot in the dark - but to play ball I'll say75 catches 850 yds 6 TDs

 

[rzrback77]

The entire Bronco picture seems to lack focus, if not considering the NFL, at least for the fantasy prognosticators. I think that Eddie Royal is riding the new wave in NFL WR funtionality. As stud RBs seem to decrease every year, the compact strong and speedy WRs seem to flourish. Steve Smith, Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson, Santana Moss, Eddie Royal, and Eddie Royal all check in at 5-9, with weights varying from 170 to 185.

All these guys function very well in space and are extremely valuable in ppr leagues. Eddie Royal was grabbed really early in several of the FBG Survivors and in start-up dynasties this off season, but his current ADP is WR 22 and 63 overall. If Marshall's hold-out continues very long or if he does indeed pull off a Cutler and ask his way out of towm, then Royal could be ppr gold. I can still recall his first game last season (with Marshall out) and he kept turning the CBs around putting on a dazzling display of hands and moves.

Eddie Royal 140 targets 95 catches 68% 11.0 ypc 1045 yards 7 TDs

 

[Courtjester]

The entire Bronco picture seems to lack focus, if not considering the NFL, at least for the fantasy prognosticators. I think that Eddie Royal is riding the new wave in NFL WR funtionality. As stud RBs seem to decrease every year, the compact strong and speedy WRs seem to flourish. Steve Smith, Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson, Santana Moss, Eddie Royal, and Eddie Royal all check in at 5-9, with weights varying from 170 to 185.All these guys function very well in space and are extremely valuable in ppr leagues. Eddie Royal was grabbed really early in several of the FBG Survivors and in start-up dynasties this off season, but his current ADP is WR 22 and 63 overall. If Marshall's hold-out continues very long or if he does indeed pull off a Cutler and ask his way out of towm, then Royal could be ppr gold. I can still recall his first game last season (with Marshall out) and he kept turning the CBs around putting on a dazzling display of hands and moves.Eddie Royal 140 targets 95 catches 68% 11.0 ypc 1045 yards 7 TDs

I think you are pretty close, but I see his YPC lower and him flirting with 1000 yards and 6 tds. My concern is Orton's lack of a long ball and this means Eddie going across the middle alot more. He isn't a big guy at 5'9-5'10 and I worry about injuries.

 

[JPeso]

I think you are pretty close, but I see his YPC lower and him flirting with 1000 yards and 6 tds. My concern is Orton's lack of a long ball and this means Eddie going across the middle alot more. He isn't a big guy at 5'9-5'10 and I worry about injuries.

That's where Royal excels. They didn't let him go deep much last year.

 

[The Real Yoda]

Bad time to be spotlighting Royal with all the current question marks being thrown around

 

[boubucarow]

The entire Bronco picture seems to lack focus, if not considering the NFL, at least for the fantasy prognosticators. I think that Eddie Royal is riding the new wave in NFL WR funtionality. As stud RBs seem to decrease every year, the compact strong and speedy WRs seem to flourish. Steve Smith, Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson, Santana Moss, Eddie Royal, and Eddie Royal all check in at 5-9, with weights varying from 170 to 185.All these guys function very well in space and are extremely valuable in ppr leagues. Eddie Royal was grabbed really early in several of the FBG Survivors and in start-up dynasties this off season, but his current ADP is WR 22 and 63 overall. If Marshall's hold-out continues very long or if he does indeed pull off a Cutler and ask his way out of towm, then Royal could be ppr gold. I can still recall his first game last season (with Marshall out) and he kept turning the CBs around putting on a dazzling display of hands and moves.Eddie Royal 140 targets 95 catches 68% 11.0 ypc 1045 yards 7 TDs

I think you are pretty close, but I see his YPC lower and him flirting with 1000 yards and 6 tds. My concern is Orton's lack of a long ball and this means Eddie going across the middle alot more. He isn't a big guy at 5'9-5'10 and I worry about injuries.

Royal caught 4 deep throws for 176 yards on 18 deep targets of 20+ throws.

 

[Tanner9919]

I'm high on Eddie, I see him leading the Denver WRs in Recs

95 Recs / 1100 yds / 7 TDs

Looks like Marshall is a goner..Marshall was supposed to be Moss in that offense,with Royal playing the Welker role.now what happens if Marshall goes bye-bye?

Cutler wasn't Brett Favre, but at least he kept defenses honest..Orton is a far cry from getting that same respect..defenses will stack the line , and force Orton into committing turnovers..and part of that will be blanket coverage of E. Royal.

plus, the typical sophomore slump that most WR's hit...

I doubt Royal catches 70 balls this season...

he had three games last season in which he made 9,9,11 catches for a total of 29 recs in just 3 games.he was pretty mundane the rest of the season...

new offense, new QB ( Orton a HUGE step backwards)...

70/735/5

I view Denver as perhaps the worst team in the NFL in 2009..they *might* win 4 games..I think McDaniels is in way over his head as HC of the Broncos, and you're starting to see the implosion of the team as players demand trades..will he lose the clubhouse if they start out 0-4? I'm not sure players are buying what he's selling..

 

[DoubleG]

Bad time to be spotlighting Royal with all the current question marks being thrown around

No can do without knowing whether or not Marshall is playing football in Denver.

 

[Banger]

Last year Royal was a rookie and had a real nice season but I think he played in the best case scenario. He was on a team that passed, passed, passed had a top QB and a good threat on the other side to take coverage. Now they've got a new head coach, new QB, new RB, may or may not have their best WR and will reportedly look to be a run, run, run team. A lot of change in surroundings for Royal and none of them good. I'm not feeling the Bronco's at all this year and their season looks like it's headed for implosion (think KC from last year). Things can turn around but as it looks now there is very little good news in Donkey land.

75-800-5

 

[finito]

Their defense has not dramatically improved. They can say they're going to run all they want, but until they can keep other teams off the board, they're going to be spending a lot of time trying to catch up in the 2nd half.

Orton doesn't have a great deep ball but he can get it to Royal consistantly.

88 catches, 1100 yds, 7 TDs.

 

[saintfool]

Their defense has not dramatically improved. They can say they're going to run all they want, but until they can keep other teams off the board, they're going to be spending a lot of time trying to catch up in the 2nd half.

Orton doesn't have a great deep ball but he can get it to Royal consistantly.

88 catches, 1100 yds, 7 TDs.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?

Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too.

55-725-5

This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

 

[aburt19]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.

85-1020-7

 

[puckalicious]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too. 55-725-5This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

Not understanding the logic of a decline if Marshall gets traded. Unless another WR is added to replace Marshall, Royal's targets have nowhere to go but up even if the total team passing declines significantly from last year.

 

[Banger]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too. 55-725-5This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

Not understanding the logic of a decline if Marshall gets traded. Unless another WR is added to replace Marshall, Royal's targets have nowhere to go but up even if the total team passing declines significantly from last year.

Why? As the #2 WR on a target per game basis he got more targets than the #1 wr on Chi, Jax, Min, Buf, SD, NYG, NO, Ten, SF, Sea, NYJ, StL, Balt, NE, Mia, TB, Pit and Indy. I don't get the logic that he has to improve at all. Many of those were run based teams which is what Denver wants to be and their passing attempts are without a doubt going to drop considerably from last year. Is Royal by himself on that offense better than VJax, Colston, Bryant, Evans, Berrian, Mason, Holmes/Ward, Moss/Welker, Wayne, etc.... I don't think so.

 

[fantasyglory]

Eddie Royal is covered in a haze right now with the uncertainty of Brandon Marshall's situation and a new quarterback and head coach. He completely outperformed his expectations as a rookie with 91 catches and 980 yards and 5 touchdowns and I do not see any reason to see a monstrous drop off from those numbers but without Marshall I do not see Royal replicating or exceeding these numbers as Marshall commands the attention of the entire defense. He is playing in a West Coast offense that emphasizes getting him the ball quickly and YAC much in the manner that Wes Welker plays for the Patriots. I envision McDaniels will use Royal in a similar manner. Because of this I do not see the quarterback change providing as marked of an impact fantasy-wise. Good things have been said about him in training camp but it still is only June so its taken with a grain of salt and with Marshall's uncertainty its not so obvious what kind of impact Royal will have.

Final Line: 83 catches 920 yards 4 touchdowns

www.myfantasyplayers.com

www.twitter.com/raymondkim1

 

[Scooby1974]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.85-1020-7

If Eddie plays the slot, he'll get the ball from Orton win or lose. He is so quick that He has proven that he can turn DB's around with his sick moves, so if they spread him out and send him on deeper routes he'll get himself open. Sheffler will help stretch the field, Moreno and Hillis are multi-dimentional threats as well. I just don't see Eddie dropping from 91 catches to 55 with or without Marshall. 85 catches is about right, with 1000-1100 yards and 8 TD's.We get points for return yardage as well, and Royal is guaranteed some of that with the putrid Denver D on the field.

 

[Buffaloes]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.

85-1020-7

If Eddie plays the slot, he'll get the ball from Orton win or lose. He is so quick that He has proven that he can turn DB's around with his sick moves, so if they spread him out and send him on deeper routes he'll get himself open. Sheffler will help stretch the field, Moreno and Hillis are multi-dimentional threats as well. I just don't see Eddie dropping from 91 catches to 55 with or without Marshall. 85 catches is about right, with 1000-1100 yards and 8 TD's.

We get points for return yardage as well, and Royal is guaranteed some of that with the putrid Denver D on the field.

I wouldn't assume he is a lock for return duties this year especially if Marshall sits out/leaves.

 

[valhallan]

The Broncos are in flux so the offense as a whole is hard to predict, but I think Eddie Royal is a case where talent wins out over situation. The kid can flat out run routes and get open, meaning the ball will find its way to him just as it does for guys like Bowe and White (circa 2007) who haven't always had the best quarterbacking. Royal is one of those guys that work hard, love the game, and have the sick skills to be successful.

90-1100-7

 

[David Yudkin]

Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

This is a true statement. The only guy with a team with a 4-12 record and 4000/25 in a season was Vinny Testaverde.Since you brought it up . . .38 times 4000/25 on a team with a winning record9 times 4000/25 on a team with a .500 record9 times 4000/25 on a team with a losing record.Aaron Rodgers 2008 6-10Brew Brees 2007 7-9Carson Palmer 2007 7-9Trent Green 2004 7-9Peyton Manning 2001 6-10Jeff Garcia 2000 6-10Elvis Grbac 2000 7-9Vinny Testaverde 1996 4-12Dan Marino 1988 6-10

 

[Scooby1974]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.

85-1020-7

If Eddie plays the slot, he'll get the ball from Orton win or lose. He is so quick that He has proven that he can turn DB's around with his sick moves, so if they spread him out and send him on deeper routes he'll get himself open. Sheffler will help stretch the field, Moreno and Hillis are multi-dimentional threats as well. I just don't see Eddie dropping from 91 catches to 55 with or without Marshall. 85 catches is about right, with 1000-1100 yards and 8 TD's.

We get points for return yardage as well, and Royal is guaranteed some of that with the putrid Denver D on the field.

I wouldn't assume he is a lock for return duties this year especially if Marshall sits out/leaves.

Did he not start as the #2 WR last year AND return kicks? Why would he not have the same chances this year? I suppose if Marshall exits stage left Eddie might have to expend some more energy beating double teams. Then again, Denver won't have the ball as much this year either so he'll have a bit more time to rest while he watches the Bronco's D get the crap kicked out of them.

 

[Buffaloes]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.

85-1020-7

If Eddie plays the slot, he'll get the ball from Orton win or lose. He is so quick that He has proven that he can turn DB's around with his sick moves, so if they spread him out and send him on deeper routes he'll get himself open. Sheffler will help stretch the field, Moreno and Hillis are multi-dimentional threats as well. I just don't see Eddie dropping from 91 catches to 55 with or without Marshall. 85 catches is about right, with 1000-1100 yards and 8 TD's.

We get points for return yardage as well, and Royal is guaranteed some of that with the putrid Denver D on the field.

I wouldn't assume he is a lock for return duties this year especially if Marshall sits out/leaves.

Did he not start as the #2 WR last year AND return kicks? Why would he not have the same chances this year? I suppose if Marshall exits stage left Eddie might have to expend some more energy beating double teams. Then again, Denver won't have the ball as much this year either so he'll have a bit more time to rest while he watches the Bronco's D get the crap kicked out of them.

He was a part-time KR last year fielding 23/71 kick returns and was the primary punt returner with 14 punt returns. He may end up being the #1 WR if Marshall doesn't return. If the offense is going to lean heavily on him, I doubt he will be the full-time returner. He also tweaked his ankle on a punt return last year so that may give the new regime pause when thinking about inserting him as a full-time returner. He may very well end up the punt returner but like I said, I don't think it's a lock that he will be the primary kick and punt returner.

 

[puckalicious]

Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

This is a true statement. The only guy with a team with a 4-12 record and 4000/25 in a season was Vinny Testaverde.Since you brought it up . . .38 times 4000/25 on a team with a winning record9 times 4000/25 on a team with a .500 record9 times 4000/25 on a team with a losing record.Aaron Rodgers 2008 6-10Brew Brees 2007 7-9Carson Palmer 2007 7-9Trent Green 2004 7-9Peyton Manning 2001 6-10Jeff Garcia 2000 6-10Elvis Grbac 2000 7-9Vinny Testaverde 1996 4-12Dan Marino 1988 6-10

Maybe I'm wrong, but don't these examples all have a bad (or underperforming) defense in common? Well along with a good QB. Last season Cutler was nearly in this club but they went 8-8. Denver has the bad defense down, but I struggle with putting Orton in the company of those QB's in those years. Well he's about at the Grbac level. If Marshall stays I wouldn't be shocked to see over 3500 yards passing.

 

[PatytonsGhost]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too. 55-725-5This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

My Sentiments exactly I see the Broncos going instead of I would give Royal 70-930-7 numbers and those are mostly high end projections

 

[puckalicious]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too. 55-725-5This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

Not understanding the logic of a decline if Marshall gets traded. Unless another WR is added to replace Marshall, Royal's targets have nowhere to go but up even if the total team passing declines significantly from last year.

Why? As the #2 WR on a target per game basis he got more targets than the #1 wr on Chi, Jax, Min, Buf, SD, NYG, NO, Ten, SF, Sea, NYJ, StL, Balt, NE, Mia, TB, Pit and Indy. I don't get the logic that he has to improve at all. Many of those were run based teams which is what Denver wants to be and their passing attempts are without a doubt going to drop considerably from last year. Is Royal by himself on that offense better than VJax, Colston, Bryant, Evans, Berrian, Mason, Holmes/Ward, Moss/Welker, Wayne, etc.... I don't think so.

Well Royal is better than many of the WR1's you list for one thing. I will retract my statement somewhat - if Denver had a normal amount of passes last year I would be inclined to think his targets would go up. But since they threw it a very high number of times I can see the argument for his targets going down. But if he's the WR1 and nobody significant is brought in I don't think his targets will drop very much if at all. Wouldn't he be used more as a deep threat and increase is YPC? I really just don't agree with your statement of "Huge decline in numbers". Huge? C'mon. IMO he's still going to be close to 1000 yds either way.

 

[Banger]

Fool's gold...cannot believe this guy is being drafted as high as the 3rd round in some leagues and gone by the end of the 4th. Did everyone miss the press conference where Jay Cutler was introduced as the Chicago Bears QB? What happened when Orton was announced...blurb on ESPN?Huge decline in numbers especially with Marshall on his way out. Won't surprise me if Royal asked to be traded too. 55-725-5This offense is not high powered anymore. Emphasis will be on the running game to keep that putrid defense off the field. Once the Broncos fall behind 21-7, don't assume Orton will be good at airing it out. In fact I expect the defenses to pin their ears back and get after him. Look at the history of bad teams and you won't find a lot of QBs on potential 4-12 teams throwing for 4,000 yds and 25 TDs...if they could do that they would win more games.

Not understanding the logic of a decline if Marshall gets traded. Unless another WR is added to replace Marshall, Royal's targets have nowhere to go but up even if the total team passing declines significantly from last year.

Why? As the #2 WR on a target per game basis he got more targets than the #1 wr on Chi, Jax, Min, Buf, SD, NYG, NO, Ten, SF, Sea, NYJ, StL, Balt, NE, Mia, TB, Pit and Indy. I don't get the logic that he has to improve at all. Many of those were run based teams which is what Denver wants to be and their passing attempts are without a doubt going to drop considerably from last year. Is Royal by himself on that offense better than VJax, Colston, Bryant, Evans, Berrian, Mason, Holmes/Ward, Moss/Welker, Wayne, etc.... I don't think so.

Well Royal is better than many of the WR1's you list for one thing. I will retract my statement somewhat - if Denver had a normal amount of passes last year I would be inclined to think his targets would go up. But since they threw it a very high number of times I can see the argument for his targets going down. But if he's the WR1 and nobody significant is brought in I don't think his targets will drop very much if at all. Wouldn't he be used more as a deep threat and increase is YPC? I really just don't agree with your statement of "Huge decline in numbers". Huge? C'mon. IMO he's still going to be close to 1000 yds either way.

It wasn't me that said he's due for huge decline in numbers, I believe it was MOP. I was just pointing out that I didn't think that in the event he was elevated to the #1 wr if Marshall was gone that his numbers would go up. If they weren't making so many changes I might agree but that isn't the case.

 

[Tubalcane]

I see Royal’s numbers this year coming close to Keary Colbert and Michael Clayton’s second year numbers; in other words a disaster.

There are just two many question marks concerning the Broncos to give anybody on that team a positive review. They forsook their most glaring need in the draft (defense) to draft offensive players. Now they are going to pay for it.

As far as Royal, let’s just look at the whole situation.

1. He will be learning a new offensive system; one of which has been rumored to be extremely difficult to master. Let’s not forget that the Patriots/McDaniel’s system spreads the ball around. We don’t yet know if Royal can assume the “Welker” role. It is likely that Royal is just a cog in the “system”

2. He will be thrown to by a new QB (Orton). Orton doesn’t compare to Cutler. He will not be able to put those lasers in the tight spaces that Cutler did last year. This one fact alone bumps Royal’s value down significantly.

3. He has a new coach. Who knows if he will be on McDaniel’s good or bad side; we simply don’t know at this point as everybody seems to be on McDaniel’s bad side.

4. McDaniel’s has publicly said he will transition the team to a more run first mentality. This is never good news for a WR

5. The possibility that Marshal may be gone means more attention from the best corner of each and every team Denver faces. I just don’t believe Royal has the experience to over come this. I think he has the potential in the future, and this year might possibly be where he gets his experience. But this year looks bad for Royal

Bottom line: 70 catches, 700 yards, and 5 TD’s…and that’s a very liberal estimate.

 

[Two Deep]

without Cutler, Marshall. He will draw double-teams if any

65 -850 5tds

 

[Varmint]

From TSN via the Denaver Post:

Eddie Royal reportedly looked like the best skill position player on the field during Broncos mandatory minicamp.

Fantasy Source spin: That's to be expected with Brandon Marshall sidelined. Beat writer Lindsay Jones sounded the fantasy alert with Royal, warning he's going to catch A LOT of passes this season while playing the Wes Welker role in Josh McDaniels' offense.

 

[Blackjacks]

I'm not a huge fan of Royal's talent. I think he broke onto the scene last year but like alot of other rookies could fade away.

80 catches

960 yards

4 td's

 

[LBH]

Love Royal this year and think he will be the featured wr in the offense

110 rec 1200yds 8tds

 

[Kleck]

91 catches is the 2nd most ever for a rookie WR. Regardless of the situation in Denver last year, no rookie that catches that many passes is a fluke. Royal appears to be improving and impressing even more this year, and even with the changes in Denver I don't see why Royal wouldn't be targeted as much in 2009. When someone converts 70.5% of their targets to receptions, you throw them the ball.

 

[TitusIII]

Royal may take a hit due to Orton's lack of a deep-ball/poor accuracy on throws longer than 15+ yards. It's not a stretch/exaggeration to say he missed Bears WR's deep more than ten times last season. It's simply not his game, and it never will be. However, when I look at Royal's stats, he didn't average more than 11 yards per catch, so the deep-ball wasn't his only game. I'm sure McDaniels has a few tricks up his spread-offense sleeves, but only time will tell.

Royal's 2009, assuming Kyle Orton is the starter for all 16 games.

70 receptions

800 yards

4 TD's

 

[Boston]

I was really impressed by Royal last year. For a rookie coming out of a school that's not very advanced as far as NFL-style passing is concerned he looked real comfortable playing with the big boys. The kid definetly knows how to play the game and he also has a little giddy-up. Going from Cutler to Orton is a very legit concern but I'd be more concerned if Royal's game was built around the long ball. IMO he's the type of WR that will put up numbers with any QB as long as he's working hard and has his head on straight which appears to be the case.

Like Wes Welker the x-factor will be TDs as I see the receptions and yardage being quality regardless of who's at QB (and the yardage is obviously enhanced the better the QB play is). IMO it's the QB play that will determine Royal's TD total. If Orton (or Simms) struggles than Royal's TD total could be underwheming. In all honesty Royal is a guy who's projections I won't be comfortable with until I get a better feel for how the Bronco QB (and coaching) situation is panning out in camp. Right now I have Royal as a WR2 but it can fluctuate between a somewhat high-end WR2 and a somwhat pedestrian WR2 depending on whether McDaniels and his odd collection of QBs can be productive. I'll give him 100 receptions, 1120 yards and six TDs right now but there's going to be some definite tweaking as the summer progesses and it could be in either direction.

 

[Apollo Creed]

What are current opinions on Royal now that TC has started? All the reports I've read have been glowing, and now FBG projections have him from WR18-26. The DD puts him at 15 for PPR. Can he really improve on last year's numbers?

*ETA projections, not rankings.

 

[SteevieG]

Sure he can. It seems apparent Orton won't be going as deep as often as Cutler did to Marshall. Lots of slants and little screen passes to Royal to get the ball in his hands and let him run. I like him to at least put up numbers like last year and quite possibly improve on them. Not sure his TD's go up much unless he breaks a few long RAC's, but he'll be a pass catching machine IMO.

 

[Buffaloes]

The Broncos will be behind a lot and throwing a lot. Royal is a good route runner and will get open.

85-1020-7

If Eddie plays the slot, he'll get the ball from Orton win or lose. He is so quick that He has proven that he can turn DB's around with his sick moves, so if they spread him out and send him on deeper routes he'll get himself open. Sheffler will help stretch the field, Moreno and Hillis are multi-dimentional threats as well. I just don't see Eddie dropping from 91 catches to 55 with or without Marshall. 85 catches is about right, with 1000-1100 yards and 8 TD's.

We get points for return yardage as well, and Royal is guaranteed some of that with the putrid Denver D on the field.

I wouldn't assume he is a lock for return duties this year especially if Marshall sits out/leaves.

Did he not start as the #2 WR last year AND return kicks? Why would he not have the same chances this year? I suppose if Marshall exits stage left Eddie might have to expend some more energy beating double teams. Then again, Denver won't have the ball as much this year either so he'll have a bit more time to rest while he watches the Bronco's D get the crap kicked out of them.

He was a part-time KR last year fielding 23/71 kick returns and was the primary punt returner with 14 punt returns. He may end up being the #1 WR if Marshall doesn't return. If the offense is going to lean heavily on him, I doubt he will be the full-time returner. He also tweaked his ankle on a punt return last year so that may give the new regime pause when thinking about inserting him as a full-time returner. He may very well end up the punt returner but like I said, I don't think it's a lock that he will be the primary kick and punt returner.

For what it's worth, Royal is not listed on the 3-deep KR or PR depth chart released today. That may change obviously, but it looks like McDaniels plans on making him a focal point of the offense and may not use him much in the return game.

 

[gbill2004]

Bump. Any recent thoughts on Eddie?

 

[DoubleG]

Bump. Any recent thoughts on Eddie?

Ironically (but now for different reasons) I have to pretty much re-state what I said in post #13.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Keep post #17 handy when the season starts to unfold.

 

[FUBAR]

Keep post #17 handy when the season starts to unfold.

For the win, what injury will cause Royal to miss four games?

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

90 875 5

Not big on him with or without Marshall. I hate second year receivers, espesially ones with as many questions as he has in Denver.

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Last year Royal was a rookie and had a real nice season but I think he played in the best case scenario. He was on a team that passed, passed, passed had a top QB and a good threat on the other side to take coverage. Now they've got a new head coach, new QB, new RB, may or may not have their best WR and will reportedly look to be a run, run, run team. A lot of change in surroundings for Royal and none of them good. I'm not feeling the Bronco's at all this year and their season looks like it's headed for implosion (think KC from last year). Things can turn around but as it looks now there is very little good news in Donkey land.75-800-5

I just can't see McDaniels running the ball a lot. I realize he had way better personnell to work with in New England, but he's always been a spread type guy who loves to throw to run, not run to throw. I see a lot of bubble screens and short routes for Royal this year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Keep post #17 handy when the season starts to unfold.

For the win, what injury will cause Royal to miss four games?

That's funny FUBARWhat was the injury last year that kept Holmes behind Ward...I got lambasted for that preseason. Also a few of us were saying Roy Williams might not hit 750 yds receiving last year and got roasted for that too. I am not a fan of any Denver player at this point. I just don't want to pay a 3rd or 4th round price on a guy like Royal. I hate McD, think he should have shown some respect for the better players on his team and he showed none, ripped the team apart. You have to give respect sometimes to earn respect and he showed no class IMHO across the board. I think Denver is a total trainwreck and I want those guys on other rosters, not mine.

 

[Buffaloes]

Keep post #17 handy when the season starts to unfold.

For the win, what injury will cause Royal to miss four games?

That's funny FUBAR

What was the injury last year that kept Holmes behind Ward...I got lambasted for that preseason. Also a few of us were saying Roy Williams might not hit 750 yds receiving last year and got roasted for that too. I am not a fan of any Denver player at this point. I just don't want to pay a 3rd or 4th round price on a guy like Royal.

I hate McD, think he should have shown some respect for the better players on his team and he showed none, ripped the team apart. You have to give respect sometimes to earn respect and he showed no class IMHO across the board. I think Denver is a total trainwreck and I want those guys on other rosters, not mine.

Now your prediction makes sense. Regardless of how bad the team is, I think it is apparent that Royal is going to see a large amount of targets. Even if they are only short and intermediate routes.