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broncofaninfla
09-24-2008, 12:57 PM
My observations of Eddie Royal so far this season show a receiver who is clearly better suited to be a slot receiver. Stokely is currently our slot receiver (and one of the best in the league) with Royal playing spot duty at slot at times. If the Broncos are able to get another receiver to play on the outside to compliment Marshall next year, I wouldn't be surprised if Stokley is playing his last year with the Broncos. I think it would be a good move to use Royal only in 3 receiver sets and put him back in the return game. Any opinions?

tubby
09-24-2008, 12:59 PM
DeAngelo Hall thinks this is the Worst Thread Ever!

ApaOps5
09-24-2008, 01:00 PM
Yeah Royal is clearly a full time #2 outside WR.

Davii
09-24-2008, 01:01 PM
Too much of a weapon to sit on the bench during 2 receiver sets.

broncofaninfla
09-24-2008, 01:02 PM
Yeah Royal is clearly a full time #2 outside WR.

How so?

ApaOps5
09-24-2008, 01:02 PM
Ask the 3 SD players he snuck inbetween to score the game winning 2pt conversion and the 2 SD players before that for the TD if he should only be in the slot.

ApaOps5
09-24-2008, 01:03 PM
How so?

See replay from game one of this season.

broncofaninfla
09-24-2008, 01:05 PM
Ask the 3 SD players he snuck inbetween to score the game winning 2pt conversion and the 2 SD players before that for the TD if he should only be in the slot.

He did both in the slot position.

ApaOps5
09-24-2008, 01:06 PM
He did both in the slot position.

I believe they were in the bunch formation both times. Thats not a true slot. Its not like they lined up one each side with him in the traditional slot.

Dortoh
09-24-2008, 01:08 PM
Too much of a weapon to sit on the bench during 2 receiver sets.

I'm pretty sure we can lock the thread now :salute:

broncofaninfla
09-24-2008, 01:10 PM
I might be mistaken but I believe the inside receiver in a bunch formation IS the slot. Define a true slot.

BMF Bronco
09-24-2008, 01:11 PM
this is as bad as making Cutler an option running QB only

Buff
09-24-2008, 01:12 PM
I don't know, it's tough to imagine the Broncos being able to find a much better #2 WR without overspending or giving up a draft pick that is desperately needed to shore up the defense.

I think Royal and Stokley are perfect complimentary receivers to Marshall-- You've got the dominant physical receiver in Marshall, you've got the speedy & agile deep threat in Royal, then you have the route-running specialist with excellent hands in Stokley.

And if you factor in the fact that we're going to have to pay Marshall big $$ this off season, there won't be any $$ to chase a FA WR.

Drill-N-Fill
09-24-2008, 01:15 PM
Next years draft should ONLY be spent on defense.

Skinny
09-24-2008, 01:21 PM
I don't know, it's tough to imagine the Broncos being able to find a much better #2 WR without overspending or giving up a draft pick that is desperately needed to shore up the defense.

I think Royal and Stokley are perfect complimentary receivers to Marshall-- You've got the dominant physical receiver in Marshall, you've got the speedy & agile deep threat in Royal, then you have the route-running specialist with excellent hands in Stokley.

And if you factor in the fact that we're going to have to pay Marshall big $$ this off season, there won't be any $$ to chase a FA WR.$$ i would prefer we spend shoring up the defense.

We're currently strong enough at WR to compete and then some.

LoyalSoldier
09-24-2008, 01:21 PM
He did both in the slot position.

Bunch form and the second time he was split out wide and motioned into the Bunch.

Bunch != slot.

silkamilkamonico
09-24-2008, 01:34 PM
I don't think the original thread starter understands Denver's offense.

1)Eddie Royal is a rookie, which means he's only going to get better, and you're already not going to find many teams that have a better #2 WR than Royal. I'm not sure why you don't think he's cutting it as the #2?

2)Royal is looking like a steal in round 2. You want to use a first round pick on a guy that needs to be better than Royal and beat him out, when we have question marks all over the place on defense?

3)MArshall's contract is coming up, and he's going to be getting a HUGE contract. So is Jay Cutler. Another skill guy on offense down the road means this unit won't stay intact. Someone will have to go down the road. The guys on offense right now, Cutler/Scheffler/Marshall/Royal, is looking like a Manning/Harrison/Wayne/Clark setup. Why would anyone want to break that up?

4)Maybe you're looking at it like, "we'd be a force with 1 more WR, and Royal in the slot" on offense, and I think you're wrong if you are. Denver's offense isn't like the COlts, or even the Bengals, you use mismatches and spread the ball around. Cutler and the WR's like to play 1 on 1 games within the offense. CUtler might spread it around, but he isn't going to have an offense where 3 WR's are over 1000 like the Colts, and whatnot. He will always look to Marshall first, and Marshall gets open 90% of the time it seems. He does not need a 4th option at WR. He already has 3 very solid ones with Marshall/Royal/Scheffler.

shank
09-24-2008, 01:39 PM
i also think you're overlooking the fact that stokely is a GREAT slot receiver, and we just extended his contract 3 more years. if he avoids injury, he will easily play out those 3 years because he no longer relies on speed to get open, he truly is just a great route runner with great hands.

honz
09-24-2008, 01:43 PM
I think the great thing about Royal is that he is probably versatile enough to play in the slot and on the outside. Stick him on the outside in 2 WR sets, stick him in the slot in 3 WR sets, or stick him in the backfield...he has been lining up all over the place this season. He is an excellent weapon.

Move him around and keep teams off balance...we seem have done that a lot this season with not only Royal, but several of our offensive players. There is no reason that Royal has to be either a slot guy or line up out wide. He can be both.

JONtheBRONCO
09-24-2008, 01:49 PM
No, no, no - and I'm not trying to be a dick. Cutler doesn't need to throw the ball to Royal... Why? Marshall is open every time. Royal isn't better suited for the slot, he is a solid # 2.

broncofaninfla
09-24-2008, 02:03 PM
I don't think the original thread starter understands Denver's offense.

1)Eddie Royal is a rookie, which means he's only going to get better, and you're already not going to find many teams that have a better #2 WR than Royal. I'm not sure why you don't think he's cutting it as the #2?

2)Royal is looking like a steal in round 2. You want to use a first round pick on a guy that needs to be better than Royal and beat him out, when we have question marks all over the place on defense?

3)MArshall's contract is coming up, and he's going to be getting a HUGE contract. So is Jay Cutler. Another skill guy on offense down the road means this unit won't stay intact. Someone will have to go down the road. The guys on offense right now, Cutler/Scheffler/Marshall/Royal, is looking like a Manning/Harrison/Wayne/Clark setup. Why would anyone want to break that up?

4)Maybe you're looking at it like, "we'd be a force with 1 more WR, and Royal in the slot" on offense, and I think you're wrong if you are. Denver's offense isn't like the COlts, or even the Bengals, you use mismatches and spread the ball around. Cutler and the WR's like to play 1 on 1 games within the offense. CUtler might spread it around, but he isn't going to have an offense where 3 WR's are over 1000 like the Colts, and whatnot. He will always look to Marshall first, and Marshall gets open 90% of the time it seems. He does not need a 4th option at WR. He already has 3 very solid ones with Marshall/Royal/Scheffler.

1) I do understand Denver's offense and football in general. I played all of my life and am now coaching. I live football BUT I do think I did a bad job of explaining my opinion. I think Eddie is doing a great job at the #2, for now. I feel with his size, speed and skills he could one of the best slots in the history of the league. Folks playing slot doesn't mean you are on the field any less, it's where you consistently line up. As much as Denver has been throwing the ball, he could actually get more balls thrown his way lined up at the slot full time.
2) The way he has played so far, Eddie would be a steal as a first round draft pick. The guy is a stud. I said nothing about using a high draft pick to ad another receiver. On the contrary, we need help on defense badly. I'd much rather we draft high on defense. I’ve even posted I’d like to see us trade some later picks now for solid additions on defense to help us now.
3) The Broncos won't let Marshall go anywhere. He'll get the money he deserves BUT that could result in people like Stokley being cut. This is the N.ot F.or L.ong league, this unit is good as is but it will change, it always does.
4) I disagree. I feel you position people to play off of their strengths BUT opinions are like A-Holes, we all have one.

To sum it up. I LOVE Eddie Royal just feel he would better serve the Broncos at slot than at #2. I feel he would get more balls thrown his way in that position and in turn burn more defenses.

Thanks for the feedback :beer:

underrated29
09-24-2008, 02:10 PM
check my sig for my opinion.

Would you put lee evans in the slot?? Nope. He is just too good. Lee evans is like royal except he is what 2 inches taller?

I have been saying since draft day, eddie is a stud and we need to keep him right where he is. We can pick up another really fast guy for the slot in the 4th or something. NOt a high 2nd rd stud.

silkamilkamonico
09-24-2008, 02:20 PM
1) I do understand Denver's offense and football in general. I played all of my life and am now coaching. I live football BUT I do think I did a bad job of explaining my opinion. I think Eddie is doing a great job at the #2, for now. I feel with his size, speed and skills he could one of the best slots in the history of the league. Folks playing slot doesn't mean you are on the field any less, it's where you consistently line up. As much as Denver has been throwing the ball, he could actually get more balls thrown his way lined up at the slot full time.
2) The way he has played so far, Eddie would be a steal as a first round draft pick. The guy is a stud. I said nothing about using a high draft pick to ad another receiver. On the contrary, we need help on defense badly. I'd much rather we draft high on defense. I’ve even posted I’d like to see us trade some later picks now for solid additions on defense to help us now.
3) The Broncos won't let Marshall go anywhere. He'll get the money he deserves BUT that could result in people like Stokley being cut. This is the N.ot F.or L.ong league, this unit is good as is but it will change, it always does.
4) I disagree. I feel you position people to play off of their strengths BUT opinions are like A-Holes, we all have one.

To sum it up. I LOVE Eddie Royal just feel he would better serve the Broncos at slot than at #2. I feel he would get more balls thrown his way in that position and in turn burn more defenses.

Thanks for the feedback :beer:

Well, I'm sure if he really can excel in the slot, the coaches will move him there. Remembers he's the same size as Steve Smith, and he has similar speed and quickness as SMith, and Smith is not a very good slot receiver. The players have their natural tendencies, and I think out on the edge where he can work his man 1 on 1 is Royals strength myself.

omac
09-24-2008, 04:23 PM
As it is right now, he's underutilized. Put him in a lot of other teams and he'd be their #1; he proved that in his 1st game, scorching Oakland's corners. He also has some breakaway speed for deep passes. He's roughly the same size as Harrison and Smith; I don't think either is a slot guy. Royal is fine at #2, and will do well as a #1 if needed, like the 1st game. Besides, Stokley is clutch in the slot on 3rd downs. Then again, you can say that about almost all our WRs and TEs. :rockon:

Requiem / The Dagda
09-24-2008, 05:02 PM
I actually like what this guy is saying and understand him 100%. I think Eddie does a good job playing the SE, but I think long term his best contributions on the team would come through the slot position. Then again, with increased wide sets -- his official number/position wouldn't matter. I think his skill set translates much better to being a slot guy than lining up at split end. Then again, that's just me -- but I could make an argument about his physique for the #2 (SE) position as well.

At any case, Eddie is playing at a high level for being a rookie and it seems like he's a veteran out on the field. Until Denver finds somebody better at #2, I think they'll be content with him as their SE -- and allowing Stokley to do what he made his bank off of in the NFL. Being the best slot receiver on the planet.

I'd like to see another weapon added to our offense at the W.O. position as well, but would prefer it to be through the draft than FA. Marshall is going to want the big bucks, and frankly he deserves them. If we can plug in another rookie like we did with Eddie, that'd be tight. Always hard to know with wide receivers, but that'd be better than spending the bankroll in FA to get another W.O. when we have the best in the league on our squad already.

My thoughts I guess.

NameUsedBefore
09-24-2008, 05:15 PM
Royal's a perfect #2.

Think Peerless Price and Eric (?) Moulds on the Bills a few years ago. Physical/finesse receivers go along very well.

DenBronx
09-24-2008, 05:58 PM
Dear thread starter,

Please review my sig.


DenBronx

chanesaw
09-24-2008, 09:23 PM
I don't know why everybody is making a big deal out of slot receiver like it is an insult. Anthony Gonzales was drafted by the Colts to be a slot receiver, but this year they have lined up Reggie Wayne in the slot when they are in a 3 WR set. Lining up in the slot doesn't mean you are the 3rd best WR on the team, at least not anymore. Wayne is the Colts #1 now. Bly is covering the slot WR in our nickel defense, but he is the second best CB. It is just trying to take advantage of mismatches. In my opinion Royal is a starting caliber WR, but it is too early to tell if he will be better suited to line up on the outside or in the slot in 3 WR sets.

56crash
09-24-2008, 10:18 PM
:rolleyes:ROd Smith made a living in the slot

topscribe
09-24-2008, 10:19 PM
How so?

You're kidding, right? :laugh: Right? :laugh:

You're not kidding. :eek:

-----

G_Money
09-24-2008, 11:03 PM
I can see the concern if you're just looking at stats I guess.


REC YDS AVG
9 146 16.2
5 37 7.4
4 11 2.8

But the first week he was THE receiver, and no one could stop him, certainly not Hall.

2nd week Brandon was back and they were paying particular attention to Royal - and he still caught 5 balls.

3rd week Jay just had an "off" game and missed him. If Eddie can come down in bounds with that overthrow in the end zone this is a different stat line and a different impression of Royal. He catches EVERYTHING thrown to him. Jay just has to realize only one of his receivers is a 6'4 freak of nature. The other is a much shorter one. It'll come. :D

I thought Eddie was gonna be Stokley's replacement, and that we'd have to wait a year to see Royal come into his own. I was wrong.

Eddie COULD be a great slot receiver, if we wind up needing one. If it turns out that he moves inside on 3-wide sets because of the mismatches, fine. But he needs to be on the field more than as a possession slot receiver.

He's better than that.

As for the rest re: the draft and FA, I agree with most of the above. We need our money and picks for other things.

If Eddie somehow bombs 2 years from now we can reconsider, but seriously - I'm not a big on-pace guy 3 games in, but the man is set for 96 catches. How many more do you want from your #2 guy? The ROOKIE #2 guy?

If he catches 80 balls this year I'll be ecstatic about his #2 performance, not looking to move him inside because he can't cut it.

Last year's #2, Scheff, caught 49 balls.

2006: #2 was Rod, with 52, and Javon led the team with 69 receptions.
2005: Lelie caught 42 for 2nd place.
2004: Lelie caught 54, Rod had 79 in first place.

What's that, you want huge passing successes and not recent failures as comparison?

1996: Miller caught 56 balls for 2nd, Eddie Mac caught 48 for 3rd.
1997: Sharpe caught 72 balls to LEAD the club, then Smith with 70, Eddie with 46 and TD with 42.
1998: Sharpe and Eddie tied for 2nd with 64 each, trailing Rod's 84.

We're a team built on balance. We throw to two wides, a slot, a TE, a RB AND if things go well a FB too.

And Marshall's gonna fly past 100 receptions this year if all goes well.

It's no shame for Royal to "only" catch 70 balls in this offense, if that's what happens. Don't worry so much about moving him inside. We already have a slot guy right now, and he's splitting receptions with the TE the way we run the offense.

It's more important that the offense runs smoothly than that we keep pace with somebody else's scheme and the numbers it puts up for its wideouts. And Royal on the outside seems to be helping the offense run pretty damn smoothly, I have to say.

~G

weazel
09-25-2008, 12:44 AM
deangelo hall thinks this is the worst thread ever!

lmao!

weazel
09-25-2008, 12:47 AM
I might be mistaken but I believe the inside receiver in a bunch formation IS the slot. Define a true slot.

you might want to look at the replay again, Royal was actually the only one lined up on the outside on the 2pt. He came inside before the snap, but was still outside the other 2.

I think we should just put him on the practice roster because he seems like he could make the PR CB's better!

Nomad
09-25-2008, 06:26 AM
I think Royal is contributing fine. With him and Marshall on the ends it draws the secondary deeper (both need to be double teamed) leaving our TEs and SLOT open in the middle (Stockley, which he's a fine receiver). Opens your run game and if the defense tightens up the middle it leaves Cutler for his long passes to Marshall and Royal. I don't study the BRONCOS games to see every weakness or strength and usually watch the games once, so I may be wrong here and I've played and coach little league, receiver and corner in HS long ago, but doesn't make me a guru by a long shot. With Royals speed and abilities, I would keep him #2 and occasional end-a-round to catch the defense off guard and maybe switch it up putting Royal at slot and another receiver at #2 to throw the defense. But if you get a receiver equal or better than Royal, then yes he'd make a fine slot.

It's a good opinion and I like the suggestion but I don't think the BRONCOS have a #2 that can match Royal right now!!

broncofaninfla
09-25-2008, 08:15 AM
Thanks to the people who understand what I was saying. I guess I did a bad job of explaining my position on this. One last attempt. I am tickled to death about Royal. Without him we are 1-2 or even 0-3. I am in no way insulting Royal, on the contrary, The guy is a stud receiver and has performed great as a #2. I am just saying I feel he possesses the skills to be even better at the slot position and could make even more plays at the slot position. You think this guy is good now, watch him at the slot position. I look for him to line up there more and more as the season progresses.

ApaOps5
09-25-2008, 09:59 AM
Thanks to the people who understand what I was saying. I guess I did a bad job of explaining my position on this. One last attempt. I am tickled to death about Royal. Without him we are 1-2 or even 0-3. I am in no way insulting Royal, on the contrary, The guy is a stud receiver and has performed great as a #2. I am just saying I feel he possesses the skills to be even better at the slot position and could make even more plays at the slot position. You think this guy is good now, watch him at the slot position. I look for him to line up there more and more as the season progresses.

I got what you were saying. Basically he is starter material like we all agree. But if he lined up inside he could utilize his amazing speed and route running to torch the defense.

That I agree with because he can stop and start with amazing quickness.

Davii
09-25-2008, 10:11 AM
I got what you were saying. Basically he is starter material like we all agree. But if he lined up inside he could utilize his amazing speed and route running to torch the defense.

That I agree with because he can stop and start with amazing quickness.

Which is a good reason to mix him around, create mismatches, and force their entire secondary to get burned by him at least once a piece.

It will also keep DeAngelo Hall from wanting to jump off a building next time.

SarahKay
09-25-2008, 04:33 PM
I don't know, it's tough to imagine the Broncos being able to find a much better #2 WR without overspending or giving up a draft pick that is desperately needed to shore up the defense.

I think Royal and Stokley are perfect complimentary receivers to Marshall-- You've got the dominant physical receiver in Marshall, you've got the speedy & agile deep threat in Royal, then you have the route-running specialist with excellent hands in Stokley.

And if you factor in the fact that we're going to have to pay Marshall big $$ this off season, there won't be any $$ to chase a FA WR.


I agree. Like it has been stated way to much talent in Royal to sit out in 2 receiver sets.

And I hope Stokley will be around one more year after this. He's still fun to watch in the slot. Hope he gets a few more grabs this week.