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Published on 08/08/2008 at Fri Aug 08 08:32.
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Eddie Royal wins #2 WR Spot

Posted Fri Aug 8th by

Eddie Royal

Color me impressed, boys, but the Wideout everyone harassed Shanahan for picking in the 2nd round, will be starting vs Houston as our #2 WR. That’s right, 5’10” 185lb rookie Eddie Royal will start tomorrow across from #1 WR Brandon Marshall!

I know, I know. It’s just the preseason. But this is no small feet. Coming in as a rookie and getting (even a preseason start) over vets like Jackson is a HUGE deal.

“He’s earned the chance to start. He’s practiced at a high level and done all the things you need to do to play with the first team.” — Mike Shanahan

Now, that Eddie has proven he can impress in camp, he will now have to prove his readiness on the field this weekend.

“I’ve been practicing all along like I was capable of playing with the first team. I’m just excited. It’s a great privilege.” — Eddie Royal

On a personal note, I’m just happy that we’ll have a chance to bring back the ole “Ed-eeee! Ed-eee!” chant this weekend! :)

  • adam

    Preparing for life without Marshall? If he is the starting #2 receiver, do you think Shanny will let him return punts and kicks (seems risky)?

  • Pat

    Eddie reminds me exactly of Steve Smith. This guy has got some talent

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    adam – Even if he’s the starting WR, I still expect him to be the main returner this season. He’s still a rookie.

    That being said, the more impact he has on the offense, the more I can see someone like Alridge stealing some – definitely not all – returns.

  • flbronc

    i was one of those harrassing shanny for the pick… good for him, glad he is putting the pressure on the vets. if he’s the #2 for the season, i’ll gladly eat crow for the criticism i gave.

  • Arden

    I’m also glad to see so many young players putting themselves in position to contribute…seems like the broncos should have a solid core of talent for several years especially at the skill positions.

  • Lon

    I was wondering why he didn’t take DeSean Jackson instead of Royal. Now, Royal is starting while Jackson is nursing a hamstring injury. The jury is still out but so far it was the correct call.

  • Richard

    flbronc; i won’t beat you up over Mr. Royal. Considering how poorly we have been drafting WR’s the last few years, you’re skepticism is well warranted. I think what this exceptional draft shows is that a change in G.M. was sorely needed. Let’s give Shanahan some credit for that.

  • Jason

    Shanny was torched for this pick because Eddie’s ability was rated lower than 4 or 5 others. Shanny’s (IMO) deciding factor was character. Fortunately for us character seems the most likely driving force behind Eddie’s hard work. Even Brandon didn’t impress quite the same way or as quickly. I know we’ve failed in several of the previous drafts with few exceptions but I am excited about the last 4 classes we’ve had, 5 if DJ wasn’t the only one that amounted to anything (and quite and anything he has).

  • myerda00

    I love these posts: I have been a Shanahan backer but was quite due to the acqusitions (FA and draft) that we got and everyone stating that Shanahan makes all final decissions.
    But now I can shout, told you so!! When Pat Bolen brought in Goodman (2005) and 2006 started a new direction. Then 2007, the GM was replaced and all new philosophy kicked in.
    I think the Broncos are back on track and we will see if respect follows.

  • GreasyQtip

    Don’t go overboard… I am as excited as anybody for Royal’s promotion to start vs the Texans. However i have herd that this is just to let D-Jack take reps at the other WR spot when Marshall is off the field. D-Jack does not need as much actual game situation playing time since he is a veteran and has been very consistent in camp.

  • Person

    I agree with GreasyQtip, D-Jack gets reps at the #1 spot instead of Marshall on some downs. I’m not taking anything away from Royal because he did great to deserve to start #2. This means that he beat out Keary and the rest of the gang, or that Shanny is doing the “Starting Mike Bell” trick to get the rest of the recievers into gear. However, I think it is a mixture of the two but mainly the first because Royal is awesome.