Eric Decker Runs Routes at Fitzgerald’s Camp

Eric Decker is saying goodbye to Lis Franc at Larry Fitzgerald’s football camp this weekand greeting a new world of NFL route running. When it comes to health Decker has not been a man of fortune. However, geography is acting quite favorably towards him because Fitzgerald’s camp takes place at Decker’s Alma matter, the University of Minnesota. Fitzgerald himself is native to Minnesota. This year Fitz brought a variety of  stars, including Michael Irvin and Roy Green.

“Especially being in my backyard, you can’t miss this opportunity. Having Michael Irvin, Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Green, great quarterbacks,” he [Decker] said. “Everybody is working hard together for a common goal and that’s to be the best you can be going into training camp.”

Not only is this a great opportunity for Decker, this is a great sign of progression. Eric Decker is finally out of the training room and onto the field and just in time for training camp.

“I didn’t get a chance to practice in OTAs and minicamp,” he [Decker] said. “I’m a little nervous and I’m anxious because I’m back to football, I’m back playing, I’m done in the training room and that’s exciting to me.”

Decker isn’t one-hundred-percent just yet, but he thinks he’ll be ready to go by July 26, when the rookies show up at training camp.

“It’s still a day-to-day thing and the training staff is helping me to move along and progress at a very good rate. I feel comfortable every day so that’s the best I can say.”

Just because Decker isn’t ready to go full blast yet doesn’t mean he’s not getting everything he can get from these all-stars. Decker himself is not known as a speed demon, at 6’3 and 218 pounds he had to fight for every catch he could get. This is something Michael Irvin may know a thing or two about.

“It prepares you from a conditioning level. It’s another step up competition-wise with all these guys running around, and just getting that experience from guys who have been there and been successful,” Decker said.

The wide receiver battle is most likely going to be one of the most tough match ups this training camp. The Broncos have already waived Dicky Lyons and Landis Williams, but those weren’t guys to be concerned about. Decker will have to be concerned with putting the same man out of a job that helped him recover with his injury, Brandon Stokely. Stokely isn’t the only receiver that should be concerned with making the team as well. Brandon Lloyd, Matthew Willis, and Kenny McKinley all have had strong OTAs, but they need to prove that they deserve to be there.

I for one am very excited to see Decker practice at camp. If it was not for his foot injury during his senior year Decker could have possibly been a first rounder. Instead Decker ended up being the 87th pick, wearing 87 for Denver, and doomed to be compared to the last great 87. I hope you like composite numbers Eric.