There are multiple reports out of Denver that Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels will use Eddie Royal similar to how Wes Welker was used in New England. when Mcdaniels was the offensive coordinator. According to ESPN.com Brandon Marshall and Jabar Gaffney will lineup on the outside with Royal roaming the middle of the field, thus limiting the production from the tight end position.

We haven’t heard any definite reports about this, but if this is the case, Royal’s value increases in PPR leagues. Still, the Broncos are no where near as efficient as the Patriots of the past and they will have to prove they can move the football consistently before we jump on the Royal bandwagon.

Thoughts or Opinions?

Personally, I am a huge Wes Welker fan. I just don’t see Eddie Royal becoming the guy that catches 110 plus passes a year. There are a few factors working against him. First of all, to play in the middle it helps to have a bit of size so you can take the hits. Royal is a bit undersized. Plus as you mentioned Marc, the efficiency between the offenses won’t be nearly the same. All of it sounds good, but lets see if he can even become the next Az-Zahir Hakim up the middle, let alone Welker.

While I don’t see Royal matching the points that Welker will put up, I do believe occupying the slot position in three wide receiver sets will make Royal a high-end WR2 in 2009. Yes, I know the Broncos’ offense is not the Patriots and that Jay Cutler has left town, but Royal is coming off a 91 reception rookie campaign and will benefit from team’s having to focus on teammate Brandon Marshall.

Royal going up against a team’s nickle back cornerback, any fantasy owner has to like that match-up.

Great stuff.

I was just reading over The Bruno Boys Fantasy Football notes for the Denver Broncos on your home page. This discussion about Royal, who I think will have a good year, is the perfect place to present the thought that the article sparked.

The new coach Josh McDaniel set up a tremendous offensive system in New England. Denver has decent skill position players. My thoughts turned to Kyle Orton. Here is a scouting report cut and pasted from pro football weekly.

Positives: Good size and field vision. Has shown improved touch and decision-making and will get rid of the ball instead of taking coverage sacks. Can zip the ball with velocity, make back-shoulder throws and shows good overall accuracy when his feet are set and he steps into his throws. Appeared in rhythm early in the year with a healthy group of receivers. Solid work ethic. Will play through pain.

Negatives: Too often does not recognize or feel pressure. Is a marginal athlete with limited foot quickness to escape the pocket or improvise and create plays when the pocket folds. Limited scrambling. Does not consistently step into his throws or snap his hips, throwing off his back foot too much, and as a result, often makes his receivers work to catch the ball rather than hitting in stride. Needs to do a better job protecting the football. Struggles dropping the ball in a bucket and will still line it too much. Winds up to chuck it deep and has a long delivery. Does not stand strong in the pocket and goes down very easily when pressured. Still forces the ball into coverage under duress. Durability could remain an issue given his limited escapability.

Summary: A heavy-footed, pocket passer who needs max protection to be at his best, Orton is efficient when he has time to throw and appears most comfortable working out of the shotgun in which he was groomed in college. More of a game manager than a game-changer, Orton is good enough to win with as long as he has a strong running game. May always struggle to stay healthy because of his limited foot quickness and his performance has slipped the last five games trying to play hobbled by an ankle injury.

In reading it over, it seems that the quick throw style of McDaniels offense may suit Orton well. Denvers Offensive line gave up just 12 sacks last season, easing some of the negatives about Orton’s mobility. I would be happy to grab the combo of Royal and Orton with the use of a fifth and tenth round pick. Could be a great value.

Now please put my feet back on the ground as I can’t believe I’m falling for Kyle Orton! Only if he comes cheap of course.

rotobard - 14 July 2009 06:57 AM

Great stuff.

Now please put my feet back on the ground as I can’t believe I’m falling for Kyle Orton! Only if he comes cheap of course.

Rotobard,

Every player in fantasy is worth a look at if the value is right. Securing Orton with a late round flier to be your back-up QB is a move that makes sense to me and is one that has little risk for a big reward.

The best part is taking this info and thinking of the Reward that can come from it. Then realizing later in the season (when I’m sitting at #1 again) that I got it from the Bruno Boys!

Playa Slaya - 16 July 2009 04:02 PM

The best part is taking this info and thinking of the Reward that can come from it. Then realizing later in the season (when I’m sitting at #1 again) that I got it from the Bruno Boys!

Playa Slaya,

We love nothing more than Bruno Boys Nation kicking ass and taking names!