2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

Early Doucet was #1 on Jim's list for this pick, but alas, Matt snagged him at 2.16, thus 2nd on Jim's short list was Eddie.

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

Since you are a Broncos fan I think this makes sense on a number of levels. Hopefully he and cousin Brandon will be hauling in Cutler TD's for years to come.

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

I wanted Doucet here... but I'm okay with Royal. He's a "let's see how he looks in the minicamps and preseason" kind of a pick. This guy is a speedster. Can make the difficult catch look easy (or so I'm told). Is great in the open field. He's a playmaker... and with Brandon "DirecTV" Marshall suddenly on the "injured by a McD's bag" list, there's a chance he could get a few more reps in camp. Who knows... he might make the OPIHI taxi squad come September... then again...

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

Three years ago I picked up a rookie WR by the name of Marques Colston after week one of the NFL season. This year, I think I drafted him in LATE in the 2nd round. Eddie Royal was the first rookie ever to be immediately promoted not only to the OPIHI active roster... but also to crack the starting lineup in week one. Tonight he proved that he's earned it. Wow. What a game.

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

He looked awesome last night, catching everything in site, and even running a couple plays. I loved the way Cutler leaned on him. I think Marshall's return may help, since he will draw coverage, and Denver has proven in the past (Smith/McCaffrey) that if they have 2 talented WRs they will get both the ball.

In my only league, I drafted Royal at 14.12 to serve as my WR5/6. After Monday night, he's moved up to WR4. I'd consider a starting role for him, but the 3 guys I have in front of him are not guys you bench (Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, and Anquan Boldin).

Great pick Jim... it was my making the proxy pick for you that drew my attention to him initially. I followed up on him a bit during the preseason and specifically targeted him in my draft as my rookie WR sleeper. Thanks!

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

Had I not had Brandon Marshall I would probably have taken Royal instead of Doucet. Hopefully, Marshall and Royal form a strong tandem for years to come (though it more likely Marshall will be out of the league for something stupid and Royal will thrive).

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

Yah, I liked the situation he was in last night with Marshall out. May not reproduce last night's effort for a while... but I think he'll be a consistent producer, nonetheless.

Plus the kid had another TD called back on penalty... and another decent gain brought back, as well. Could have been a monster fantasy game!!

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

You may be surprised. Cutler and Marshall don't seem to get along, and maybe Royal is now his favorite, and will look more to Royal as a first option, since they obviously have a connection....

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

As a Cutler owner, too... I hope BOTH of them get balls from Jay. However, I'd have no problems with Royal receiving the lion's share!

Re: 2.17 WR Eddie Royal, Den (proxy pick for Opihi)
 

As a Brady AND Cutler owner, I wit cha!!