Broncos Rookie Eddie Royal Kills Raiders

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Denver Broncos rookie receiver Eddie Royal, getting his first start because of Brandon Marshall’s one-game suspension, was nearly unstoppable in the Broncos 41-14 Kickoff Weekend opener against the Oakland Raiders last night. He repeatedly burned former Pro Bowl cornerback (and new Raider acquisition) DeAngelo Hall and wound up with nine catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. He also had two carries for nine yards and added 18 punt return yards. (He even attempted a pass but it was incomplete.) I won’t tell you I didn’t see this coming. I spoke with him back in February at the NFL Scouting Combine and he told me, in-part:

“A guy like Wes Welker is really in the mold of the type of player I’d like to be at the next level. He’s a great punt returner, but he gets in the slot and he knows how to find those holes in a defense. And he’s very productive. I think it’s important to show teams that you can do everything, that you’re a versatile player. I can return kicks, I can play the slot, and I can play the Z on the outside. It’s been very important to show the teams how much I know about coverages and playing the wide receiver position.”

Prophetic, wouldn’t you say? I believed him and I guess the Broncos believed him. He’s already got Denver fans talking Rookie-of-the-Year. And when Brandon Marshall returns next week — look out. If the Broncos can put 41 on a revamped (and supposedly improved) Raiders defense without their leading receiver, think of the possibilities when Brandon returns. Anyway, check out my complete NFL Draft interview with Eddie Royal.

Photo: Newscom