And Then There Was One; Broncos Sign Eddie Royal

by John Bena on Jul 24, 2008 4:42 PM MDT in Denver Broncos Roster Moves

The Denver Broncos on Thursday signed wide receiver Eddie Royal, whom they selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft from Virginia Tech University. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Royal (5-foot-10, 182 pounds) finished his four-year career at Virginia Tech as its all-time leader in career all-purpose yards, totaling 4,686 in 51 career games (44 starts). He ranks fourth in Hokies history in career receptions (119), fifth in receiving touchdowns (12) and sixth in receiving yards (1,778) while also setting an Atlantic Coast Conference career record with 1,296 punt return yards.

In 2007, Royal was named a first-team All-ACC selection after posting a career-high 33 receptions for 496 yards with four touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts). He also led his conference and ranked 10th in the nation with a 14.7-yard punt return average and scored twice on punt returns.

The wide receiver was a second-team all-conference choice as a junior, appearing in 13 games (9 starts) and catching 31 passes for 497 yards (16.0 avg.) with three touchdowns. He averaged an ACC-best 13.2 yards on punt returns and added one punt return score.

A SuperPrep All-American at Westfield High School in Chantilly, Va., Eddie Royal was born on May 21, 1986.

With Royal's signing, the Broncos have signed eight of their nine selections from the 2008 NFL Draft.

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Good to hear.

I just got a text message saying that we just signed him. He gives Cutler one more guy to go to and I hope he can add something to our special teams that need a pick me up.

Clady is the only one left and I expect to hear something soon.

by weazel on Jul 24, 2008 4:51 PM MDT reply actions

Great news . . .

As Guru stated before the draft took place, the Broncos need a gifted returner to improve the field position. Fast Eddie’s highlights are astounding as a returner, and from reports he has really opened some eyes at receiver.

I’ll be looking forward to Guru’s reports on him from TC.

Never pass up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut. - my daddy

by AZDynamics on Jul 24, 2008 5:13 PM MDT reply actions

Great news...we are getting close...

to the start of pre-season and to being something really special. Eddie is a great pick. Everything I’ve read about him is only positive—both in skill and character. There are some great ‘youtubes’ of Eddie’s returns and catches. As a reciever he has really great hands, even in heavy crowds, and great body-feet control to keep the catches ‘in-bounds’. As a return man he is fearless, maybe not an Upchurch, but maybe he is. He is definitely the most natural return specialist we have had in a long time. Let’s hope he lights things up like Rick did in Mile High in the 70’s and early 80’s.

by Mike Clark on Jul 24, 2008 9:43 PM MDT reply actions