clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Horse Tracks: Demaryius Thomas is no Ashley Lelie edition

With the Demaryius Thomas saga unfolding over the last few months, I always maintained that there was nothing to worry about. Pundits debated if the waiting was worth it, whether the Broncos should move on,and whether his family's missteps somehow meant Thomas was less trustworthy. I knew that the Broncos would get the deal done, even when twitter was flipping out that, with an hour to go, few signs showed that a deal was imminent. Let's be honest, on the field and in the locker room, Thomas has been nothing short of exemplary. It's not like he's Ashley Lelie or anything...

By Jess Place
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Okay, maybe I'm being harsh. Ashley Lelie had his moments... in 2005.

The 19th pick in the 2002 draft, Lelie was a fan favorite until the 2006 offseason. When the Broncos acquired Javon Walker from the Packers in the 2006 Draft, Lelie felt threatened and demanded a trade. Retrospect tells us that Ashley believed that becoming a number one receiver was his right because he'd waited for his turn. This is not how it works in the NFL and it's absolutely not how it worked under the Mike Shannahan regime.

Lelie held out of training camp and was eventually traded to the Atlanta Falcons. Read about that and the state of then-recent trades, including the Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey trade, here.

Needless to say, whatever caused Lelie's failure to assume the number one receiver position in Denver only got worse in Atlanta. He soon found himself in San Francisco and then ended up in the NFL's dumpster, the Oakland Raiders.

The Broncos system made Ashley Lelie a talented receiver. Demaryius Thomas has talent. There's a big difference. If you're cloudy on what I mean, be sure to watch former Bronco Julius Thomas this year as he learns firsthand while trying to catch passes from Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.

Horse Tracks

Peyton, by all reports, is good to go for 2015 after suffering a thigh injury and disappointing 2014. Buick, Nationwide, and Papa Johns commercials aside, Peyton (duh) will be someone to watch this season. All eyes will be on Peyton Manning when Denver Broncos open camp - Denver Broncos Blog - ESPN

Jim Saccomano shows Denver Broncos legendary linebacker Tom Jackson some love. More than Bart Scott did after whatever forgettable Jets win this was. Sundays with Sacco: Honoring the great Tom Jackson

Just look at how un-Lelie Demaryius Thomas is! Demaryius Thomas Creates Award In Name Of Young Fan Killed In Rafting Accident " CBS Denver

Former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne didn't follow Peyton to the Broncos back in 2012 and he's more likely than not to come to Denver now... but it's fun to think about, right? Should the Broncos reunite Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne? | FOX Sports

Every week it seems that former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is in the news. This week, he caught the press' eye in saying that Kyle Orton was the best quarterback to toss him balls. If that's true, it's pretty sad. I think he's pulling our leg or sticking his thumb in Jay Cutler's eye. You decide. Marshall calls Kyle Orton best QB he ever played with - NFL.com

Oakland quarterback Matt McGloin has looked "competitive" this offseason! Come on, everyone since 2002 has looked great when throwing against the Raiders... except Jamarcus Russel.  Take this article at face value. Matt MGloin [sic] staying competitive at preseason camp with Oakland Raiders - Oakland Oakland Raiders | Examiner.com

The Chiefs are really pumped about their defense this year. I'm starting to buy in a little bit. I don't think they're nasty enough, but they sure ain't all that nice. How about you?

Allen Bailey can help Kansas City Chiefs defense become Elite

Dee Ford is 'going to prove it this year,' Kansas City Chiefs mentor says | AL.com

More From Mile High Report