Lelie continues to await liberation

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, June 26, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Denver Broncos
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The month of June is winding to an end, and Denver Broncos receiver Ashley Lelie is still a member of the organization he now strongly dislikes. The disgruntled offensive target has been clamoring for a trade the last few months, but Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist and head coach Mike Shanahan haven't sent Lelie packing just yet.

When the Broncos acquired No. 1-caliber receiver Javon Walker from the Green Bay Packers on Draft Day, it only angered the former first-rounder more. Lelie has been complaining that he is worthy of a top spot on a wideout depth chart, but the Broncos' coaching staff would be foolish to put him there. Other than the newly-acquired Walker, Denver has legendary 11-year veteran Rod Smith, who is just three catches short of 800 for his potentially Hall of Fame career.

Walker missed nearly all of last season with a torn ACL, but was a Pro Bowler the year prior. Also a former first-round pick, Walker has more upside than Lelie because he's a better, more consistent receiver. Thus, it's nearly impossible for the Broncos to demote Walker to the slot, especially since he was given a six-year, $40 million contract after joining the defending AFC West winners two months ago.

Meanwhile, in his four-year career, Lelie has proven to be among the NFL's elite speedsters, but his production has left plenty to be desired. His 168 receptions and 12 touchdowns in 64 career games have been somewhat disappointing numbers, even though he's picked up 17.9 yards per catch. Therefore, Lelie hasn't even averaged three catches per game, nor has he grabbed over seven touchdowns in a season. To put it simply, his production has been lacking for a once 19th overall draft choice.

As it stands right now, the Denver Broncos will continue to play hard ball with their frustrated weapon, unless they can field a worthwhile offer from another organization.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons seem the likeliest suitors at the moment; however, do the Broncos really want to trade Lelie to the Chiefs and help their division rivals improve? Probably not. The Falcons could certainly use the 6-3, 200-pounder, but at what price?

Lelie, a former University of Hawaii standout, is certainly ready to vacate Colorado. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, his employer isn't yet willing to part ways with him. It's too bad for Denver that Lelie can't just accept his role as a slot man, since the team would have one of the league's finest receiving trios.

As the Denver Broncos' September 10 opener marches ever closer, it appears that Lelie will continue to sit at home and await a phone call indicating he's been traded. The wideout has even stated that he'll sit out the entire season, if need be. He better hope the Chiefs, Falcons or someone else talks the Broncos into a trade, or he'll slowly become the second coming of Terrell Owens. Nobody wants to see that.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on Ashley Lelie at Realfootball365.com
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CommentsComments: 3  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Tom Weatherill		01:13 PM
06/26/2006
Sorry Ashlie, but given your production you don't deserve anything more than a chance to show that you deserve to be the 2nd...
No.2
Brad		08:11 PM
06/26/2006
Ashley Lelie should just be happy to have a No.3 job anyway because his production has tailed off and hasn't lived up to his 1st...
No.3
anthony cossaboon		03:28 PM
06/27/2006
ashley should stop being so egotistical and realize whats going on. Rod only has 1 or 2 good years in him. which means he will be...
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