Eddie Royal SELECTED BY: Denver Broncos Round 2(11)

SI Grade 3.67 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter who posted 33/496/4 as a senior when he also averaged 14.7 yards on 31 punt returns with two scores. Junior-year totals included 31/497/3 with a 13.2-yard average on 23 punt returns.

POSITIVES: Elusive ball-handler who makes plays as a receiver and a return specialist. Sells routes, shows quickness into breaks, and stays low on exit. Comes back to the ball, effectively makes body-catches when necessary, and uses his frame to protect the pass. Lays out or extends to make the difficult reception in a crowd and battles for the ball against defenders. Natural pass-catcher with soft hands. Quick transitioning from making the reception to running after the catch. Effective running after the reception and shows the ability to create yardage, a skill he also displays returning punts.

NEGATIVES: More quick than fast and lacks the flat-out speed. Loses out in battles.

ANALYSIS: Royal is a sure-handed wideout whose real value at the next level will be as a return specialist. He possesses the size/speed numbers to be a third wideout and could help a team in a variety of ways.