Niners Nation Scouting Report: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech

So I was scratching my head over what to write about today to carry us into the weekend. This is certainly a random enough player for some of us. For others, Eddie Royal's name has come up as a possible sleeper wide receiver/returner. MM mentioned Royal as part of his unscientific look at wide receivers, and said, "Very, very intriguing." Well let's take it a step further and check out what the Scouts have to say:
The return game is what is primarily mentioned in conjunction with Royal. Matt Barrows was curious as to whether the signing of Allen Rossum would preclude the 49ers from drafting a return specialist like Royal. The question is what can Royal bring in the receiving game if Rossum is a long-term answer in the return game.
Over at ESPN, Royal is flagged with a B for Bulk/Size and a D for Durability. You have to wonder if the small size has led to the injuries or if that is just an easy, but incorrect, assumption to make.
If Royal were snagged in the third or fourth round as the scouts are projecting, I'd certainly have no problem with that. Of course does that mean you skip out on the higher tier of receivers in the first two rounds and roll the dice that a guy like Eddie Royal is there later in the draft? Of course a speedy guy without good route-running abilities sounds an awful lot like Ashley Lelie. Maybe Mike Martz can work with him. Personally, I'd rather grab a receiver with one of the first two picks and stock up on depth elsewhere later in the draft.
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15 comments
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Man
by howtheyscored on
Mar 7, 2008 11:26 PM PST
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As much as I hate VA Tech
by wjackalope on
Mar 8, 2008 11:33 AM PST
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the problem
bruce, jackson, hill, battle-that leaves roster space for probably 1 more receiver, 2 more at most. since all 4 on the roster now and vernon will all see significant playing time at receiver and rossum and battle have the kick return duties locked down, what would be the point in spending 2 of the top 4 or 5 draft picks on a wr, when we need so much depth on the o-line and in the secondary? i agree with fooch, i'd rather see them spend the first or second selection on a wideout with number 1 receiver potential, because battle and bruce will be fine posession guys, and jackson and hill should be ok in martz's underneath routes, but we lack a playmaker on the outside. if we need to add a 6th receiver for depth we might as well add a lelie-type castoff free agent after the draft, or trade for a guy like shaun mcdonald familiar with martz's system.
by sam23 on
Mar 8, 2008 3:19 PM PST
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I agree
by wjackalope on
Mar 8, 2008 7:43 PM PST
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eh,
by sam23 on
Mar 9, 2008 12:50 AM PST
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i see
by sam23 on
Mar 9, 2008 12:53 AM PST
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right
by wjackalope on
Mar 9, 2008 11:58 AM PDT
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I think I read...
by sfgfan on
Mar 10, 2008 9:36 AM PDT
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i think
by sam23 on
Mar 10, 2008 10:37 AM PDT
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Not at all.
by sfgfan on
Mar 10, 2008 10:54 AM PDT
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nice
by sam23 on
Mar 10, 2008 11:41 AM PDT
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Royal
As for Rossum preventing the team from taking a kick returner because he's the "long-term" solution? I don't think Rossum's deal guarantees very much (monetarily), so I can definitely see the 49ers looking for competition at kick returner. Rossum could always return punts (because he'll have more experience, and probably better hands/nerves) and let the explosive youngster take the kickoffs.
by sfgfan on
Mar 10, 2008 9:41 AM PDT
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Draft...
by jaytierney on
Mar 10, 2008 10:52 AM PDT
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Very good point.
by sfgfan on
Mar 10, 2008 10:56 AM PDT
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DJ Hall
I agree with comments above...I would almost rather replace Jackson and Lelei with some young tallent with upside. Would not be much of a drop off.
by boulder99 on
Mar 10, 2008 11:21 PM PDT
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