The Broncos traded their most productive receiver, Brandon Marshall, who had 101 catches for 1,120 yards last season. NFL reporter Lindsay H. Jones analyzes who is left to fill the void currently on the Denver roster:
JABAR GAFFNEY
Height, weight: 6-feet-2, 200 pounds
NFL experience: 9th year
2009 stats: 54 catches, 732 yards, 2 touchdowns
FYI: Gaffney was the team’s most versatile receiver in 2009 because of his familiarity with Josh McDaniels’ offense. With Marshall inactive in the season finale, Gaffney caught 14 passes for a career-high 213 yards. He lacks Marshall’s size, but McDaniels loves him.
EDDIE ROYAL
Height, weight: 5-10, 180
NFL experience: 3rd year
2009 stats: 37 catches, 345 yards, zero touchdowns; 2 touchdowns scored on returns
FYI: Had disappointing second season, but McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton already have said a primary goal for 2010 is to get Royal more involved in the offense. That likely includes moving him around to all three receiver spots. He could be the team’s ideal slot receiver.
BRANDON STOKLEY
Height, weight: 6-0, 192
NFL experience: 12th season
2009 stats: 19 catches, 327 yards, 4 touchdowns
FYI: Stokley, a respected veteran voice, played in every game last year but will need to be more of an integral part of the offense if the Broncos hope to replace some of Marshall’s production over the middle.
BRANDON LLOYD
Height, weight: 6-0, 194
NFL experience: 8th season
2009 stats: 8 catches, 117 yards
FYI: Lloyd was inactive for the team’s first 14 games, but showed well in the final two games. He had four catches for 95 yards in the season finale against Kansas City.
KENNY MCKINLEY
Height, weight: 6-0, 183
NFL experience: 2nd season
2009 stats: zero catches, but played in 8 games
FYI: Primarily played on special teams as a rookie. Injured his knee and was placed on injured reserve in late December. The Broncos will need him to contribute more on offense and as a punt and kick returner in 2010.
MATT WILLIS
Height, weight: 6-0, 190
NFL experience: 3rd season
2009 stats: zero catches, 1 game
FYI: Was a practice squad player for most of the season. Played in the season finale.
