Ashley

Lelie

Lelie has been outshined by rookie Darius Watts during the preseason, but it’s still the preseason. Jake Plummer and co. are counting on Lelie emerging as a 1,000 yard threat in his third season.

The third-year receiver theory comes true again. He’s on pace for over 1,000 yards and has developed into one of the best deep threats in football.

Coach Mike Shanahan was obviously displeased about all the drops in Denver, especially Lelie’s. Some observers wonder if rookie Darius Watts could challenge for a starting spot. It’s way too early to panic, but it’s fair to wonder how this unit will perform with Shannon Sharpe, Clinton Portis, and Ed McCaffrey.

It looks like JaMarcus Russell’s starting receivers will be kick returner Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie Chaz Schilens against the Texans. Banged up tight end Zach Miller (stinger) will be easy for the Texans to focus on stopping with Higgins and Schilens likely to be left in single coverage all game. Oakland isn’t likely to move the ball on Sunday.

Lelie could challenge current third wideout Limas Sweed, but Bouchette doesn’t see him getting signed. For some reason Lelie is still listed as a Raider by the slow-to-act folks at Raiders.com. He’s actually a free agent.

Lelie would fill the deep threat role left vacant after Nate Washington signed with the Titans. The Steelers are clearly not going to just hand the third receiver role to Limas Sweed without making him earn it.

This comes just a week after signing Amani Toomer. The Chiefs are clearly not satisfied with their underwhelming options behind Dwayne Bowe. We’d steer clear of Mark Bradley and Bobby Engram in upcoming drafts.

An atypically good pickup for Oakland, Lelie played behind Johnnie Lee Higgins but ended up with more snaps. He could start in Week 2 if Javon Walker (hamstring) remains out, although Lelie would be a weak fantasy bet.

This is an ideal fit, as Lelie has played for OC Greg Knapp before and knows Oakland’s hybrid West Coast offense. He could immediately cure the team’s glaring third receiver hole, where practice squad type Todd Watkins was filling in. Lelie could be worth an in-season pickup if Javon Walker gets hurt.