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2008 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp: WR Battles

21 of 22 starters from last season are returning, with many of those starters with three years experience or less. This means there will be very few position battles in training camp that will affect the starting line-up. Obviously, injuries change everything, but right now the starting units for the Colts on offense and defense are pretty well set.

We should consider our team lucky.

I've targeted only a few areas where there should be some kind of "battle" for position: 4th WR, back-up TE, starting OG, and special teams returner. None of these areas sounds sexy in terms of intrigue (expect maybe special teams returner), but all battles will be fierce and hard fought.

Today, we'll focus on the 4th WR position. I know, sounds about as interesting as sex with Delta Burke. But, with so many questions about Marvin Harrison's health and Anthony Gonzalez playing the slot WR position full time, it's possible the #4 WR could get pressed into starting early on, especially during pre-season. Two players are vying for the #4 spot: Roy Hall and Devon Aromashodu.

80_aromashodu_2007_1223_hou_220_macht_medium

Devon Aromashodu
Photo: A.J. Macht, Colts.com

Both Hall and Aromashodu are young guys, but while Hall is entering his second season, Aromashodu is actually younger than Hall but entering his third season. Hall was drafted by the Colts out of Ohio State while Aromashodu was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round in 2006. He later found himself on the Houston Texans practice squad in 2007, but was signed off the practice squad by the Colts last November.

Both Aromashodu (6'2) and Hall (6'3) offer size and speed to the WR position, and both are pushing to back-up either Harrison or Wayne, more likely Harrison. Make no mistake, Gonzo is the slot WR in 2008 no matter what. It now seems unlikely that the Colts will press him into outside WR duty. So, while the 4th WR spot doesn't sound like a big deal, it actually is. If anything happens to Harrison or Wayne, either Aromashodu or Hall will start games and be expected to produce.

340x_medium

Roy Hall is healthy again.

Photo via cache.daylife.com

Both players are also "project" WRs. Aromashodu saw extensive action last season, playing in five games, including the playoffs. He was signed November 14th and immediately thrust into playing in an offense that has allows the QB to audible at any time. Not a fun experience for Aromashodu, who struggled. It's tough to fault Aromashodu. Learning the Colts offense in less than a week and then immediately getting pressed into playing is not an easy thing. Even a brainiac like Gonzo had problems learning the Colts offense, and he had the benefit of training camp.

Roy Hall spent much of this off-season working at a WR clinic, improving his route-running and receiving. Hall is now healthy after injuring his shoulder in a violent special teams collision. The advantage Hall might have over Aromashodu is his special teams value. It is rare that a WR can thrive as a ST gunner.

What is clear is that whoever wins the position battle will provide the Colts with an extra receiving weapon along the goal-line. Dungy always says that a player makes his biggest jump from year one to year two. Both Hall and Aromashodu (technically) are making that jump. It will be interesting to see how far.

Between the two, who do you think will win the job?

Poll
Who will win the #4 WR position battle?
Roy Hall
222 votes
Devon Aromashodu
68 votes
Neither
12 votes

302 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 9 comments

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Watching Devin last year, I thought he had the potential to eventually become good. I’ve never really seen Hall play, so I don’t have much to base any judgement of him. But I expect Devin keep the 4 spot when its’ all said and done.

by MrNFL on Jun 3, 2008 10:41 AM EDT   0 recs

Araomashado actually played last year

so as much as I’d like to see a guy with Hall’s tools make the leap, I’ll go with the more experienced guy.

my blog http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com

by shake n bake on Jun 3, 2008 12:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Hall

Isn’t he only going into his 2nd year? He’s only jumping from year one to two…

by BlueVol03 on Jun 3, 2008 1:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Hall Is The Guy

Sure, Aromashodu played last year, but I was never too impressed. He just seemed like a practice squad player, which he has been. Hall has the potential to be a star. Also, the special teams make a big deal. The Colts flat out suck at kickoff coverage. We need gunners. I think the loser of this will not make the roster, as Garcon will most definitely make it.

Personally, I think Gugiere will make the roster over Aromashodu. I love the freak of nature wide receivers with size and speed.

www.naptownsfinest.com

by Colts Homer on Jun 3, 2008 4:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Hall

I am anticipating that Roy Hall will be an amazing weapon and the buzz amongst Colts fans this season.

by coltsfanawalt on Jun 3, 2008 10:02 PM EDT   0 recs

I like Hall and hope he makes the jump

but the guy hasn’t been a regular at WR since high school. He was special teams only before his injury last year and he barely played behind Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzalez at OSU. He never topped 17 catches or 250 yards in college. I don’t expect him to be ready this soon.

my blog http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com

by shake n bake on Jun 3, 2008 11:35 PM EDT   0 recs

IDK

Antonio Gates didn’t play football in college, but in his second year, he had 13 touchdowns. I like to think of Hall as the wide receiver version of Gates. They both were inexperienced, but they are unbelievably talented. Polian had to have seen something in his receiving skills. It’s unPolian to draft someone on potential.

www.naptownsfinest.com

by Colts Homer on Jun 4, 2008 10:32 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hopefully you're right

Hall is a beast so if he gets his receiving skills down and learns the offense that’s one more crazy good weapon for the Colts.

my blog http://shakennbaken.blogspot.com

by shake n bake on Jun 4, 2008 10:57 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll take Hall

I’ve always thought Roy was an intriguing prospect because of his size and speed. Up until being drafted by the Colts I think that’s all he relied on. However being exposed to Reggie and Marvin I think woke him up that it takes the whole package to be successful at this level, hence him attending receiver camp during the off season.

With Tony D praising his progress in mini-camp and having all last season to learn the play book I think he has a shot to make some serious noise. Personally with his size I would put him in as the 2nd tight end with Dallas ahead of Tamme. At 239 running 4.35 (OSU pro day) I think he could turn into a flat out and out monster for defenses to have to deal with.

by vcoxiv on Jun 4, 2008 1:45 AM EDT   0 recs

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