Quotes about Lelie

About how Lelie is in competition for the 4th WR spot, Mike Nolan said:
"I think he is in the thick of the receiver position at that next spot. I think there are a few guys in there. I think Ashley is in the thick of it, I think Bryan Gilmore and Brandon Williams are in there as well. Jason Hill is in there naturally because we drafted him in the third round. We are going to be a little more patient with Jason because he was a draft choice and is a young guy." (HA)


Asked if it is important for QB Alex Smith to work with Lelie more due to Lelie's size and stride, Nolan said:
"If he is going to throw to him yes, but if he isn't one of the primary guys, he (Alex) needs to work with the other guys first. He needs to work with the guys who know the best routes, know who to block on running plays, etc. There is a lot more to being a good wide receiver than catching balls. It is a lot more than being tall and fast. When the total picture puts you in the right of getting reps with the first group, you get to work with Alex more. If you don't, you get to work with Trent in the second group and Shaun with the third. If you are showing the ability to get in that next group, yes, we need to get you some more balls." (HA)


Asked how Lelie is doing in those areas, Nolan said:
"Ashley did a good job yesterday. Let me make that clear. Bryan Gilmore did a nice job. Darrell Jackson with the one catch did a nice job. Those guys did OK, but no one is unseeding the top guys at this point. In practice, Ashley and Bryan get a lot of work with the first group because Arnaz and Darrell practice once a day. Alex has thrown Ashley and Bryan as many balls as he has to Darrell and Arnaz. We have seen them work together." (HA)