Ryan

Broyles

It’d be a best case scenario, but by all accounts Broyles’ recovery has been incredibly impressive. He’s already running forties, and swears he could at the Combine if medical personnel let him. Broyles is only three months removed from ACL surgery. We’re liking his chances of being an early- to mid-round pick.

Cosell agrees with the notion that the 5-foot-10, 192-pound Broyles will be best suited to the slot, but likes his hands and after-the-catch ability. Working his way back to full health after tearing his left ACL last November, Broyles has a shot at being a day-two pick.

The NCAA’s all-time leader in receptions with 349, Broyles is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November. Broyles was an excellent after-the-catch runner for the Sooners, but at just 5-foot-10 will most likely be limited to slot duties early on for the Lions’ high-octane passing attack. Although he “hopes” to be ready for football activities by May, he could begin the year on the PUP list. Whenever he gets on the field, he’ll be someone to monitor closely in PPR leagues. Broyles’ selection could have meant the end of Nate Burleson’s time in the Motor City, but Burleson is most likely safe for one more year after restructuring his contract.

“I’m doing all the weight-room stuff, all the running stuff, I’m getting my flexibility as well,” Broyles said. “So I’m on pace to just look good. I feel better than ever right now, to be honest.” However, Broyles remains without a timetable for a full return to football activities. Still only five months removed from his injury, Broyles could begin his rookie year on the PUP list. Broyles has been widely projected as a slot receiver, but coach Jim Schwartz believes he could play on the outside, as well.

The PUP designation costs players the first six games of the season. “He’s a possible PUP guy, but I think at some point during camp he’ll be ready to go,” said Mayhew. “The great thing with him is, we have the ability to take our time.” Broyles is Detroit’s slot receiver of the future, but the Lions can use Nate Burleson in that role until the rookie gets his full explosion back.

Logan had the league’s second worst punt return average last season (8.1 yards), and was in the middle of the pack on kickoffs (25.2). He also put the ball on the ground six times. Logan’s fate could be tied to Broyles’ (torn ACL) health, but he’d be an easy $615,000 in savings for the Lions.

“There’s a lot of ground between now and then, but he’s on a good path,” Schwartz said. “He’s had a good rehab so far, he showed it in his pro day and he’s shown it here.” Broyles recently declared himself “back to doing everything normal,” but both Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew have made clear that’s not the case. The tea leaves suggest Broyles will begin the year on the PUP list.

He also had a 32.5-inch vertical. They’re not stellar marks, but Broyles is just five months removed from tearing his left ACL. The fact that he’s able to run forty yards in a dead spring suggests Broyles is in the final stages of his recovery, if not fully over it. He could sneak back into the third round.

A prolific, record-setting college wideout in Oklahoma’s spread offense, Broyles lacks vertical skills to consistently win outside the numbers but could be an explosive long-term successor for Nate Burleson in the slot. Broyles’ recovery from a torn left ACL may land him on PUP to open the season, and he’s unlikely to be a major factor in year one. We still like him as a second-round pick in dynasty leagues. He could be a major PPR asset as soon as 2013.

It’s an impressive turnaround for a player four months removed from ACL surgery. Expected to contribute as a slot receiver, Broyles is likely to come off the board in the middle rounds of April’s draft.