Ryan Broyles has not had the most ideal start to his NFL career. The former Oklahoma standout was drafted in the second round with high expectations that he would become second to Calvin Johnson and give the Detroit Lions a solid receiving tandem. However, injuries have derailed that development leaving the Lions to look elsewhere for help. Could Broyles be gone before his career really starts?
The Lions are projected to take a wide receiver in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Currently sitting at No. 10, NFL sources believe the team could be eyeing a big trade up to get the best available. The Lions would then pair the rookie with Johnson and newly signed Golden Tate on the field leaving Broyles as the odd man out. General manager Martin Mayhew insists he has not given up on the third-year pro just yet.
According to Mayhew (via the Detroit Free Press), he "believes in Ryan and he's one of the hardest working guys I've ever seen. I believe in him. I'm not going to build the whole offense around him, but I believe in the man." Mayhew has been pressed about Broyles' future after reports surfaced about a trade up for Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans. Broyles has already torn both ACLs. He is currently recovering from a season-ending Achilles tear that has left him uncertain for the start of next season.
If healthy, Broyles could become something great. He performed well in 10 games his rookie season, putting up 310 yards and two touchdowns. However, he had just 86 yards last year before ending his season after six games. The Lions could seek a trade for Broyles, but his injury history will not warrant much if anything in return. Detroit would really have to lower his price tag in order to get a team to bite on him. There is the option of being released. Broyles is young and can become a solid wide receiver in the league if he can get over the injuries. Any team that misses out on someone in the draft could take interest.
The Lions are insisting that right now, Broyles is going nowhere. The interest in an elite rookie is merely to add to the depth of the corps in order to help Matthew Stafford this season. Watkins has already requested that Detroit trade up to get him, noting that it would be an honor to play alongside Johnson. Evans would be the cheaper pick.