2 Detroit Lions Players Not Named Bush, Stafford, Or Johnson That The Offense Is Counting on in 2013…

Feb 24, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ryan Broyles speaks at a press conference during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Broyles

There is a lot to like about Ryan Broyles.   Broyles has all the potential to be a fan favorite of the Lions.  He was very productive in college, he knows how to get open, and he has that ever-smiling-Jahvid-Best-nice-guy demeanor.   It was an utter shock to see his name called in the second round of the 2012 NFl Draft, but he could be useful enough in this offense to settle any arguments about why the Lions wasted another secound round pick on a receiver.

The Lions haven’t gotten success out of any WR draft pick since Calvin Johnson was picked in 2007.   Bringing in Nate Burleson was a great move that played a part in igniting the 2011 playoff run, but there are no Detroit-drafted receivers on the 2013 roster that have produced on the field for the Lions….other than Broyles.  The Lions need to have another receiver stick around for once.  Broyles is a great asset to put on the  field with Megatron.  He may not be the number 2 “stretch-the field” guy they desperately need, but he is capable of getting open anywhere on the field and tacking on extra yards afterward.  It might be Stafford’s quick, cannon whip style, but in recent years it seems like the Lions receivers and tight ends usually end up making leaping catches without being able to add yards after the catch.  Broyles has shown his ability to turn Stafford’s quick whips into long gains up the sidelines.

Not only is it important for Broyles to succeed in order to salvage Mayhew’s up and down drafting record, but he can also be a testament to the ability for Lions players to overcome injury and find a way to remain productive for the team.  With players like Louis Delmas, Mikel Leshoure, Jason Fox, and Chris Greenwood seeming to be plagued by the injury bug, Broyles and Burleson have to be an inspiration for players to keep their head up and keep working toward the productive futures they can still have.

The Lions will be in great shape if Ryan Broyles is a healthy participant by the beginning of the regular season.  Calvin will be Calvin, a healthy Nate will be a reliable veteran and 3rd down playmaker, but having a solid 3rd receiver will keep this offense much more sturdy.  Otherwise we will once again see defenses take away the top two receivers, leaving all hope to the shaky route running of the rookies and bench players for Stafford to rely on.  There is a recent trend of having multiple “star receivers” emerging among the NFL’s best teams (Packers, Ravens, Falcons, 49ers); the Lions can’t be left behind in that department.