Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Players To Watch

Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles (84) makes a catch and looks to get around Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ryan Broyles, WR

Ryan Bryoles has played well this preseason and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the third-year receiver out of the University of Oklahoma.

The former Sooner has a team-best eight catches for 113 yards in the preseason, and seven of those catches achieved first downs. He’s impressed new coach Jim Caldwell with his ability to move the chains and YAC.

"“It tells you that the quarterbacks like him, and they can depend on him in that situation, and he delivers,” Caldwell said. “But also shows you that he’s got a real knack for it because he had to operate against several different coverages. So he’s got a good sense of where he is and how to get open. And then has, certainly, the surge and determination to get first downs.”"

That should make him a lock to make the final 53 man roster than, right?

Not exactly.

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The problem is, (if you call it a problem) that the Lions are stacked at the receiver position and good wideouts who have made and even started for the team in years past may not make the cut this year.

Broyles has made the most of every opportunity afforded him in the preseason. He might not be the same guy who became college football’s all-time leading receiver, but showed he still knows how to gain yards after the catch and pick up first downs.

His spot isn’t assured, but he’s certainly looked like one of Detroit’s six-best receivers. Another good game could prove to be enough to force the Lions to keep him around, despite the injury concerns.