Detroit's decision to draft WR Ryan Broyles in the second round of the 2012 draft was a pick many Lions fans simply didn't see coming. GM Martin Mayhew was expected to use the pick on some much-needed DB help. Instead, they drafted Broyles, whose pedigree as the NCAA's career receptions leader was mitigated by an ACL injury suffered during his senior season. Broyles insisted his rehab was going well, however, and he said he would be ready to participate when training camp began.
It turns out Broyles was right – and his performance early in camp has been impressive. He moves well, and he doesn't show signs of the hesitation sometimes present in players recovering from major injuries. Broyles gives the Lions four solid options at receiver – something they'll need to succeed in the pass-happy NFC North.
After Monday's training camp workout, CBSSports.com sat down with Broyles to discuss his transition to professional football, avoiding the hazards of life as an NFL rookie, and his relationship with Detroit's veteran receivers:
CBSSports.com: What's the biggest difference you've seen between the college game and your short time in the NFL?
Broyles: “The off the field stuff. We have meetings all day. It's a real job. We're here countless hours. It's all football – taking care of your body in the weight room, and then meetings non-stop. On the field, guys are a lot faster. You got to know your assignments. Quarterbacks can get in and out of their reads quick, so you've got to prepared for anything.”
CBSSports.com: When you were at Oklahoma you were had tabbed as a high first round pick. Then you injure your ACL, and you slip to the Lions in the second round. Do you carry a chip on your shoulder because of that?
Broyles: “I always play with a chip on my shoulder, no matter if I'm injured or not. I always want to be the best I can be. Dropping in the draft is in God's will, in God's hands,so it's not up to me. I'm just going to make the best of the opportunity.”
CBSSports.com: You've come out and said you don't want to fall into the financial and social traps that hinder some NFL players. How will you avoid that flashy lifestyle and maintain an even keel as an NFL player?
Broyles: “You have to stay grounded, keep your circle small. You know, you can't buy into too many things. You have to know when to open your ears and when to shut them. I know where my loyalty lays, and I know who I am as a loyal person. I'm loyal to my family and friends. I've always told myself nothing is going to change me to be anything that I'm not.”
CBSSports.com: How important was it for your confidence to come out and have the two strong early workouts that you've had? Do those performances prove that you're past the injury and ready to go?
Broyles: “[A strong early performance] means a lot. I knew from my timeline leading up to this point that I'd be ready, and it worked out.”
CBSSports.com: What's the best advice you've gotten from veteran receivers Nate Burleson and Calvin Johnson?
Broyles: “Slow things down! My guy [Burleson] says I'm moving too fast, and I'm starting to think about a lot of things [instead of reacting]. So just slow things down, be patient, and things will work out. That's what I'm trying to do right now."
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLDET and @johnkreger.