Ryan Broyles Scouting Report, WR, Oklahoma Sooners,
Ryan Broyles is a very productive WR for the Oklahoma Sooners, but is he also a top N.F.L. prospect. This is our scouting report for Ryan Broyles which will be updated as we move closer and closer to the N.F.L. draft, for all of our other scouting reports click here.
Ryan Broyles is a maturing WR who has really stepped up into a leadership position this year with the Sooners. As he told the Washington Post in October of 2011
“I know years in the past I didn’t want to be a leader because I knew I’d have to go hard and play and really hone in every opportunity that I have,” Broyles said. “But now, I think it just makes me a complete player, knowing that guys are looking up to me and I have to — and I want to — set a good example for them.”
UPDATE: 11/5/2011
Ryan Broyles tore his A.C.L. Today vs Texas A and M and will be out for the rest of the season.
Measurables
5’11 180-185 pounds
4.51 40 yard dash (reportedly)
Stats
2010: 131 receptions, 1622 yards, 14 touchdowns, 24 punt returns for 268 yards
2011 (through October 11th) 47 receptions 598 yards, 7 touchdowns. 10 punt returns for 44 yards
For his career Broyles is one of, if not THE, most productive WR in College Football history.
NFLmocks preseason scouting report/bio
Small possession receiver who has been nothing short of spectacular for the Sooners throughout his career. First team All-American in 2010 after catching 131 passes for 1,622 yards and 14 touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, has 220 catches for 2,742 yards and 29 touchdowns while also doubling as a punt returner for the Sooners. Averaging around 11 yards per punt return (90 PR for 998 yards) and has started 26 games over the last two years. Has started 34 games in three years for the Sooners, catching passes from both Sam Bradford and top QB prospect Landry Jones. Broyles isn’t going to really benefit from going back to school another year other than the possibility of a national championship, which seems likely. Fifth year senior with a ton of experience. Not the fastest receiver but very quick, understands route concepts, and understands defense. Was a big time defensive back in high school. Gritty player who is not afraid to put his body out there for contact. Owns 10 Oklahoma records, and is the first WR in 72 years of recorded history at Oklahoma to lead the team in scoring (2009). Broyles is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and has 16 plays of 40 or more yards.
Pros
Extremely productive…catches everything that hits his hands….effective punt returner…willing to go over the middle…could post big bench press numbers for his size at combine…top route runner…excellent at finding the soft spots in zone…minor character concerns, but seems to have matured a lot…durable…good at getting the few extra yards needed for a first down, but not going to take a screen pass 80…gets up field immediately…
Cons
not a punishing run blocker…doesn’t break a lot of tackles…more quick than fast…could struggle against press coverage vs good cornerbacks…runs a lot of bubble screens not really a con, just boring to watch
Player comparison:
Steve Smith of the New York Giants (now of the Eagles)
I think he’s a better prospect than Steve Smith, but I’m not sure if there is a better player comparison out there. Broyles is more productive than Steve Smith was in college, but they project as similar pros. Like Smith, Broyles is adept at finding the soft spot in zones, is more quick than fast, can grab the yards after the catch (he’s better at that than Smith is) can work out of the slot, will go over the middle, and catches everything that hits his hands (he actually might have better hands than Smith as well). Smith gets over the top once in awhile, but that’s not his game. This is Ryan Broyles if he plays in the right system he could be a 100 yard catch a season kind of guy. Broyles is also a better punt returner than Steve Smith.
Round projection: late first-to middle of the second
General managers don’t want to spend a first round pick on a smallish possession wide receiver, but that could be a mistake on their part. They want big fast, explosive WR early. Bryoles will be a good productive N.F.L. pro in the right system and is a very safe draft pick, but he lacks the “wow” factor to be selected high in the first round.
Video:
Broyles vs Uconn etc
Broyles vs Colorado 2010 (Both Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith are in the N.F.L)
Broyles Positives and negatives: