Draft Report: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Sooners were early season favorites to capture the National Championship now held by the Alabama Crimson Tide.  The Sooners faced a season that offered a lot of struggles; one of the biggest problems that they had to try and overcome was the loss of star receiver Ryan Boyles.

Broyles has set freshman records for OU in receiving yards and tied for the record in receptions and has made a career out of being a prolific receiver in one of the biggest college programs in the nation.  All that didn’t matter though, when Broyles tore his ACL in the middle of the season; Broyles was listed as a first round option at the time but has seen his draft stock fall significantly.

Broyles now rounds out most mockers top 10 or top 15 receivers and there is a lot of concern about if he will recover.  Broyles is a quick receiver who has the ability to jump off the snap and create separation from opposing cornerbacks; he’s got reliable hands and does a great job staying aware of where the ball is.  He can make all the catches and is a red zone threat despite the stereotype of a speed receiver.  His speed and elusiveness make him a threat in the open field and even on special teams.  Needless to say this is a special kid.

Broyles is likely to find a team in the 3rd or 4th rounds, and the team that drafts him may get a steal; as not only is Broyles a great receiver but also a stand up guy, having spent the past offseason aiding in the Haiti relief effort.  Despite a disappointing return season to OU, in which he was searching for a National Championship, if Broyles can get healthy he can find a home in the NFL as a slot or #2 receiver who will have a very productive career and provide us another feel good story.