Lions rookie wide receiver Ryan Broyles was practicing returning punts in warmups today before Detroit's final preseason game. Broyles returned 108 punts for Oklahoma in college for an 11.1 average and two touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2009, he returned 31 punts for 15.9 yards per return. Stefan Logan was the main punt and kick returner for the Lions last year but has never had a touchdown return in his three-year NFL career. He did return a kickoff for a 105-yard score in 2010.
Ryan Broyles Practicing Punt Returns For Lions, Potentially Adding Fantasy Value
Ryan Broyles could add “punt returner” to his resume as a rookie for the Lions. We break down the fantasy implications.
Fantasy Implications: Anything you can do to add value to your fantasy profile helps, especially for a rookie like Broyles who was unlikely to contribute a lot in the passing game during his first year. His excellent athleticism is what prompted Detroit to take him in the second round despite his 5’10” stature, and he is the all-time FBS receptions leader with 349. If your league counts punt return yards and he’s enlisted as the main returner for the Lions, he could have considerably more fantasy value. Even if your league doesn’t, most do count punt return touchdowns and if Broyles works himself into the offense, he’ll be that much more valuable. Broyles has four catches for 42 yards in the preseason.
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