Ryan Broyles News

The Detroit Lions finished 4-12 in 2012, but there are still a lot of reasons for optimism this offseason.

Q: "Do you think there could be a formation that would have both Bush and Riddick in the backfield at the same time?" -- Brian A: Riddick needs to make the team first.

The Detroit Lions recently hosted free agent receiver Josh Cribbs, but knee issues might explain why he left town without a contract.

In this Nov. 4, 2012, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs runs the ball on a kickoff return against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the Lions receiving corps in shambles last season, Patrick Edwards knows he missed a golden opportunity to make the 53-man roster.

For the Detroit Lions , rookie minicamp is a time to get their newest players on the field and acclimate them to the NFL grind.

Special teams are where many late round draftees and UDFAs have the opportunity to make their mark on a team's 53-man roster.

After making the Detroit Lions' practice squad out of training camp, Edwards would have been an ideal candidate for a promotion after Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles suffered season-ending injuries.

With the NFL draft still fresh in our minds and numerous publications releasing 2014 mock drafts, ESPN's Mel Kiper has jumped on board and released his first Big Board of the top 25 players for next year's draft.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford came in at No. 76 on NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2013 list.

Josh Cribbs has already met with the Raiders, Jets and Giants this week, according to CBS Sports.

October 8, 2011; Morgantown,WV, USA: West Virginia Mountaineers receiver Ryan Nehlen is tackled after a pass reception by Connecticut Huskies defensive backs Jerome Junior and Byron Jones during the second quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Mississippi State defensive back Darius Slay runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb.

Enough of this whole building the offensive and defensive line talk, let's get back to what the Detroit Lions do best, drafting wide receivers.

Draft picks Ziggy Ansah, Darius Slay, Larry Warford and Sam Martin are expected to compete and likely win starting jobs, while Devin Taylor, Theo Riddick and Michael Williams should contribute in key rotational roles.

The learning curve will be slight for draft picks like DE Ziggy Ansah, here meeting team president Tom Lewand, as they will be expected to contribute immediately.

It's not the Oscars but it's the best Washington can serve up in the glittery category: It's time... In need of an outside threat to stretch defenses vertically, the Lions took Virginia Tech's Corey Fuller with the third pick of the sixth round.

Sep 3, 2012; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Corey Fuller looks for running room after making a catch in the fourth quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Lane Stadium.

Allen Park -- This is not a Ryan Broyles-type situation. The Lions made that clear after drafting Mississippi State cornerback Darius Slay with the fourth pick of the second round Friday.

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday, Slay suffered a torn meniscus during the offseason .