WR Troy Burrell (Wayne State) - Undrafted Free Agent
After hosting three guys from Wayne State at their pre-draft workout for local players, I expected the Detroit Lions to sign at least one of them as an undrafted free agent. I figured offensive tackle Joe Long and safety Jeremy Jones were the most likely candidates to be signed, but they landed elsewhere. It turned out that wide receiver Troy Burrell was the only Wayne State player to sign with the Lions, and now he is set to hit the field on Friday as part of the team's rookie minicamp.
Experts' Opinions
Career Notes: Had a reception in 47 of 49 career games played ... concluded his career with a 38-game reception streak ... recorded 12 100-yard receiving games ... set WSU career mark for receptions (187) and finished second in career receiving yards (3,132) and touchdowns (27) ... finished fifth in average yards per reception (minimum 40 catches) at 16.75 ypc ... eighth in career touchdowns (28), ninth in all-purpose yards (3,299) and 10th in scoring (168 points).
Stats
2008: 18 catches, 141 yards, 2 TD
2009: 25 catches, 458 yards, 4 TD
2010: 57 catches, 900 yards, 6 TD
2011: 87 catches, 1,633 yards, 15 TD
Videos
Outlook for 2012
Although the top four appears to be set at wide receiver, the fifth spot is really up for grabs right now. (I don't really consider Stefan Logan to be a receiver.) This means that all three of the undrafted free agent wide receivers really have a chance to play their way onto the team. It won't be easy, but if Burrell can be consistent as a receiver and excel on special teams, he could at the very least get a look for the practice squad.
More scouting reports: Riley Reiff, Ryan Broyles, Dwight "Bill" Bentley, Ronnell Lewis, Tahir Whitehead, Chris Greenwood, Jonte Green, Travis Lewis, Kellen Moore, Stephfon Green
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