It’s still early and the the competition is tough among Detroit Lions wide receivers. 

Here are five reasons why Ryan Broyles has a good shot at making the 53-man roster:

1. This is the first of his four training camps with the Lions that he is not coming off major offseason surgery (two ACLs and Achilles). It appears he’s regained his speed and his explosiveness.
   
   
2. Broyles had a good offseason and was solid in OTAs and the three-day minicamp. He was bunched in with the possible returners during both. Bringing that added dimension, could help him keep his job.
   
   
3. He remains a bit of a mystery since the coaches didn’t use him much in the 2014 season. At one point coach Jim Caldwell said Broyles was trained to run the same routes as Golden Tate and since Tate was never injured Broyles didn’t get a chance.
   
   
4. He can line up on the outside or in the slot. Versatility always a good thing.
   
   
5. Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate are absolute locks. Lance Moore and Corey Fuller are favored to make roster. Other than Broyles, that leaves Jeremy Ross and Greg Salas as only veterans who have a solid chance.
   
   

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Pre-order her new book “Game of My Life Detroit Lions” which will be be published in October on Amazon.com. Also order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here.)