How will knee injury affect Ryan Broyles' NFL draft prospects?

Gil Brandt, a contributor to NFL.com and a former talent evaluator for the Dallas Cowboys, said Broyles was likely a late-first- or early second-round pick before tearing the ACL in his left knee last week. He estimated the drop at just a half-round as a result of the injury.

“Knowing what kind of worker he is, and the kind of medical and training staff there at OU, he could be back to even about 90 percent by February,” Brandt said, referring to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “Those teams will all have their doctors there to see him.

“Every team there knows what kind of career that kid had. I wouldn't think it would hurt him too much.”

Broyles finished his career with an NCAA-record 349 catches for 4,586 yards – second in NCAA history – and 45 touchdowns.

“He'll make someone a fine slot receiver and punt returner, I'd think,” Brandt said.

Stoops also prescribes to the body-of-work theory, when it comes to Broyles and the next level.

“I've already heard that from one general manager, who has said that,” Stoops said Tuesday. “‘Just missing these last games, we know what he's capable of.' … He won't be able to perform (at the combine), but they'll be able to check it out, that it's progressing just as it should. Hopefully that will still give him a good, strong opportunity.

“I know the professional people are impressed with him.”