04-29-2016, 10:36 PM
OVERVIEW
Despite experiencing uneven quarterback play during his time at Pitt, Boyd became the most prolific pass-receiver in the schools history, setting records for receptions (254 in three years) and receiving yards (3,361). Boyd grew up not far from Pittsburgh, and stood out even in a football-crazy state like Pennsylvania, setting the state record with 117 career touchdowns and winning the Class A Player of the Year twice. As a freshman, Boyd didnt disappoint, garnering third-team All-ACC honors with 85 catches covering 1,174 yards and seven scores. He also ran for 108 yards and earned 425 kick return yards for the season, as well as returning a punt 54 yards for a score in the teams bowl game. Boyd received first team all-conference nods as a receiver in his sophomore (78-1,261, eight TD receiving) and junior (91-926, six TD receiving, 349 rush yards), while collecting second-team All-ACC honors as a returner in 2014 (442 kick return yards, 162 punt return yards). With all of that production in just three seasons, it was no surprise Boyd entered the 2016 NFL Draft.
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Ultra-competitive. Known for powerful hands that clamp instantly onto ball and finish heavily contested catches. Has over-the-middle toughness. Plays with outstanding body control and has ability to gyrate and contort in midair in order to make acrobatic catches look easy. Brimming with confidence. Targeted 124 times or more in each of his three seasons. Able to create window through route polish. Sinks into breaks and comes out low with good turn radius when needed. Sits in space and slows routes when necessary to prevent safety from crowding him in deep middle. Has handled some kick return and punt return duties during his time at Pitt.
WEAKNESSES Relatively low touchdown production to target rate. Marginal long speed. Isn't a threat to run by corners and has to win with routes and hands. Just a possession receiver much of the year. Limited YAC potential due to lack of shake in open field and power to break tackles. Became a fumble factory on punt returns this year and ball security must be addressed. Lacks juice to be full-time kick returner. Separation windows close quickly due to average getaway quickness out of breaks. Needs to use body better to protect the catch rather than just relying on strong mitts.
SOURCES TELL US "I think he can overcome some of his speed deficiencies with good routes and he has hand strength like (Jarvis) Landry in Miami. I would take him in the second or third." -- AFC East scout
NFL COMPARISON Keenan Allen
BOTTOM LINE Pittsburgh asked Boyd to be a running back and possession receiver this season, but that doesn't define what he can be in the pros. Boyd makes up for a lack of speed with vice grips for hands and being intelligent in his routes. Boyd isn't a stand alone WR1, but he can be a very productive starter in a play-action attack that allows him to play to his strengths.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/tyler-boyd?id=2555466
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r61Vb9xu8jU
Despite experiencing uneven quarterback play during his time at Pitt, Boyd became the most prolific pass-receiver in the schools history, setting records for receptions (254 in three years) and receiving yards (3,361). Boyd grew up not far from Pittsburgh, and stood out even in a football-crazy state like Pennsylvania, setting the state record with 117 career touchdowns and winning the Class A Player of the Year twice. As a freshman, Boyd didnt disappoint, garnering third-team All-ACC honors with 85 catches covering 1,174 yards and seven scores. He also ran for 108 yards and earned 425 kick return yards for the season, as well as returning a punt 54 yards for a score in the teams bowl game. Boyd received first team all-conference nods as a receiver in his sophomore (78-1,261, eight TD receiving) and junior (91-926, six TD receiving, 349 rush yards), while collecting second-team All-ACC honors as a returner in 2014 (442 kick return yards, 162 punt return yards). With all of that production in just three seasons, it was no surprise Boyd entered the 2016 NFL Draft.
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Ultra-competitive. Known for powerful hands that clamp instantly onto ball and finish heavily contested catches. Has over-the-middle toughness. Plays with outstanding body control and has ability to gyrate and contort in midair in order to make acrobatic catches look easy. Brimming with confidence. Targeted 124 times or more in each of his three seasons. Able to create window through route polish. Sinks into breaks and comes out low with good turn radius when needed. Sits in space and slows routes when necessary to prevent safety from crowding him in deep middle. Has handled some kick return and punt return duties during his time at Pitt.
WEAKNESSES Relatively low touchdown production to target rate. Marginal long speed. Isn't a threat to run by corners and has to win with routes and hands. Just a possession receiver much of the year. Limited YAC potential due to lack of shake in open field and power to break tackles. Became a fumble factory on punt returns this year and ball security must be addressed. Lacks juice to be full-time kick returner. Separation windows close quickly due to average getaway quickness out of breaks. Needs to use body better to protect the catch rather than just relying on strong mitts.
SOURCES TELL US "I think he can overcome some of his speed deficiencies with good routes and he has hand strength like (Jarvis) Landry in Miami. I would take him in the second or third." -- AFC East scout
NFL COMPARISON Keenan Allen
BOTTOM LINE Pittsburgh asked Boyd to be a running back and possession receiver this season, but that doesn't define what he can be in the pros. Boyd makes up for a lack of speed with vice grips for hands and being intelligent in his routes. Boyd isn't a stand alone WR1, but he can be a very productive starter in a play-action attack that allows him to play to his strengths.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/tyler-boyd?id=2555466
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r61Vb9xu8jU
