WR TYLER BOYD, PITTSBURGH*

6’2” – 200 lbs. – 4.55e

Highly-productive three-year starter who broke some of Larry Fitzgerald’s freshman records with the Panthers. Tall with good length and adequate bulk; looks the part of a pro receiver. Intelligent, pro-ready option who is clearly the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s offense; the team tries to get the ball into his hands as much as possible. Lines up all over the field; splits out wide, slides into the slot, lines up tight to the formation, in the backfield, as a wildcat quarterback, and from motion. Top-end speed is just average and doesn’t threaten defenses much down the field; at his best when working intermediate routes. Willing to work the middle of the field. Releases well at the line of scrimmage and can use his body to shield defenders from the ball on slants. A polished route-runner with nuanced footwork and the ability to create separation. Settles into soft spots in zone shells rather than running himself into coverage. Very reliable hands-catcher who can catch away from his frame and come down with balls in traffic, but who could fight back to the ball on a more consistent basis; will occasionally lose the positioning battle to a more aggressive defensive back. Has good body control and awareness on the sidelines; pays attention to his feet when working near the boundaries. Uses his height well and can outleap defenders. Exhibits some competitiveness as a runner, but isn’t particularly fast or elusive, relying mostly on vision and decisiveness; will get some carries on reverses from motion or as the team’s wildcat quarterback. Will lower the shoulder and take on defensive backs, although he takes some big hits and needs to protect his body better. Gives good effort as a blocker, but was flagged during film review for going low on an opponent. Has returned both kicks and punts in college, but probably won’t be asked to handle that role at the next level; has also had some trouble handling punts. A tall, long receiver whose best traits are his polish, versatility, and excellent hands, Boyd isn’t an elite athlete and might project as more of a possession receiver at the pro level, but his impressive resume and production against top cornerback prospects such as Kendall Fuller should be enough to earn him a spot on the draft’s second day. May not test as well as some other top wide receivers, but can do a lot to help his stock if he’s able to post similar workout numbers to his competition. The type of player whose college work leaves little to imagination and projection and who could come off the board in the second round.

Games watched: Iowa (’14), Virginia Tech (’14), North Carolina (’15)