Steelers Prospect Watch: Tyler Boyd

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers target a wide receiver early in the NFL draft?

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers are working to finalize their draft board.   Despite having one of the best offensive units in the league, the team could benefit by adding depth to the explosive unit.  Already considered the deepest group in football, could the Steelers still draft a wide receiver this year?

The only reason the Steelers  may draft a wide out is because of Martavis Bryant uncertain future.  There is no guarantee Bryant will be reinstated back into the NFL, more off the field issues could flare up.  If the Steelers do take a receiver on Day 2 or 3, they might be tempted to draft a guy right in their back yard.  You guessed it, Pitt’s Tyler Boyd.

It was a pleasure watching Boyd tear up college football for the last three seasons.  Early in his freshman season, he emerged as the go-to guy in the passing attack and became one of the best receivers in the country.  Boyd caught an incredible 254 balls for 3361 yards and 21 touchdowns in his career.  He may have the best hands of any receiver in this draft class.

Not only is Boyd a great possession receiver, but he has also taken snaps at running back.   When James Conner went down in 2015, he rushed 40 times for 349 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per rush.  Boyd is a factor in the return game as well, has had fumbling issues, but when he make catches in double coverage like this, people tend to forgive you for that.

In my opinion, Boyd is one of the most dynamic players in this draft.  He is a born winner with a knack for getting open.  Easily one of the best route runners in this draft. His route running ability is very similar to Antonio Brown.  They are both able to run every route on the route tree with crisp precision.  I would love to say Boyd is the next Antonio Brown, but his speed is a half a step behind Brown.

Next: Steelers Prospect Watch: Miles Killebrew

If the Steelers pull the trigger on Boyd, he would add another dynamic element to the offense.  I have a feeling the Clairton product will go off the board in the second or early third round.  But if Boyd begins to freefall due to his poor combine, don’t be surprised if the Steelers select the talented Pitt wide out.