Kris Boyd Is a Physical Cornerback That Could Immediately Help Special Teams and Provide Depth

Kris Boyd, Cornerback
School: Texas | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 195 lbs
Draft Projection: 3rd to 5th round
NFL Comparison: Teez Tabor

College Statistics

Player Overview

A native to Gilmer, Texas, Kris Boyd was the No. 9 ranked CB in the country and four-star recruit before heading to UT over Texas A&M. Boyd, a high school multi-sport athlete (football and track), worked to get playing time, leading the team in special team tackles as a freshman. Boyd worked his way into the starting lineup his sophomore year and was part of what some consider to be a resurgence of UT football. Selected to All- Big 12 First Team, he helped lead Texas to a win in the Sugar Bowl over Georgia.

Strengths

• Has good size to play CB in the NFL.
• Physical with receivers at LOS and down the field. Always fights to breakup passes, even after beaten in coverage
• Stays on the hip of the receiver and plays the hands of the receiver well to breakup catches.
• Good in run support and blitzing from the CB position

Weaknesses

• Despite his track background, Boyd appears to have just average speed and gets beaten by faster, more athletic WRs.
• Ability to play the ball in the air is inconsistent. Has some great PBUs, but other times struggles to locate the ball.
• Not a fluid athlete. Boyd is tight-hipped and has difficulty changing directions. Backpeddle and transition is not smooth leading to being a step late in coverage.
• Suspended by team for the first half of the Oklahoma State game for being late to a team function. Got into a social media spat with ESPN analyst and former UT player Emmanuel Acho over the suspension.

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Redskins

Right now, Boyd’s athletic limitations and technique issues will make it hard for him to contribute to an NFL roster at CB. Much like his path in college, he would have to contribute significantly on special teams before getting his shot in the secondary. Although he has experience with off-man coverage, a team that plays press man with safety help over the top would be a good spot for him. But, his lack of quickness and long speed will be big hurdles to overcome. If he were bigger, I’d make a case for him moving to SS as I think his strengths would make him a capable player at that position. With so many young CBs already on the team, Boyd would have a lot of competition to make the roster. It’s possible if he cleaned up his technique issues, he could provide depth at the position that may be better than players like Danny Johnson or Adonis Alexander. After an underwhelming Senior Bowl, the combine will go a long way to determining where he’ll go in the draft.