2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Josh Boyd Scouting Profile

As the 2013 National Scouting Combine gets cranking up, murmurs of prospects interviewed by the Denver Broncos start rolling in. Andrew Mason, who returns to the Broncos after writing everywhere else since his last stint with the team, has been actively keeping Broncos Country up to date from Indianapolis. Yesterday he sent this tweet:

Mississippi State DL Josh Boyd says he met with the #Broncos at the Senior Bowl.

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 23, 2013

Josh Boyd is a Defensive Tackle prospect for the Bulldogs. A 6’3", 310 lb. 3 year Letterman at Mississippi State, he ranks 17th out of 217 Defensive Tackle prospects and 193rd overall. His pre-Combine 40 Time is listed as 4.96 seconds. Boyd is projected as a 6th round draft pick.

BIO

#97 Josh Boyd
Year: Senior
Born: Aug. 3, 1989 (23)

Arm Length-32"
Hand Length-9 1/4"

Josh made an immediate impact on the field as a true freshman and has continued it into his senior campaign. He took over the full-time starter job as a sophomore, totaling 24 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 games, and then increased his production again in 2011 (51 tackles, eight for loss, 5.5 sacks). In 2012, Boyd's numbers dropped off a bit, as he only nabbed 33 tackles (2.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks. He has played in all 38 games during his career (28 starts), amassing 125 Tackles, 18 TFL’s and 8.5 Sacks in a four year career.

As a Junior in 2011, Josh had his best season for the Bulldogs, playing in all 13 games with 12 starts. He was MSU’s best Defensive Linemen with 51 Tackles, 8 TFL’s, 4.5 Sacks and two Quarterback Hurries. He had standout efforts against the best SEC teams, with 5 Tackles at home vs. LSU and an 11 Tackle, 2 TFL day vs. 3 Alabama.

In 2010, Boyd started all 13 games at Defensive Tackle, with 24 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles For Loss (3rd on team) and 2.5 Sacks. He recorded at least one tackle in 11 different games on the season.

Josh played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2009, earning starts at Defensive Tackle against Kentucky, Alabama and Arkansas. He had 5 Tackles against Georgia Tech in Week 5 and had 2 Tackles in five different games during his first year, finishing with 17 total Tackles for the year.

In High School, he was credited by Scout.com to have run a 4.85-second 40-yard dash, registered a 385-pound bench press and a 560-pound squat.

Boyd believes he helped himself at the Senior Bowl,

"I had a real good week; I just came out and tried to play my best," Boyd said after the game Saturday night. "I got to meet a lot of good people. I think I really did help my draft stock. A lot of guys told me I was doing a good job I just came out and tried to work hard and prove myself that I belong here."

DRAFT PROFILE

NFL.COM DRAFT GRADE-69.8

STRENGTHS: Josh continually keeps his feet moving while engaged to press the pocket and when chasing ballcarriers down the line. He shows a burst off the line and plays with a low pad level. Maintains leverage and has good awareness to hold his point and then chase down the action with closing burst from behind. He will attack the gaps on zone runs and spin off blocks to get into plays when singled up.

Displays a nice swim move to beat blockers. Not shy with his punch to extend at the point of attack. Carries his weight well and looks comfortable changing directions; frequently asked to drop in space in college.

Boyd shows fluid body control to smoothly redirect his momentum. He is quick-footed and rangy enough to make plays away from the line of scrimmage and flashes the motor to fight through the whistle.

WEAKNESSES: Boyd plays too light at times and struggles with his base strength. His pass rush moves are limited and he is undeveloped as a pass rusher because he rarely gets consistent pressure on the pocket. His average size can be an issue when facing stronger, longer interior offensive linemen. He does move to his sides very well, but lacks agility.

Josh doesn't possess the natural power to do much after his initial move doesn't work. he doesn't display the speed to pursue and Scouts aren’t sold on whether Boyd can be a true 3-technique, meaning he’ll be limited to a one-gap Nose Tackle role.

NFL COMPARISON: Anthony Adams (Bears), Sen'Derrick Marks (Titans)

NFLDraft Scout

VIDEO

Mississippi State All-SEC DT #97 Josh Boyd - Outland Trophy Candidate

Josh Boyd (DT Mississippi State) Senior Bowl

Josh Boyd vs Tennessee (2012)

Josh Boyd will be a situational player at the start. He is adept as a run stopper, but seems a little on the light side to play the Nose Tackle spot in the Pros. The scouting reports are confusing to me. He has a sub 5-second 40 Time, but is slow? That doesn’t jive to me. Others say that he has a quick burst, first step and good change of direction, but doesn’t show the endurance to chase down runners consistently. Josh may be able to play at the 3-Tech position if he truly possesses the speed. Otherwise, I’d say he has to get bigger, work on his stamina and develop some pass rushing moves. As a 6th round prospect, I believe he is worth developing. The thing that stood out to me with this kid, is he showed up for the bigger games against the better teams (LSU, Alabama).

Go Broncos!

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