Brandon Boykin: Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses of 2012 NFL Draft Prospect

Can Brandon Boykin be the player everyone knows he can be?

A medical injury (broken fibula) caused the cornerback to miss the combine, so the grades on Boykin is based on the April 9 workout he had for scouts. He was looked at by doctors in Indianapolis after he was injured.

According to cbssportsline.com, Boykin is still thought of as a good player, good enough to be taken in the second round.

The fact that Boykin and the Georgia Bulldogs played against the top talents in the nation week after week helped him and other defenders get better and prepared them for the NFL rigors.

But how will Boykin do against big and strong NFL receivers who are faster and quicker off the ball and fight more trying to make the catch?

Here are some strengths and weaknesses of this talent.

He Recovers Well on the Ball

After he backpedals, Boykin recovers to make himself part of the play with the receiver.

His ability to stop and start again will aid him against the faster receivers in the league.

Lack of Film on Him in the Postseason Hurts Him

The fact he was hurt at the Senior Bowl and could not workout at the combine hurt him in the eyes of the scouts.

The fact he broke his leg is also a possible concern.

Boykin may be viewed as a player who teams will "take a chance" on, which may affect his draft stock.

He Will Do Well on Special Teams

At 5'10" and 182 pounds, you figure he will be a special teams dynamo.

In most cases with rookie defensive backs, they become part of the return teams. If he can show he has not lost a step due to the injuries to his leg, he could be returning kicks as well.

Maybe Too Aggressive Against Receivers

Because of his height, he may not be as agile in covering taller pass-catchers. So Boykin is an aggressive defender to make up for it.

That may have worked in college, as he was a fourth-team All-America player, but that may work against him in the pros. Taller receivers will push him around and he will have to fight for every inch of space he gets.

He Helps in Run Support

This is key, as he has been compared to Antoine Winfield.

If Boykin can show he is adept at coming up to the line in run coverage, that makes him more attractive to scouts and teams.

Look for him to stay in coverage on third down and short-yardage plays.