Tajh Boyd NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for New York Jets QB

Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson (HT: 6’0⅝”, WT: 222 lbs.)

New York Jets

Sixth Round: 213th Pick

NFL Comparison: Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
6005	222	30 3/4"	9 5/8"

40-yd dash	10-yd split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.84	1.66	30.5"	8'10"	7.33	4.23

Positives

• Good mobility, is able to climb and escape the pocket. Buys time with his feet and is able to pick up first downs.
• Displays patience, vision and balance as a runner.
• Very good arm strength, is able to drive the ball outside the numbers and attack downfield.
• Has the arm to test tight windows. He can make all of the throws.
• Excels between the tackles and is a red-zone threat on the ground. Scored 26 rushing touchdowns, 22 of which were from 10 yards out or less.
• Team captain with strong leadership skills.
• Throws well on the move, when rolling to his left or right.
• Shows the ability to generate velocity throwing from multiple platforms.
• Throws a decent deep ball.
• Tough player, not afraid to put his nose in the middle of the pile and will take a shot to make a throw.
• Breaks some tackles and keeps plays alive.
• Can elude pressure to keep plays alive, sometimes making something out of nothing.
• Good pad level as a runner, gains yards on contact and tends to fall forward.
• Very productive, highly decorated college career.

Negatives

• Inconsistent accuracy and ball placement to every level of the field.
• Too often late or deliberate throwing to the sideline, allowing defenders to telegraph his passes.
• Holds on to the ball for too long and misses open receivers.
• Makes poor decisions under pressure.
• Questionable ability to read defenses.
• Played in a simplified offense and was often guilty of staring down his intended target.
• Drops his eyes against the rush, pulling the ball down early and often fleeing the pocket prematurely.
• Lacks ideal height at a shade under 6’1” and is built more like a running back than an NFL quarterback.
• Occasionally has passes tipped at the line of scrimmage.
• Inconsistent footwork occasionally the source of sporadic accuracy.
• Not an electric or dynamic runner, can move the chains but lacks the speed and agility to break off huge chunks of yardage.
• Struggles when his first read is not available.
• Does not recognize the blitz well.
• Lacks anticipation, does not throw receivers open and can be late to react.
• Makes some efforts to protect his body, but too often leaves himself susceptible to punishment in the open field.
• Dances in the pocket a bit too much.
• Looked very erratic in Senior Bowl practice.

Year	Team	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yards	TD	INT
2010	Clemson	33	63	52.4	329	4	3
2011	Clemson	298	499	59.7	3828	33	12
2012	Clemson	287	427	67.2	3896	36	13
2013	Clemson	283	413	68.5	3851	34	11

Personal Notes

• Graduated December 2013 with a degree in sociology
• Second-team All-ACC 2013
• Permanent team co-captain 2013
• ACC Player of the Year 2012
• First-team All-ACC 2012
• First-team All-ACC 2011
• ACC Academic Honor Roll 2011
• Redshirted 2009

Ratings Chart

nces.ed.gov

Overall

An experienced and highly decorated three-year starter, Boyd has been a visible figure in college football since his sophomore season. His combination of mobility, toughness and arm strength helped him to lead Clemson to a record of 32-8 over the past three years. While his production was prolific at the college level, erratic accuracy and trouble reading defenses could contribute to a rocky transition at the next level. He will require some development before he is thrust on the field in the NFL and projects as a backup in the short term.

Draft Projection: Fifth Round