Nick Boyle NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Ravens Rookie

STRENGTHS

A Senior Bowl invitee from Delaware, Nick Boyle had a good enough week in Alabama to attract the attention of NFL teams. Boyle has the ideal NFL frame at 6’4” and 268 pounds and uses his length and hand size well in the passing and run games. As a blocker, Boyle looks good. He uses a wide base and understands how to incorporate his length and hand size. He’ll keep his feet churning through the block to sustain contact and leverage. When thrown to, Boyle has soft hands and looks the ball in comfortably. While he doesn’t bring much juice after the catch as a runner, he is physical and will look to truck defenders.

WEAKNESSES

Boyle lacks the fluid, fast feet of today’s tight ends. He has below-average speed and isn’t a threat to work up the seam or after the catch. Boyle is heavy-footed and won’t shake defenders in his route tree or with the ball in his hands. He’s robotic throughout the route and doesn’t show the body control to hide his routes well. When utilized as a blocker, he’s hot and cold and will let defenders beat him on a second effort.

2014 STATISTICS

Receptions: 37        

Receiving Yards: 304        

Touchdowns: 4

PRO COMPARISON: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions

Athletically limited, Boyle will never win a footrace, but he’s physical and capable of playing on all three downs, like Brandon Pettigrew does.

Some photos used and modified courtesy of Mark Campbell, UD Athletics Media Relations Photo.