Tajh Boyd QB Clemson #10
Wt: 222
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[level-2014-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Shorter than the ideal quarterback prospects but is well build and can take a hit. Mobility is an asset. His straight-line speed is impressive for a quarterback. He has the build of a running back, which gives him the ability to breaks some tackles and bounce off would-be tackles who don’t wrap up him.
Arm strength/Accuracy: Adequate zip on his passes on the short and intermediate routes. Touch on his passes is inconsistent—doesn’t always take something off when possible and makes life difficult on his receivers. Can get the ball downfield but it tends to hang in the air. General accuracy is adequate but exact placement is very inconsistent. He’s not the type of quarterback who can throw a receiver open.
Footwork/Release: Footwork is consistent. He shows proper weight transfer. Moves well within the pocket. Quickly slides away from pressure and sets his feet again. Only major flaw in terms of mechanics is his slight windup in his release. Has a knack for adjusting his release point to avoid pressure and maintaining accuracy on shorter routes.
Decision making: Wasn’t asked to do much in terms of reading defenses at Clemson. Through a high percentage of screens and other short routes. Deeper routes were typically go routes and jump balls in the red zone, which also don’t requite a ton of ability to read the defense. Makes some decisions that can only be classified as just plain stupid, especially when the initial play breaks down (see goal line interception and safety vs Ohio State). Needs to learn how to just hold the ball and take a sack.
Intangibles: Well liked by teammates. Reportedly developed as a leader late in his college career. Struggled with weight issues. Reportedly lost 20 pounds between sophomore and junior year.
Durability:
[/level-2014-scouting-reports]
Comments: Boyd has the athleticism to run the read-option at the next level and he’s built like a running back which will ease concerns about his ability to handle the physical pounding. He’s also improved significantly as a pocket passer throughout his career and has the potential to excel in any system. He lacks the elite physical tools to be projected as a sure-fire first rounder, but he has most of the physical tools you look for in a developmental prospect. He’s far from a finished product, but he’s worth keeping around as a third-string developmental guy on the roster.