5. Tyler Boyd (6-2, 190)
CBSSports.com calls Boyd a smooth athlete who lacks physicality, and compares him to the Eagles’ Nelson Agholor. NFL Mocks thinks Boyd’s production was held back in college and he’ll be a better receiver in the NFL. USA Today notes Boyd’s lack of explosiveness, and says he’ll need to refine his technique in order to gain separation at the next level. Walter Football reminds us that Boyd was suspended for a game in 2015 after a DUI arrest. Good old Mike Mayock in one of his protracted conference calls mentioned Boyd as a good pick for the Vikings in the second or third round. NFL.com went ahead and compared Boyd to San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen:
"Pittsburgh asked Boyd to be a running back and possession receiver this season, but that doesn’t define what he can be in the pros. Boyd makes up for a lack of speed with vice grips for hands and being intelligent in his routes. Boyd isn’t a standalone WR1, but he can be a very productive starter in a play-action attack that allows him to play to his strengths."
If the Vikings are looking to go receiver in round one, you have to believe Doctson and Treadwell are their targets. If neither of those guys is available I have to believe the Vikings will go O-line or D-line and wait until the second to pick a receiver. Anyone beyond Treadwell and Doctson looks like a big stretch at #23 as of right now.