NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

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Georgia CB Brandon Boykin

Green Bay Packers draft prospect profile: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Player information:

  • Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
  • 5-foot-9, 182 lbs.
  • Broke his leg during the Senior Bowl, which robbed him of the opportunity to compete at the combine and Georgia Pro Day.

NFL Combine (DNP, leg):

  • N/A 40-yard dash
  • N/A 20-yard shuttle
  • N/A 3-cone drill
  • N/A broad jump
  • N/A vertical jump
  • N/A bench press reps

News & Notes:

A prep star in Georgia, Boykin stayed home and went to school in Athens. He appeared in 13 games his freshman season before going on to start 38 of the next 40 games for the Bulldogs. A jack-of-all-trades, Boykin registered nine interceptions, 19 tackles for losses and 18 passes broken up on defense, plus five return scores and three offensive touchdowns. He became the first player in SEC history to score three or more touchdowns of 100 yards. While Boykin is definitely on the short side (5-9) for cornerbacks, players his array of skills are hard to find. Boykin represents good value in the second round or later at a position that has three good players but struggled in 2011.

What they’re saying about him:

Frank Cooney (CBS Sports):  “Boykin may have a small frame, but he came up big to win the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player in 2011. He is a formidable athlete as both a cornerback and a kick returner. Boykin, who may run 40 yards under 4.4 seconds, had three touchdowns on kickoff returns as a sophomore, two for 100 yards each and then added another in 2010 to become the only player in SEC history with three plays of at least 100 yards. He is hardly bashful as a corner, where he surprises bigger opponents by getting right in their face as much as he can rather than playing off and using his speed to catch up.”

National Football Post (Wes Bunting): “Plays much bigger/strong than his frame would indicate. Has the ability to press on the edge, but might be better suited to play as a slot guy in the NFL. Either way can play a role on a defense in either a man or zone scheme.”

NFL Combine: “Boykin is the perfect athlete for the corner position. He makes hip flipping and backpedaling look natural, and uses elasticity in his legs and the rest of his body to mirror closely in man coverage. Although he is shorter than many corners, he rose to grab passes and adjusted his body to intercept tipped balls numerous times at Georgia. He is a burner as a runner and can recover to run with almost any receiver in the NFL. He can trail receivers well throughout their routes and effortlessly flip his hips to stay with them in transition. He is a cover corner who can also play well up-close despite his smaller stature.”

Video:

Video Analysis:

  • Could immediately replace Pat Lee as a special teams gunner
  • Makes plays in the run game despite size
  • Versatile athlete, played both ways at times at Georgia
  • Electric return man
  • Nose for the football
  • On Randall Cobb’s level as a returner
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Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

You can read more of Zach's Packers articles on AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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8 thoughts on “NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

  1. I love this guy. Not sure that using a 2nd rounder on CB is the most prudent thing to do. Still see us using 1st and 2nd on ROLB and D-line but as far as the CB’s go that are available at this time, I love him. He reminds me of the vikings cb, Antoine Winfield, small but tough. good tackler. This guy has blazing speed. Would have liked to see more footage of his actual coverage skills. Can you imagine Cobb and Boykin lined up deep on kickoff returns? May also be a good way to protect Cobb as he figures to be more utilized on offense. This guy could give him a breather and our return teams would see no dropoff. GoPack!

  2. I wouldn’t draft him over a center in the 3rd. He is some athlete that can tackle and would be great in the 4th round.

  3. Only in the 5th or later. We’ve already got ‘that guy’ in Sam Shields….

    Someone else will take him first.

  4. Luxury Pick. TT needs to focus ROLB, DL & Center (guard) in that order.

    If TT works a few trades for a few higher picks than maybe but not likely. Only chance is trading a Jordy or Hawk with some of the lower picks to get another 1 or 2. Not likely IMO.

  5. What about Devon House? He seems to be the mid-round developmental prospect for our secondary (along with Shields). I suppose there is room for one more corner on the roster, even if you list Bush as the 5th CB/safety.

    1. Devon House will push for much more time this year. There also is a fine brandy (brandigan) aging on the practice squad that will take lee’s spot as gunner for ST.

      Unless TT gets additional 1,2 or 3 though – I’m afraid this kid will be gone.

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