The Facts: Boyd knows he's being counted on for immediate production after Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu left via free agency. Boyd knows, too, that the Bengals see him as a slot receiver — and that after being the featured receiver at the University of Pittsburgh, he'll have to be both precise and patient at times with the Bengals. When the Bengals start OTA practices next week, he'll be watched closely. "You're doing different stuff than an outside receiver," QB Andy Dalton said of Boyd's transition. "It might be some different option routes, some different things. For him, as long as he's got a good feel for what we're doing, a feel for when to make certain breaks and do different things, I think we'll be fine in that regard. He's just got to come in try to pick up things as quick as possible."
Diehards Line:
WRs Coach James Urban said he believes Boyd has the proper instincts to be able to learn the slot position quickly. “The guys who play well inside have to have great feel for the game,” Urban said “[There are] too many bodies in there, too much stuff, too many big fellas, too many tight releases, tight throws. But if you have good feel in there you can be productive. I’m encouraged in as much as having high expectations for his football intelligence.” Boyd set Pitt records for receptions (254) and receiving yards (3,361) in just three seasons, and he did it while playing in different systems and with different quarterbacks. He hopes earning Dalton’s trust will result in big things. It's something fantasy owners will want to keep an eye on this summer.