Tyler Boyd, WR, Junior (6-2, 192, 4.47)
The first player in ACC history to record 1,000-yard receiving seasons in both his freshman and sophomore years, Boyd has been spectacular on the field for Pitt, despite opposing defenses knowing he's the Panthers' only true receiving threat. Last season, Boyd finished with 78 catches for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns, which was 57 catches and 1,060 receiving yards more than Pitt's second-leading receiver. He also shined on special teams as he led the ACC and ranked 10th nationally with a 27.6 yard kickoff return average, also finishing second in the conference in punt return average (10.1). Only one receiver in Pitt history has eclipsed 200+ career receptions (Devin Street), but Boyd should get there sometime in October, entering the 2015 season with 163 catches already on his résumé. He is also only 626 receiving yards shy of Antonio Bryant's school record (3,061 receiving yards).
As a NFL prospect, Boyd will likely be the highest-graded offensive prospect out of Pitt since Larry Fitzgerald in 2004. Although his size/speed profile is average at-best, Boyd is able to stand out because he pays attention to the details and works his tail off to separate before and after the catch. He will have some focus drops at times, but he has usually sure hands with terrific hand/eye coordination, attacking the ball with body control and determination. Despite not being a speedster, Boyd has gliding strides and mixes his gears well, using beautiful body fakes in his routes to emphatically sell patterns. He does need to continue to get stronger for the NFL as he lacks the body power to consistently fight through tackle attempts and is disappointing as a blocker. Boyd's off-field decision-making also needs vetted after a DUI arrest earlier this month, which will likely lead to some type of suspension to begin the 2015 season. Philadelphia Eagles first round pick Nelson Agholor has a little more twitch and Boyd is more detailed, but there are similarities on film between the two wide receivers.
James Conner, RB, Junior (6-2, 250, 4.86)
Conner will be a fascinating test case for the current style of the NFL because 25 years ago, he likely would be viewed as a lock first round pick due to his bruising run power. But 250-pound running backs with 4.7-4.8 speed aren't found on many rosters in today's NFL. Conner is one of college football's most productive running backs, coming off a 1,765 rushing yard season that earned him ACC Player of the Year honors. He rushed for an ACC-record 26 touchdowns and earned First Team All-American honors, just the third Pitt running back to achieve that status (Craig “Ironhead” Heyward – 1987, Tony Dorsett – 1976).
A smash-mouth, physical ballcarrier, Conner does an excellent job running behind his pads and attacking the line of scrimmage with purpose. He is much more than simply a battering ram, however, quickly reading blocks and picking up momentum off his plant foot to keep his legs pumping and finish falling forward. Conner, who is beloved within the Pitt program for his work ethic and leadership, doesn't have the speed or twitchy moves to consistently make defenders miss and create his own yardage with elusiveness, but he runs decisive and makes it a chore on tacklers to get him on the ground. Conner is the favorite to again win ACC Player of the Year honors this season, although NFL scouts are skeptical about his transition and role at the next level.
