Former TCU wide receiver, Josh Boyce, is a fast and strong receiver that didn’t get the notice he deserved, due mostly to playing for an underwhelming TCU team with a quarterback who struggled heavily. A strong showing at the scouting combine, where Boyce set the bar among receivers in the 40-yard dash, bench press, broad jump, three-cone drill and 60-yard shuttle, was enough to significantly boost his stock headed into April’s draft. The New England Patriots liked what they saw enough to select Boyce early in the fourth round, despite having already selected Aaron Dobson earlier. Let’s take a look at what Boyce’s fantasy value will be for the 2013 season and beyond.
College Stats | Year | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD's |
| 2010 | 34 | 646 | 19.0 | 6 |
| 2011 | 61 | 998 | 16.4 | 9 |
| 2012 | 66 | 891 | 13.5 | 7 |
| Totals: | 161 | 2,535 | 15.7 | 22 |
Boyce’s college numbers definitely paint a picture that doesn’t tell the whole story. Despite the numbers being less than stellar, Boyce still stands out on tape. He’s extremely strong for his 5’11” frame and can impose his physical will on any defender with ease. He’s also lightening quick, both off the line and downfield, gaining easy separation from even the quickest defensive backs. Had Boyce played at a better known school with a more stable quarterback, it’s easy to imagine him in the conversation as a late-first, early-second round pick.
That said, Boyce is currently listed as the fifth wide receiver on the Patriots’ depth chart, behind the likes of Danny Amendola, Michael Jenkins, Donald Jones and Dobson. He’ll also be competing with Julian Edelman for the fifth spot. While I don’t envision Jenkins or Jones to be at the top of the depth chart for the entire season, their experience gives them a leg up on Boyce for the time being.
For 2013, Boyce won’t put up big enough numbers to warrant being drafted at all in redraft leagues. Even in 24-team leagues, Boyce would be a low end WR4/bench option at best. In dynasty leagues he obviously has a decent amount of value. Jenkins is old and has been ineffective (at best) in recent years, Amendola has had a serious problem staying on the field for an entire season and New England’s tight end situation is currently very volatile and could continue to be for the foreseeable future. Boyce will eventually elevate himself into the top three on the depth chart, but it won’t be in 2013. Give him a seat on the taxi squad for future use.
2013 Stat Projections: 28 receptions, 400 yards and one touchdown.