If Raji Is Lost, Can Boyd Fill The Void?

[pbmax]

If Raji tries to hookup with John Teerlinck and a one gap, get up the field 4-3 scheme somewhere, can Josh Boyd fill the need the Packers will have for a starter?

Will he be more Pickett, Raji or Jolly in playing style?

[Joemailman]

I would think Jolly, but we've seen so little of him it's hard to say.

I remember Trgovac in the summer talking about how Boyd was having to learn to do some things he didn't have to do in college. I took that to mean learning to play 2 gap instead of one gap. He did very little in the preseason, but must have learned some things as he made a few impressive plays late in the regular season.

[pbmax]

He played a bit more at the end of the season, especially after Jolly got hurt. He has a bit more quickness than Jolly and is not yet as stout, but I think he is the closest comparison.

He might even be more like a bigger Corey Williams.

[3irty1]

Here is a quote from the only 2013 mock draft that I posted:

Pick #167 (comp)
Josh Boyd | DT | Mississippi State
6’3” 310 lbs
My favorite fit for our 2-gap 30 front in this draft. Boyd is an exceptionally smooth athlete for a big man. He’s not going to penetrate gaps or rack up sacks but he can control a man with his length and playing strength. He’s also got a non-stop motor for making plays in pursuit. Similar player to John Jolly, a guy you can never get enough of.

[Joemailman]

Here is a quote from the only 2013 mock draft that I posted:

Pick #167 (comp)
Josh Boyd | DT | Mississippi State
6’3” 310 lbs
My favorite fit for our 2-gap 30 front in this draft. Boyd is an exceptionally smooth athlete for a big man. He’s not going to penetrate gaps or rack up sacks but he can control a man with his length and playing strength. He’s also got a non-stop motor for making plays in pursuit. Similar player to John Jolly, a guy you can never get enough of.

Nice pick on Boyd. In 2006, I correctly predicted TT taking Jolly on the 6th round, so maybe Boyd is destined to replace Jolly. I'd be happy to see both of them with the Packers though.

[bobblehead]

Nice pick on Boyd. In 2006, I correctly predicted TT taking Jolly on the 6th round, so maybe Boyd is destined to replace Jolly. I'd be happy to see both of them with the Packers though.

Both would be nice...assuming he is like Jolly

[smuggler]

They should definitely draft an NT prospect, but I am optimistic about Boyd

[hoosier]

In the best of worlds Boyd is a slight upgrade on Jolly, or is at least a Jolly who can stay on the field. Even if they re-sign Pickett they still need to find his replacement in FA or draft.

[Cheesehead Craig]

I think the better question is, are we better off with Boyd or Raji?

[Striker]

I think the better question is, are we better off with Boyd or Raji?

Boyd. Raji seemingly mailed it in last season. It's even more unsettling considering it was a contract year for him.

[smuggler]

Boyd. Raji would cost millions more and you really can't trust him if you tag him. That is the only way he com es back at this point.

[run pMc]

I'm going with Boyd.
Men as big and athletic as Raji are rare. That said, his motor is hot-cold and he's not a great fit for Capers' 3-4. He's also going to want a lot of money, but honestly I don't see who's going to pay him $8M+/yr based on his last two years.
It would be nice to keep his talent, but honestly I think they could do about as well with Boyd. Agree they should sign Pickett for a bit over the vet minimum and draft another DL.
Worthy coming back gives them another body, but I think at most 2 of Raji, Pickett, Wilson and Jolly will be back. They probably only dress 5 DL on game day anyway.

[Pugger]

They should definitely draft an NT prospect, but I am optimistic about Boyd

This.

[3irty1]

I agree that Raji will probably walk. Pretty much any fair offer we were to make him at this point would mean a paycut and making those offers would likely be an insult at this time. If the market for him really is as good as he seems to think, we'll have no problems tagging and trading him. If the market is about as enthusiastic about him as the Packers are, the Packers can reach out to him with a fair offer after he's been humbled. If its anywhere in between we're getting yet another comp pick to show for a 27 year man who's been to the pro bowl. FML

[Guiness]

I'm going with Boyd.
Men as big and athletic as Raji are rare. That said, his motor is hot-cold and he's not a great fit for Capers' 3-4. He's also going to want a lot of money, but honestly I don't see who's going to pay him $8M+/yr based on his last two years.
It would be nice to keep his talent, but honestly I think they could do about as well with Boyd. Agree they should sign Pickett for a bit over the vet minimum and draft another DL.
Worthy coming back gives them another body, but I think at most 2 of Raji, Pickett, Wilson and Jolly will be back. They probably only dress 5 DL on game day anyway.

Not so sure Picket comes back on the cheap.

He made what, about $7M last year? (a bit less I think) and played up to that value. He might be 34, but it's not like you're worried about a DT losing a step, and he's been injury free - played all 16 games these past two seasons. I think he can be brought back if the team wants him, but it won't be for near the vet minimum, more likely (I hate putting numbers to these things) 3 years $12M.