News: ESPN reports that Patriots receiver Josh Boyce did not take part in the rookie-only minicamp Friday. Boyce, a fourth-round draft choice out of Texas Christian, was on the sidelines, presumably as he continues his recovery from a previously broken bone in his foot, which is believed to have been injured prior to the combine. While addressing the media earlier in the day, Boyce described his status as "day-to-day." Coach Bill Belichick wouldn't say if Boyce will play inside or outside when healthy. "We’ll see," Belichick said. "He’s a pretty smart kid, I think he learns well. We’ll see what he’s able to handle and what he’s able to execute on the field."
Analysis: We hope Boyce is ready for the start of training camp, so continue to monitor his status. Boyce could compete for a starting job right away, so keep tabs on him during training camp and the preseason if healthy. He could end up as a late-round flier in seasonal leagues, and he is worth a mid-round pick in rookie-only formats.
News:Josh Boyce is one lucky wide receiver. As if playing with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in high school and the Cincinnati Bengals' Andy Dalton in college wasn't enough, Boyce now will be on the receiving end of passes from Tom Brady after the New England Patriots selected the TCU receiver with the fifth pick of the fourth round Saturday. "All three of them are great guys, great quarterbacks," Boyce said on a conference call with members of the media. "I've been blessed to play with great quarterbacks my whole career." The Patriots acquired the 102nd overall pick to take Boyce in a trade Thursday with Minnesota, shipping their first-rounder - the 29th overall selection - to the Vikings for their second-, third-, fourth- and seventh-round draft choices. Boyce was the second receiver the Patriots took in their first five picks after taking Marshall's Aaron Dobson with the 59th overall selection Friday.
Analysis: Boyce played with Griffin III at Copperas Cove High School (Texas) and then spent his freshman season at TCU hauling in passes from Dalton. Boyce, who visited the Patriots but did not work out for them, earned All-Big 12 honorable mention and AP All-Big 12 honorable mention accolades last season after leading the Horned Frogs in every receiving category. He set a single-season school record with 66 catches last year, totaling 891 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished his three-year career with 22 touchdowns and 2,535 career receiving yards, the second-most in TCU history. Boyce could compete for a starting job right away, so keep tabs on during training camp and the preseason. He could end up as a late-round flier in seasonal leagues, and he is worth a mid-round pick in rookie-only formats.
