- Published in Top 50 Cincinnati Bengals
46. Tyler Boyd
Drafted 55th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh, Tyler Boyd joined Cincinnati with a reputation as a polished and highly dependable route runner. Over eight seasons in Southern Ohio, Boyd developed into the team's go-to slot receiver, becoming one of the franchise's most reliable third-down converters.
Boyd's initial years demanded patience, as he accumulated 76 receptions over his first two seasons behind A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell. His defining moment came at the end of his sophomore year in 2017: on 4th-and-12 against the Baltimore Ravens, Boyd caught a 49-yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds left, securing the victory and leaving Cincinnati's locker room in shock.
That clutch play acted as a catalyst for a complete breakout. Gradually, Boyd became a key part of the offense, achieving consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. In 2018, he had 76 receptions for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns, then in 2019, he improved to a career-high 90 catches for 1,046 yards and five touchdowns.
As the Bengals restructured their core around Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, Boyd gladly took on a specialized role as the leading slot receiver in a potent receiving group. He stayed an essential intermediate target in Cincinnati's 2021 AFC Championship journey, grabbing 67 passes for 828 yards and five touchdowns, contributing to the team's advancement to Super Bowl LVI.
Following the 2023 season, Boyd departed Cincinnati in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans, concluding an eight-year tenure built on steady hands and selfless execution. As a Bengal, Boyd played in 120 regular-season games (77 starts) and seven playoff contests. He compiled exactly 513 receptions, 6,000 receiving yards, and 31 receiving touchdowns.