Brandon Boykin Boils Over In Last Chance To Earn Cornerback Role
It was bound to happen. Just as his frustrated teammate, Brandon Graham, had vented about wanting a chance to start at outside linebacker in 2014, so too does Brandon Boykin want the chance to do so in 2015.
It will be an open competition, remember? It will be a blank slate this year, remember? It will be best player earns the start this year, remember? If you've forgotten, Boykin did his best to remind you of that.
Chip told Boykin he'll compete for outside spot. Boykin: "I'm going to hold him accountable to that just like he does to us."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 2, 2015
So where was this enthusiasm a year ago? It was there, it just never made the press. In fact, Boykin asked to start outside a year ago:
Boykin asked the coaches why he didn't get a chance to play outside in Week 17 last year. Reason was the NYG were 3WR/4WR set most the game
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 2, 2015
And what if he doesn't make the starting outside cornerback slot for the Eagles? Will Boykin just go through the motions, or will he be trying to showcase his talents for the next team as he'll be eligible for free agency at the end of this year:
Boykin: "Do what I'm supposed to do this year, free agency hits, if I make the plays I'm supposed to make, I'll get the chance."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 2, 2015
But he's been hindered by the lack of height. Is that going to prevent him from going all out to start?
Boykin knows Eagles have size requirements. Also knows staff likes him. "There's a reason I'm still here, literally the last DB left."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) June 2, 2015
So with the do or die effort, in essence what may be his last opportunity to start at the outside cornerback spot in an Eagles uniform, how does Boykin see his chances?
Brandon Boykin said he doesn't expect to start outside. Just keeping it 100. "This story is two years running but it's getting old for me."
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) June 2, 2015
But what about his new coach, Cory Undlin? When defensive coordinator brought in Kevin Greene, that was the spark that ignited Graham into a wrecking ball in 2014, and likely placed his squarely on the "retain" list of the Eagles in the off-season. This year, Boykin has his own version of a new tutor who seems to be bringing a great deal more to the instruction than "let's go guys!".
Raves about DB coach Cory Undlin. Brandon Boykin: “I feel like I’ve gotten better in these OTAs than maybe I had in a whole year last year."
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) June 2, 2015
Perhaps in a fashion similar to "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". a part of Brandon Boykin will grow. It won't be his heart. He's got that… plenty of that. But perhaps his stature… his "playing height" will grow three sizes this training camp and pre-season.
