2016 NFL Draft: Tyler Boyd should have opportunities to play immediately in Cincinnati

Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd was selected 55th in the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night. By all indications, it's a place where he'll be able to contribute immediately.

Head coach Marvin Lewis seems to think so, anyway:

Marvin Lewis on WR Tyler Boyd: "He has a chance to come in and play right away."

— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) April 30, 2016

Part of the reason Boyd should be able to make an impact right away is because he's a great talent. The other part is it's a franchise in need of some receiving help. Sure, the Bengals have A.J. Green, but not much else at wide receiver. The team lost its No. 2 wideout Marvin Jones in the offseason as well as backup Mohamed Sanu. Together, that duo combined for 98 catches and over 1,200 yards.

Also in Boyd's favor is that Cincinnati likes to air it out and has only a modest running attack. Make no mistake, the rookie should get a chance to make an impact early. Calling him an early favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is beyond premature, but there's a good chance he can be more productive than other skill players taken ahead of him.

In addition to Green, Cincinnati has tight end Tyler Eifert, so the cupboard isn't completely empty. Plus, we don't know who else they can bring in before next year - veteran Brandon Lafell was brought in as a free agent already and could be the starter opposite Green. But the departures of Jones and Sanu provide some opportunity for a guy like Boyd to step in and play right away.

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