Da Boot Sports 7/10/2024 Courtesy of: Crescent City Sports By: Rene Nadeau Defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, a sixth round selection for the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 draft, has a little history on his side. That round has produced some household names in franchise history: Saints Hall of Fame running back Fred McAfee, linebacker James Williams (1990-’94), wide receiver Floyd Turner (1989-’93) and cornerback Johnnie Poe (1981-’87) were all sixth rounders. Although 2023 top pick Brian Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, Jack Heflin and offseason addition Kendal Vickers are also on the roster, the position could use some depth at a minimum. Missing from last year’s group is Malcolm Roach, who signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. Interestingly, Boyd was issued jersey No. 97, previously worn by Roach. The 6-3, 329-pound Boyd took a pre-draft visit to the Saints headquarters. “They were one of the teams that I wanted to get with me right after the Combine, and they’ve always shown love,” noted Boyd, who also visited Detroit, Green Bay, Arizona, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Miami, Buffalo, Baltimore and the New York Giants. The Missouri native wasn’t invited to the 2024 NFL Indianapolis Combine but his Pro Day numbers helped make up for it. Boyd would have posted the 2nd most reps (38) on the 225 lbs. bench press testing among all attendees. Some NFL scouts have compared him favorably to the aforementioned Khalen Saunders. “I put in a lot of work. God gave me a lot of ability, but I still got to put the work in.” Possessing sheer power with a 650 lbs. squat and 345 lbs. power clean, Boyd has the strength to play with the big boys despite a FCS pedigree. He received some advice from former Northern Iowa teammate Trevor Penning, the Saints first round pick two years ago, on what to expect as he begins his NFL journey. “He told me it takes a lot of hard work to make it in the NFL,” Boyd said. “I just need to keep my head down and grind.” His five-year total as a pass rusher at UNI includes 79 pressures, 36 hurries, and 13 sacks. He will be 24 years old for the 2024 campaign. Being voted as team captain at Northern Iowa points to his leadership qualities. “That’s one of the best honors I have ever had.” The scouting report on Boyd note that he has the prerequisites to compete at the NFL level with a 5.1 time, a high motor and a good pass rush arsenal. He gets his hands into the passing lanes quickly to deflect throws, has an explosive first step out of his stance, is very disruptive and has the strength to anchor and challenge blockers. Boyd uses violent hands and pursues well from behind. His arsenal features a powerful push-pull technique that renders the blocker off balance, and he can stack blockers against the run. Those positives need to be shown at an even higher level in the NFL. The rookie tasted a sampling during offseason workouts of what to expect when training camp opens later this month. He learned which areas need fine-tuning. “My getting off the ball, being a force in the run game. I can pass rush as well, but I need to get better at shedding blocks and being more effective as a pass rusher and stay in my lane.” Opportunities often present themselves in the NFL; it’s what the individual does when he has his chance to shine that tells the tale in a career. Eight-year veteran Tanoh Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles injury that could keep him on the shelf for the foreseeable future. That could present an immediate spot on the New Orleans defensive front. Boyd is a good fit in the 4-3 scheme, versatile enough to play anywhere along the interior defensive line from “0” technique to “3” technique. “I feel like I’m best at the ‘one’ technique (shade off the guard’s shoulder). That’s what I’ve been doing (with the Saints) so far. I’ve got to master that,” Boyd stated. At that spot, his responsibility would be to take on double teams and occupy blockers. It requires power and flexibility. “Sometimes I will shade under the pressure and get to the quarterback,” Boyd assessed. ”I do what I have to do to get to the passer.” Like many athletes, Boyd sharpened his skills at a very young age. He grew up on the basketball courts but feels there is a correlation between the hardwood and the gridiron. “My dad had me playing basketball since the 3rd grade. That helped me a lot with my footwork, my agility and my speed.” Boyd models his playing style after a renowned NFL tough guy. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was on the 2010 NFL team of the decade, a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time 1st team All-Pro and two-time 2nd team All-Pro. “He played physically the way I like to play. He was considered for the Heisman and was the 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He got it done at the NFL level.” If Boyd comes anywhere near the success Suh enjoyed during his NFL career, the Saints will have struck gold in Round 6 once again. John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior) *John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication! CARDIO HEALTH SOLUTIONS The company who cares for your heart and what your heart cares for!! 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