2024 FCS NFL Draft Scouting Report: Northern Iowa DL Khristian Boyd

We take an in-depth look at Northern Iowa defensive lineman Khristian Boyd, who is one of the top FCS prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

Northern Iowa DL Khristian Boyd

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 320 lbs
Career Statistics: 149 total tackles, 22.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, 5 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles
Accolades: Third Team FCS All-American (AP, Stats Perform, FCS Football Central; 2023), 2X All-MVFC Selection (2022-23)

Northern Iowa defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (99) / Northern Iowa Athletics

Background Report:

Khristian Boyd's football journey is marked by consistent growth and achievement, from earning top honors at Blue Springs High School in Missouri to becoming a dominant player for Northern Iowa. As a high school athlete, Boyd led his team to significant success and earned himself a three-star prospect rating by 247Sports. His transition to college football at Northern Iowa saw him redshirt his first year, but he quickly became vital to the team's defense.

In 2020, Boyd played in seven games, totaling 27 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. In 2021, Boyd played in ten games, totaling 20 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and two sacks. In 2022, Boyd played in ten games, totaling 32 tackles, five for loss, one sack, and two forced fumbles. In 2023, Boyd played in 11 games, recording 43 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Boyd had a highly productive collegiate career, highlighted by an impressive first-team All-MVFC and third-team FCS All-American honors in his final year.

Scouting Report:

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 317 lbs, Boyd is the epitome of strength and power. Despite having slightly below-average arm length for his position, Boyd's athleticism and aggressive approach compensate for that limitation. Boyd's explosiveness off the line and ability to navigate the trenches with above-average quickness and lateral mobility set him apart. His proficiency in hand fighting and leveraging active hands to disrupt and control speaks to his technical skill and understanding of blocking schemes. Boyd's ability to anchor against double teams, combined with his power and technique, allows him to split blocks and create havoc in the backfield.

As a pass rusher, Boyd's bull rush and hand techniques make him a consistent interior threat, capable of collapsing the pocket and challenging offensive lines. His versatility, being able to line up in the 3-technique and 1-technique positions, adds significant value, offering flexibility and strategic options for defensive coordinators.

Projection: Round 3-4

Projected as a high-end NFL rotational prospect, Boyd's blend of power, agility, and relentless pursuit makes him an attractive asset for NFL teams. His skill set suggests he can immediately contribute to an NFL defensive rotation, with the potential to grow into a foundational piece of an interior defensive line.

2023 FCS Football Central All-American Team