The New Orleans Saints have to be better along the defensive line. They were one of the worst run defenses in the league and it still feels like there is still work to do. One thing that would make future roster building easier is the emergence of Khristian Boyd. The top of the unit includes Bryan Bresee and new additions Davon Godcheaux and Vernon Broughton.
Boyd taking a leap doesn't require him to break into superstardom or even start a game. The defensive line is going to rotate alignment and players often. If Boyd can become a part of the rotation and can deliver contributions similar to Malcolm Roach years ago, the Saints defense will be better for it.
Roach wasn't a star but he was a valuable part of the Saints rotation and strong run defender. That's all the team needs from Boyd. The role is there for the former sixth round pick and its for the taking. His success would give you an affordable interior defensive lineman that can help you retrun the Saints to the stonewall they used to be against the run for years to come.
Boyd's increased role could elevate the Saints interior defensive line
Boyd spent 4 years in college at the University of Northern Iowa, he finished his colleigiate career with 149 tackles, 22.5 stops for a loss, and 10.5 sacks. He impressed scouts with his ability to eat up double teams and shed blocks when defending the run.
These tools will be very useful as the Saints 3-4 defense will call on Boyd to do just that. The Saints don't have a lot of players who will occupy the role of nose tackle, so that opens the door for him to step into a bigger role. Even in sub packages, the Saints need someone who is stout against the run or take on double teams to free up the linebackers.
Boyd also flashed potential as a pass rusher which could be a big plus to a Saints pass rush that struggles to get home. The focus is on him as a run stopper but the more value he shows, the harder it'll be to keep him off the field.
Boyd didn't see the field much in his rookie campaign but will likely have a larger role in 2025. He poses great tools to contribute to the Saints defensive interior line that struggles in all categories. His increased role could see him emerge as a great rotational piece, serving as the Saints X-factor on the Saints defensive interior line in 2025.