Northern Iowa defensive tackle Khristian Boyd was a standout performer at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. Boyd routinely dominated Power Five competition that stood in his way. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Boyd is a three-down interior lineman with the dual-threat ability to clog gaps on early downs and win one-on-one matchups on third down.
Boyd recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his week-long appearance at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl, defending the pass and run, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more
JM: You recently participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?
Khristian Boyd: I felt like I proved something I’ve known all along: I can compete at any level against any type of competition. My mindset going into that week was to dominate every rep I can. For the most part, I feel like I accomplished just that.
JM: You must have entered the week with a chip on your shoulder. Like yeah, Northern Iowa kids can dominate Power Five competition, too.
Khristian Boyd: That was exactly it. I saw a couple of guys with those Michigan helmets on. I went up against some big-time competition. I saw it as a chance to take advantage of my opportunity.
JM: You did just that. You’re not the first exciting prospect to come through Northern Iowa in recent years. We’ve had Trevor Penning, Spencer Brown, and Elerson Smith, to name a few. What do you think it is about the Northern Iowa program nowadays that’s leading to such development?
Khristian Boyd: UNI doesn’t have crazy resources like some of these other schools do. We definitely have a get-it-out-the-mud type of mentality. That’s to say the least. We have to develop in the weight room and take advantage of the resources we do have at our disposal.
We have to take care of ourselves off the field as well. We play with a chip on our shoulder. We have a drive to be great.
JM: How would you describe your skill set? How would you write your own scouting report? What’s at the forefront of your strengths?
Khristian Boyd: I’m a very powerful player. I’m quick for my size. I can stuff the run and I’m an efficient pass rusher as well. I’m working to be a more consistent pass rusher. I showed some of that growth at the Shrine Bowl. I can take it to another level.
Stopping the run is definitely a big strength of mine. I love taking on double teams. I get great penetration in the backfield.
JM: Do you feel like you’re more advanced as a pass rusher or as a run-stopper at this point in time?
Khristian Boyd: At this very point, I’m probably a bit more advanced as a run-stopper.
JM: How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are your go-tos and counters?
Khristian Boyd: My go-to moves are definitely my power rushes. Whether that’s the bull-and-pull, the bull rush with an arm-over, I can hit offensive linemen with a variety of power moves. I like the double-arm swipe or the cross-chop if I feel like my opponent is lunging a lot.
A hump move is one of my counter moves. I also like spinning back inside as a counter if my initial move doesn’t win.
JM: Which NFL teams did you feel showed a lot of interest in you throughout your meetings at the East-West Shrine Bowl?
Khristian Boyd: I feel like the Packers showed me a lot of love. I had a great vibe with them. The Vikings, Seahawks, and Cardinals also come to mind.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their 2024 NFL Draft picks on Khristian Boyd?
Khristian Boyd: If a team uses a draft pick on me, they’re getting a rookie that is going to bring that energy every single day. I practice like I play. I’m a great teammate in the locker room. I feel like you’re getting a force on the defensive line. I’m the ultimate competitor.
