New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has run a 3-4 scheme throughout his coaching career in the NFL. Most importantly, he has done do pretty successfully.
Staley began his NFL career as an outside linebacker/edge coach with the Chicago Bears in 2017 and 2018 before moving on to the same role with the Denver Broncos in 2019. As the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, Staley oversaw a unit that ranked first in the league in total defense, points allowed, passing yards, and third against the run.
Staley took his system to the Chargers as head coach from 2021 to 2023. While the overall results weren't great, his defenses were often disruptive. Only in San Francisco as a defensive line coach last season has Staley been involved with a 4-3 scheme.
Staley, 42, will now try to restore a New Orleans defense that plummeted to the bottom of the NFL in most categories last year. We should see several new pieces brought in on the defensive side with prior experience in a 3-4 scheme.
Finding a prototype nose tackle is a must in a 3-4. At 6' and 324-Lbs., DT Khalen Saunders is one possibility. It's also likely that New Orleans looks to bring in a veteran free agent here and also addresses the position with a draft choice.
There may also be a potential solution already on the roster that we didn't get to see much out of as a rookie.
Khristian Boyd, DT
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) after a tackle by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (97). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
With a sixth-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, the 199th overall selection, the Saints picked Khristian Boyd out of Northern Iowa. Boyd had 10.5 sacks and was a disruptive force for the Panthers, earning All-Missouri Valley Conference (FCS) honors in each of his last two seasons.
Boyd made the New Orleans roster coming out of training camp. He was a rotational piece on the defensive line over the first four games of the year, playing a total of 51 defensive snaps.
Over the season's last 13 contests, Boyd was a scratch in 11 of them. He played 23 snaps in the other two games, making him a bit of an afterthought heading into the offseason.
In his six games of action, Boyd played a total of 74 snaps on the defensive side. He had three total tackles, with none for loss and no quarterback pressures.
Boyd's potential fit in Brandon Staley's defense
Sep 4, 2021; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) is pressured by Northern Iowa Panthers defensive lineman Khristian Boyd (99). Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
At 6'2" and 320-Lbs., Boyd fits the physical prototype of a 3-4 nose tackle. His college tape, post-season collegiate performance, and little NFL action also shows a player who could be suited for that role.
Boyd has excellent upper body power and plays with terrific leverage. He's extremely hard to knock off point and even more difficult to knock off his feet. His core strength allows him to hold up well against double teams, while his good initial movement at the snap often gave him an immediate leverage advantage.
Boyd's shorter arms limited him as a 4-3 tackle. He's also shown some issues in read-and-react responsibilities, causing him to get sealed inside or slow in play recognition. Neither are nearly as big an issue for a nose tackle in a three-man front.
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (97) during preseason action against the San Francisco 49ers. Credit: ALAMY
Nose tackle is pretty much a position of pure power and leverage. Boyd has both. He also has a high motor and surprising arsenal of pass rush moves. Most importantly, Boyd has the ability to withstand multiple blockers with the strength to stalemate and the agility to slip by them.
Khristian Boyd isn't necessarily the answer to the Saints' lack of big-bodied interior run stuffer. New Orleans still must address this through either the draft or free agency.
Boyd's play strengths and stature might still make him a better fit in Brandon Staley's system. His development would give the Saints a better rotation up front than expected.
Related: Saints Restructure Derek Carr's Contract To Reaffirm That He's The Starter
Related: What Does the Derek Carr Restructured Contract Say About the Direction For New Orleans?
Related: Is Carl Granderson A Fit For Brandon Staley's New-Look Saints Defense?
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 12:03 PM.
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