Saints scout NDSU's Raja Nelson, a versatile slot specialist and returner, signaling an eye for late-round gems and special teams depth beyond top draft picks.
The New Orleans Saints are officially in the "no stone unturned" phase of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle. While the national media remains fixated on whether the Saints will use the No. 8 overall pick on a blue-chip receiver like Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon, the front office is quietly doing homework on prospects of the late rounds.
The latest name to surface? RaJa Nelson, the versatile slot specialist and returner from North Dakota State University (NDSU).
As reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC, North Dakota State slot receiver Raja Nelson talked with #Saints, #Giants #Vikings at Pro Day. Private workout #Eagles Saturday. Had 28 catches, 404 yards, four touchdowns, 21.0 yards per return Key contributor to national championship runs. Described as a Swiss Army knife due to his versatility.
The "Bison to Bayou" Pipeline?
The Saints’ meeting with Nelson—reportedly a private workout or Pro Day sit-down—signals a very specific intent. New Orleans isn't just looking for starters; they are looking for versatility and depth.
Nelson’s 2025 season at NDSU might not jump off the page at first glance—28 receptions for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns—but his value lies in the "un-statable" nuances of his game:
- The Hybrid Factor: In 2023, he moonlighted as a legitimate backfield threat with 35 carries for over 300 yards.
- Special Teams Value: He has extensive experience as a kickoff returner, a role the Saints value highly given Rashid Shaheed’s injury history and heavy offensive workload.
- The Slot Specialist: At 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds, he’s built to survive the "wash" of the middle of the field.
Why This Meeting Matters
The Saints’ wide receiver room is currently a puzzle with several missing pieces. Behind Chris Olave, the depth chart is precarious. Rashid Shaheed is a dynamic playmaker but has dealt with health issues, and veterans like Brandin Cooks are no longer in the fold.
By meeting with Nelson, the Saints are effectively scouting a insurance policy.
"Nelson is the type of player who gets overlooked because he played in the shadow of Bryce Lance at NDSU, but his ability to stretch the field from the inside is a rare Day 3 trait."
If the Saints bypass a receiver in Round 1 to grab an edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr., the pressure to find a "hidden gem" late in the draft becomes paramount. Nelson fits the profile of a "priority free agent" or a 7th-round flyer who could provide immediate utility on special teams while developing into a reliable slot option for young quarterback Tyler Shough.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Strategy
New Orleans has roughly $13 million in cap space and a projected $76 million for 2027. They have the flexibility to swing big in free agency, but sustained success in the Big Easy has always been built on finding the Marques Colstons or Rashid Shaheeds—small-school players with high-end traits.
RaJa Nelson isn't going to be the "WR1" of this class. But in a modern NFL offense that craves "positionless" players who can return kicks, run jet sweeps, and catch passes on third-and-short, he’s exactly the kind of gritty prospect the Saints love.
Whether he’s a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, this meeting proves that Mickey Loomis and Jeff Ireland are looking for players who can do the "dirty work" required to get this team back to the postseason.