Jan. 26, 2026, 12:37 p.m. CT

We’re transitioning into draft season, and that means keeping up with the latest reports on which prospects the New Orleans Saints have been connected to. While many eyes will be on the Senior Bowl this week, college all-star games have been going on all month, and the Saints’ scouting department has been busy at all of them. Here’s a quick look at the buzz from the all-star game circuit.

NFL-FCS Showcase (Nashville, Tenn.)

The Saints were one of several to meet with Alabama State left tackle Desmond Daniels at the FCS Showcase all-star game, per Easton Butler of 247 Sports. Daniels was limited to just four games by a knee injury but already underwent surgery and has returned to practice, which is a good sign, and it’s notable that the Saints previously visited Alabama State’s campus (per Jaeden Day for the Montgomery Adveritser). Butler added that the Saints were one of eleven teams that met with Colgate wide receiver Treyvhon Saunders at the same event. Saunders finished second in receptions (50) and receiving yards (700), with six touchdowns. Both prospects are potential third-day draft picks in the later rounds.

Hula Bowl (DeLand, Fla.)

At the Hula Bowl, Commanding the Huddle’s Ryan Fowler reports the Saints were among many teams that spent time with UTSA linebacker Shad Banks Jr., another Day 3 prospect. Butler also shared that the Saints met with Delaware offensive lineman Fintan Brose (who has started games at every spot but left tackle) at this all-star game. Draft Diamonds senior writer Jimmy Williams noted that more than 20 teams, including the Saints, visited with Georgia Southern wide receiver Camden Brown. New Orleans also met with Kansas running back Leshon Williams, per Sleeper’s Arye Pulli. Williams transferred from Iowa to help replace Devin Neal and rushed for 560 yards on just 97 carries. Each of these guys are seen as late-round picks or priority free agents.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.College Gridiron Showcase (Fort Worth, Texas)

Reporting from the College Gridiron Showcase, Draft Prep’s Malik Boynton listed the Saints among six teams that met with Baylor safety Devyn Bobby. Butler reported that Western Michigan tight end Blake Bosma also spoke with the Saints here; he added that Old Dominion cornerback Botros Alisandro was on their list of visits, too. The Saints met with Troy tight end Ethan Conner here, too, per KPRC2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson. These prospects are each hoping to hear their names called in the draft’s later rounds.

The American Bowl (Lakeland, Fla.)

Another college all-star game, the American Bowl, had almost half the league (the Saints among them) spending time with James Madison cornerback Elijah Culp, per Butler’s reporting. 7 News Boston WHDH’s Ethan Hurwitz shared that even more teams, including New Orleans, checked in on Penn State center Nick Dawkins at this event. Butler added that Mississippi State outside linebacker Malick Sylla highlighted his time with the Saints among meetings with 21 different teams. Of the group, Sylla and Dawkins seem likeliest to be drafted.

East-West Shrine Bowl (Frisco, Texas)

Fowler specified that the Saints were one of six teams that interviewed Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and that they had a formal meeting with him. While they didn’t sit down with him in a formal meeting, Butler noted that the Saints and all 31 other teams spent time with Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson, too. Claiborne could be picked early in Round 4 on the third day of the draft, and Robinson may not be far behind. USA TODAY’s Josh Carney reports the Saints met with Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger, as did the other 31 teams. He’s a draftable prospect in the later rounds.

Of course these are just some of the prospects the Saints have met up with in recent weeks, and we don’t know how intensive those conversations are. In many cases it’s as simple as a scout or position coach exchanging contact information to set up a later visit. We also only know the meetings that have been reported, and the team is contacting dozens of players each week. Eventually, everybody has spoken with everybody at some point between the all-star games, NFL Scouting Combine, pro day workouts, and formal visits at the team facility. Don’t read too deeply into these reports. But they are something to file away for later if a couple of those players do end up in New Orleans.