How the Saints’ Newly Signed UDFA Defensive Lineman Could Impact the Roster

How the Saints’ Newly Signed UDFA Defensive Lineman Could Impact the Roster

The New Orleans Saints have always been great at finding gems in undrafted free agency, and this offseason may be the same. There are some standout players in the Saints' 2026 UDFA class, like Michael Heldman and Alan Herron. Both players could make the roster when the 53-man roster cuts come around, but another name was just added to the list.

Today, the Saints signed Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris to a contract, and it was a bit of a shock. Harris was a player that could have gone late day 2 or early day 3, but instead, went undrafted. This was not because of his talent, but more because of his off the field issues and injury that has been present during the draft process.

Harris was a player that I mocked to the Saints in many of my mock drafts. Just looking at his size, Harris is 6-foot-8, 330lbs. That is a major reason teams could have been interested in the DT, but some sneaky movement skills that could make him a difference-maker in the NFL.

Just last year, we saw a very similar player get drafted a bit later due to injury and have success in the league: Deone Walker. It was only one season, but Walker will be the starting NT for the Buffalo Bills next season, and if the Saints can find similar success with Harris, this defensive line will get a massive boost in potential.

Speaking of the defensive line, given his size, Harris should be slotted at NT, and if he makes the roster, he would be depth at first. Davon Godchaux and second-round pick Christen Miller are going to be competing for that starting spot, so Harris will have some hurdles to go through to become a starter, but as long as the off-the-field issues are dealt with, being depth is perfectly fine. Also, if Harris does make the roster, the Saints could be willing to move on from Godchaux and play Miller at defensive tackle. So, when Miller may be somewhere else, like in a 3-4 DE role, Harris can fill that NT spot.

Also, Harris has some upside as a pass rusher, and, combined with his already great run defense, he could be an extremely impactful player for . Again, this is all going to come down to Harris' off-the-field issues, health, and how the Saints feel about him being a culture fit.