Saints linked to speedy Tulsa safety Lento Smith Jr. at local pro day

Over the course of the next week, the New Orleans Saints will begin to finalize their draft board ahead of April's big event and then choose from whichever prospects they believe to be the best of the bunch. While the first round is important, it is hugely crucial to hit on picks down the board as well, getting value from players on smaller contracts who did not cost a great deal in draft capital.

A name that they got a good look at recently at their local pro day was Tulsa safety Lento Smith Jr., who only just recently transferred there for 2025, previously playing at Ferris State and Santa Rosa Junior College. Smith had a highly productive season with Tulsa, and now, reports he has met with multiple NFL teams, in an interview with Justin Melo of OnSI: "I met with a few teams at the Dream Bowl prior to Pro Day. I met with the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Denver Broncos. I met with the Lions at Pro Day. I participated in the New Orleans Saints’ local day, and they’ve since been in contact with me."

Smith looked fully ready for the level of competition he faced in 2025, which led to him showcasing his exceptional speed to the ball and playmaking capabilities. In 822 defensive snaps, he posted 79 total tackles (46 solo, 33 assisted), 4 pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble, and 23 defensive stops. In coverage, he was targeted 41 times, allowing 27 receptions (65.9% completion rate) for 438 yards and 4 touchdowns.

While the coverage was spotty, his ability to make open field plays was exceptional, and he was not penalized once during his 2025 reps. He also had a decent split of versatility, playing 390 snaps in the box, 337 as a free safety, and 92 at slot corner. This is the type of prospect the Saints could bring in as an option to fill their STAR role long-term, giving him more time to develop behind a likely veteran signing who they could place ahead of him on the depth chart.