Saints UDFA profile: Mississippi defensive tackle Zxavian Harris

Nearly one week after the completion of the 2026 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie. Harris was widely expected to be a Day 2 draft choice or early Day 3 at worst. The fact that he went unsigned for almost a week was an even bigger surprise than him sliding out of the draft altogether.

Problems off the field likely caused teams to bypass Harris in the draft. He's been involved in several legal issues, including a 2023 arrest for driving under the influence and felony fleeing of a scene in addition to a 2024 arrest for domestic violence and obstruction charges. Additionally, Harris also had foot surgery after this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Legal issues aside, there's little doubting that the Saints have a talented player if his troubles are behind him.

Zxavian Harris bio

• Position: Defensive tackle
• College: Mississippi Rebels
• Height: 6-feet, 8 inches
• Weight: 330 pounds

Strengths

• Elite size and length
• Rare combination of power and burst
• Good bull-rush to collapse pass pockets
• Immediate recovery when knocked off balance
• Versatility to play multiple fronts
• Powerful punch into blockers
• 6 career blocked kicks

Weaknesses

▪︎ Multiple arrests (likely pushed him out of draft)▪︎ Foot surgery after Scouting Combine▪︎ Conditioning questions▪︎ Must improve footwork and agility▪︎ Needs to improve balance and body control for leverage▪︎ Counter pass rush moves must be developed

Risk vs. Reward?

There is certainly a risk involved when adding a player with such off-field difficulties. Without getting into the specific legalities of Harris and his arrests, there is no doubt that he must show better judgement if he is to have an NFL career. The Saints have been down this road recently. In 2019, then-Wyoming defensive end was viewed as a probable Day 2 draft choice. However, Granderson was sentenced to a six-month jail sentence as a plea to charges of sexual battery and unwanted contact. As a result, Granderson fell completely out of the draft and was signed by as an undrafted rookie. Granderson wasn't eligible to play until midway through his 2019 rookie season. Since then, he's been trouble-free and has become an important part of the Saints edge rotation. Obviously, New Orleans hopes to get the same results and production from Zxavian Harris.