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The New Orleans Saints signed undrafted running back CJ Donaldson from Ohio State after the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite not prioritizing the position, Donaldson aims to secure a spot on the team's depth chart.
Running back was not a position that the New Orleans Saints addressed in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Ohio State Buckeyes running back CJ Donaldson was quickly signed by the Saints after going undrafted. New Orleans had signed Travis Etienne early in free agency, so running back was not a priority going into the draft. Still, Donaldson will have an opportunity to earn a job on the depth chart.
New Orleans has had success with undrafted running backs in the past. The most famous example is Pierre Thomas, a franchise great. However, undrafted backs Chris Ivory and Khiry Robinson also made impacts a little over a decade ago. It's a stretch to think that Donaldson will have anywhere near the success of those three. Here's what he'll bring to the Saints as an undrafted rookie.
CJ Donaldson stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 230 pounds.
CJ Donaldson played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Saints have had success with undrafted running backs, including notable players like Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and Khiry Robinson.

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Donaldson started his collegiate career with the West Virginia Mountaineers, where he led his team in rushing touchdowns twice and finished second in rushing yardage in all three of his seasons. His rushing production dipped significantly with Ohio State in 2025, but his 10 rushing scores would lead the Buckeyes. After going undrafted, the Saints pounced fairly quickly to get Donaldson signed.
If Donaldson makes a roster, he likely does so as a short yardage back and option around the goal line. He offers little as an outside runner and even less as a pass catcher. However, Donaldson is a prototype power back that can consistently get the tough yards up the middle. This is an area where New Orleans struggled in 2025. Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara have the top two spots at running back locked down, but Donaldson may have a chance behind them. Devin Neal is the probable favorite for the third spot, while Kendre Miller hasn't stayed healthy and Audric Estime has limited upside. If CJ Donaldson can continue his collegiate success in short yardage and develop other parts of his game, he could be a surprise roster contributor.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints UDFAs: Ohio State running back CJ Donaldson scouting report