Scouting Future Saints: Miami Hurricanes wide receiver CJ Daniels

One of the positions that most expect the New Orleans Saints to address early on in the 2026 NFL Draft is wide receiver. Given the state of the roster at the end of last season, it wouldn't at all be surprising if the Saints drafted two wideouts. If so, CJ Daniels from the Miami Hurricanes is one of a few names to watch at this position through the later rounds.

New Orleans has one productive receiver in Chris Olave, who is coming off his best season and likely gets a contract extension very soon. Behind Olave, Devaughn Vele and Ja'Lynn Polk have exciting potential but are both unproven and coming off injuries. This is mainly why the Saints are predicted to draft a receiver early. The thin nature of the depth chart is also why it wouldn't be surprising if the team added another pass catcher with a late round choice.

CJ Daniels bio

• Position: Wide receiver
• College: Miami Hurricanes
• Height: 6-feet, 2 inches
• Weight: 202 pounds

From Parkview High School in Georgia, Daniels made the decision to join the Liberty Flames to commence his collegiate career. He wouldn't see a lot of action during his freshman year of 2020, but still caught 11 balls for yards 220 yards and 3 scores. Daniels had 37 receptions for 634 yards in 2021, second on his team in both categories, with his 7 touchdowns leading all Independent programs. Injury cost him most of the 2022 season, but Daniels bounced back to lead the Flames with 55 catches, 1,057 yards and 10 scores in 2023 in being named 2nd Team All-Conference USA.

After the 2023 campaign, Daniels transferred to the . He caught 42 passes for 480 yards with the Tigers in 2024, but didn't reach the end zone and transferred to the Miami Hurricanes for 2025. Daniels was an underrated weapon for a Hurricanes squad that reached the national championship game. His 7 touchdown receptions were second on the team, as he contributed 50 receptions and 557 yards.