Saints 'showed high interest' in Jackson State DB during the HBCU Combine

USA Today

21-03-2025

Saints 'showed high interest' in Jackson State DB during the HBCU Combine
The New Orleans Saints have quite a long list of prospects that they have met with during the offseason process, and that list continues to grow as more reports come out and more players meet with them in recent days. Last month the HBCU combine was held at the Saints' Ochsner Sports Performance Center, and at that event, the team met with Jackson State defensive back Robert McDaniel, which Justin Melo of The Draft Network reported in an interview with the young defender.
"I met with more than 16 teams," McDaniel told Melo. "I had great meetings with the Ravens, Packers, Saints, Commanders, and Cardinals. Those are some of the teams that come to mind."
McDaniel had an exceptional performance at the HBCU combine as well, posting a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, 38.5-inch vertical jump, and 10-foot-8 broad jump. He has also been decently productive at both Alcorn State and Jackson State, with last season being far and away his best season. In 2024 he posted 48 total tackles (30 solo & 18 assisted), 4 pass deflections, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions.
With the Saints having a need at cornerback in the short term, and at safety down the road, bringing in a prospect with proven production and a career that has only improved season by season is a good bet to make. At the moment McDaniel is expected to be a mid-to-late day three pick or priority undrafted free agent, so bringing him in would be exceptional value in that range.