Saints UDFA profile: Scouting Ohio State running back CJ Donaldson
CJ Donaldson has the power to earn a short-yardage role and be a surprise contributor for the Saints. Don't rule out the Ohio State running back.
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 bio Position: Running back College: Ohio State Buckeyes Height: 6-feet, 2 inches Weight: 230 pounds Strengths Powerful north-south runner Consistent goal-line producer Squares pads into contact Strength to break tackles Surges through contact for extra yardage Good scheme understanding Weaknesses Little imagination to create if hole isn't there Doesn't have the speed to get outside the numbers Burst through the hole into second level below average Little elusiveness in open space Offers no value as a receiver 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.