Saints UDFA profile: Central Michigan edge defender Michael Heldman
Don't count out Chippewas EDGE Michael Heldman for a role in the Saints defense as an undrafted rookie. The Central Michigan product can rush the QB.
It was surprising to most that the New Orleans Saints did not select an edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints did pull off a trade to acquire Tyree Wilson from the Raiders with a Day 3 choice. New Orleans also added defensive end Michael Heldman from Central Michigan as an undrafted rookie.
Carl Granderson is an example of an undrafted edge rusher that can develop into a solid NFL defender. Granderson has 34. 5 sacks, 70 QB hits, and 53 tackles for loss over a seven-year NFL career with the Saints.
Heldman hopes to make that same kind of impact. Michael Heldman bio Position: Defensive end College: Central Michigan Chippewas Height: 6-feet, 3 inches Weight: 268 pounds Strengths Good bulk with underrated athleticism Maintains a good pad level to keep good leverage Handles one-on-one blocks well Shows good strength to power into backfields Sets a solid base against the run Disengages well to get into pursuit Weaknesses Lacks a good bend and burst around the edge Must develop counter moves Play speed hasn't matched athletic ability Block recognition and processing must improve Consistently nullified by double-teams Heldman was solid at Central Michigan over his first three years, gathering 8. 5 sacks and 17.
5 stops for loss. He had a breakout campaign in 2025, leading the Chippewa with 10. 5 sacks and 16.