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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.
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 16.5 tackles for loss in earning 1st Team All-MAC honors. He'll need to improve his play speed, especially around the edge, while developing his counter moves as a pass rusher. However, Heldman has some power in his game and other athletic traits that could help him stick on a roster.
New Orleans is hoping to find an edge rush complement opposite of Chase Young. Re-signing Cameron Jordan remains a possibility. Granderson is certainly in the mix, along with the newly acquired Wilson and Anfernee Jennings. Michael Heldman looks to have his work cut out to make the team. If he can provide some pass rush and play well against the run, he could find his way into a rotational role for Brandon Staley's defense.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints UDFA: Central Michigan EDGE Michael Heldman scouting report
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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 16.5 tackles for loss in earning 1st Team All-MAC honors. He'll need to improve his play speed, especially around the edge, while developing his counter moves as a pass rusher. However, Heldman has some power in his game and other athletic traits that could help him stick on a roster.
New Orleans is hoping to find an edge rush complement opposite of Chase Young. Re-signing Cameron Jordan remains a possibility. Granderson is certainly in the mix, along with the newly acquired Wilson and Anfernee Jennings. Michael Heldman looks to have his work cut out to make the team. If he can provide some pass rush and play well against the run, he could find his way into a rotational role for Brandon Staley's defense.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints UDFA: Central Michigan EDGE Michael Heldman scouting report
Continue reading...
