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The secondary for the New Orleans Saints experienced a complete makeover in 2025. Gone from the previous year were four starters. Stepping into a bigger role was Kool-Aid McKinstry, joined by 2025 rookies Quincy Riley and Jonas Sanker along with free agent acquisition Justin Reid. Only Alontae Taylor had more than one year with the Saints among their top six 2025 defensive backs. Taylor was lost as a free agent this offseason, prompting many to think that New Orleans will add another young corner through the draft. If they wait until the middle rounds to do so, then Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Will Lee III could be a target.
New Orleans ranked fourth in pass defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Riley and McKinstry made a strong duo, but the versatile Taylor was a big part of that success. It's possible that the Saints draft a defensive back in the first or second round. Lee is part of a group in a deep class that should also be avaliable into the middle rounds of the draft.
Lee played one year at Iowa Western Community College and was redshirted another before transferring to the Kansas State Wildcats in 2023. He'd intercept 2 passes and broke up 6 others for the Wildcats that season before entering the transfer portal at the end of the year. Lee landed at Texas A&M, where he'd play a pivotal role for the last two seasons.
In 2024, Lee had 2 interceptions with one touchdown return and led the Aggies with 10 passes broken up, among the best in the SEC. He earned 2nd Team All-SEC for that production. Lee had a level production in 2025. He broke up a team-leading 8 passes and had a sack among his 2 tackles for loss and career-best 50 total stops, but had no interceptions.
In a cornerback class not as deep as this one, Lee would likely be a Day 2 selection. As it is, his overall skill set has him on the late second day/early third day fringe. However, too many coverage lapses and a lack of natural instincts slides him down the board a bit.
New Orleans will likely draft a cornerback prior to Day 3. Remember though, that the Saints picked up a starter in Quincy Riley in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. Will Lee III has several traits that need cleaning up. However, his length, physicality, and scheme versatility should allow him to be a contributor as a boundary corner quickly.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Texas A&M Aggies corner Will Lee III scouting report
Continue reading...
New Orleans ranked fourth in pass defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Riley and McKinstry made a strong duo, but the versatile Taylor was a big part of that success. It's possible that the Saints draft a defensive back in the first or second round. Lee is part of a group in a deep class that should also be avaliable into the middle rounds of the draft.
Will Lee III bio
- Position: Cornerback
- College: Texas A&M Aggies
- Height: 6-feet, 1.5 inches
- Weight: 189 pounds
- 40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds
- 10-yard split: 1.56 seconds
- Vertical jump: 42"
- Broad jump: 11'
Lee played one year at Iowa Western Community College and was redshirted another before transferring to the Kansas State Wildcats in 2023. He'd intercept 2 passes and broke up 6 others for the Wildcats that season before entering the transfer portal at the end of the year. Lee landed at Texas A&M, where he'd play a pivotal role for the last two seasons.
In 2024, Lee had 2 interceptions with one touchdown return and led the Aggies with 10 passes broken up, among the best in the SEC. He earned 2nd Team All-SEC for that production. Lee had a level production in 2025. He broke up a team-leading 8 passes and had a sack among his 2 tackles for loss and career-best 50 total stops, but had no interceptions.
Strengths
- Has excelled in both man and zone
- Good length and wingspan to cut off passing lanes
- Elite leaping ability
- Quick feet and good agility allows a fluid turn in man coverage
- Physical -- doesn't allow receivers a clean inside release
Weaknesses
- Too many blown coverages due to mental lapses
- Hasn't shown consistently good recognition in off-ball assignments
- Poor anticipation of opposing route breaks
- Gets shaken off too easily by shifty receivers
- Takes poor angles as a tackler in open space
Will Lee III 2026 draft outlook
In a cornerback class not as deep as this one, Lee would likely be a Day 2 selection. As it is, his overall skill set has him on the late second day/early third day fringe. However, too many coverage lapses and a lack of natural instincts slides him down the board a bit.
New Orleans will likely draft a cornerback prior to Day 3. Remember though, that the Saints picked up a starter in Quincy Riley in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. Will Lee III has several traits that need cleaning up. However, his length, physicality, and scheme versatility should allow him to be a contributor as a boundary corner quickly.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Texas A&M Aggies corner Will Lee III scouting report
Continue reading...
