New Orleans Saints Sign Two Undrafted Defensive Players

May 3, 2026, 20:47
USSports

Introduction

The New Orleans Saints have strengthened their defensive line by signing two undrafted free agents, Zxavian Harris and Michael Heldman.

Main Body

The team has signed Zxavian Harris, a defensive tackle from the University of Mississippi. Harris is physically impressive, standing 6'8" and weighing 330 lbs, and he showed great skill in college with 58 tackles and six blocked kicks. However, his chances of being drafted were lowered due to several legal problems, including charges for driving under the influence and domestic violence. Furthermore, he needs to improve his fitness and recover from foot surgery. Despite these risks, the Saints believe he can succeed, similar to how Carl Granderson became a key player after facing his own legal issues. At the same time, the organization signed Michael Heldman, an edge rusher from Central Michigan. Standing 6'4" and weighing 268 lbs, Heldman is seen as a technically skilled player who can help the team immediately. His strong 2025 college season, where he recorded 10.5 sacks, suggests he is ready for the professional level. This move is especially important because the team may soon lose veteran player Cameron Jordan. Consequently, the Saints are using two different strategies: taking a chance on the high-potential Harris while adding the reliable and polished Heldman.

Conclusion

By adding these two undrafted defenders, the New Orleans Saints aim to improve both their interior strength and their edge rushing capabilities.

Learning

⚡ The 'Connector' Secret: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, we usually use simple words like and, but, and so. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are words that act like glue, showing the exact relationship between two ideas.

Look at how the article transforms simple ideas into professional English:

1. Adding Information (Beyond 'And')

  • A2: He has legal problems and he needs surgery.
  • B2: "Furthermore, he needs to improve his fitness..."
  • Coach's Tip: Use Furthermore when you are adding a second, more important point to an argument.

2. The 'Opposite' Pivot (Beyond 'But')

  • A2: He has risks, but the Saints believe in him.
  • B2: "Despite these risks, the Saints believe he can succeed..."
  • Coach's Tip: Despite is powerful because it introduces a 'barrier' that the subject overcomes. It makes your writing sound more determined and academic.

3. Cause and Effect (Beyond 'So')

  • A2: They might lose Jordan, so they signed Heldman.
  • B2: "Consequently, the Saints are using two different strategies..."
  • Coach's Tip: Consequently is the 'professional' version of so. It tells the reader that the second action is a direct logical result of the first.

🚀 Quick Summary for your B2 Toolkit:

Instead of...Try using...Effect
AndFurthermoreAdds weight to your point
ButDespiteShows contrast/persistence
SoConsequentlyShows a professional result

Vocabulary Learning

strengthen (v.)
to make stronger or more powerful
Example:The new training program will strengthen your muscles.
undrafted (adj.)
not selected in a draft
Example:He signed as an undrafted free agent.
physically (adv.)
in a physical way
Example:She physically trained for the marathon.
impressive (adj.)
causing admiration or respect
Example:His performance was impressive.
standing (n.)
a person's height
Example:He has a standing of 6 feet.
weighing (v.)
having a certain weight
Example:He was weighing 200 pounds.
skill (n.)
the ability to do something well
Example:Her skill in chess is remarkable.
tackles (v.)
to stop or bring down an opponent
Example:He tackles the ball with force.
blocked (v.)
prevented from succeeding or moving forward
Example:The blocked kick saved the team.
chances (n.)
opportunities to succeed or win
Example:She had many chances to win the match.
drafted (v.)
selected in a draft
Example:He was drafted into the team.
lowered (v.)
decreased or made smaller
Example:The chances were lowered by the injury.
legal (adj.)
relating to the law
Example:Legal issues arose after the game.
fitness (n.)
the state of being physically healthy
Example:He focuses on fitness and nutrition.
recover (v.)
to regain health or strength
Example:She will recover after her surgery.
risks (n.)
potential dangers or problems
Example:There are risks involved in the new strategy.
succeed (v.)
to achieve success or reach a goal
Example:They will succeed in their new venture.
key (adj.)
essential or very important
Example:She is a key player on the team.
player (n.)
a person who participates in a game or sport
Example:The player scored the winning goal.
edge (n.)
the side or border of something
Example:The edge rusher is known for his speed.
rusher (n.)
someone who rushes or moves quickly
Example:He is a rusher on the defensive line.
technically (adv.)
in a technical sense or according to rules
Example:Technically, the play was legal.
skilled (adj.)
having expertise or talent
Example:She is a skilled guitarist.
professional (adj.)
relating to a profession or performed at a high level
Example:He is a professional athlete.
veteran (n.)
a person with long experience in a field
Example:The veteran player retired after 20 years.
strategies (n.)
plans or methods to achieve a goal
Example:They developed new strategies for the season.
high-potential (adj.)
likely to achieve great success
Example:He is a high-potential recruit.
reliable (adj.)
dependable and trustworthy
Example:She is reliable and always on time.
polished (adj.)
refined and well-prepared
Example:His polished performance impressed the judges.
interior (adj.)
located inside or within
Example:Interior strength is crucial for a lineman.
rushing (v.)
moving quickly or aggressively
Example:Rushing the ball can lead to turnovers.
capabilities (n.)
abilities or skills a person or thing has
Example:Their capabilities were tested during the drills.
defensive (adj.)
relating to defense or protecting
Example:He played a defensive role in the game.
line (n.)
a row or group of players positioned together
Example:The defensive line held the offense in check.
free (adj.)
not restricted or bound by rules
Example:He was a free agent after his contract ended.