When the New Orleans Saints passed on an edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft, it raised a few eyebrows—but the front office had a plan. They swung a trade for Tyree Wilson from the Raiders on Day 3, and then quietly added an intriguing undrafted free agent: Central Michigan's Michael Heldman. Don't sleep on this Chippewa just yet.

Remember Carl Granderson? He walked the same path—undrafted, overlooked, and now a seven-year veteran with the Saints, racking up 34.5 sacks, 70 QB hits, and 53 tackles for loss. That's the blueprint Heldman is chasing. And if his 2025 season is any clue, he's got the tools to make some noise.

Heldman was solid over his first three years at Central Michigan, posting 8.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. But he exploded in 2025, leading the Chippewas with 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-MAC honors. That breakout caught the Saints' attention. He'll need to sharpen his edge speed and develop better counter moves as a pass rusher, but he brings real power and athletic traits that can translate to the next level.

New Orleans is hunting for a pass-rush partner opposite Chase Young. Cameron Jordan could return, Carl Granderson is in the mix, and the newly acquired Wilson and Anfernee Jennings add depth. Heldman faces an uphill battle to make the roster, but if he can pressure the quarterback and hold his own against the run, he could carve out a rotational role in Brandon Staley's defense. In the NFL, sometimes the biggest surprises come from the smallest names.