Saints sign DE Garrett Nelson

Donaldson (6’2”/230) burst on the scene as a true freshman at West Virginia, rushing for 87-526-6 in seven games before a leg injury ended his season. Donaldson was recruited as a three-star tight end before moving to RB during training camp and quickly cemented himself as the starter for the Mountaineers. He rushed for 421-2,058-30 in three seasons before transferring to Ohio State last season. With the Buckeyes, Donaldson managed just 96 carries in 13 games, rushing for 361 yards and 10 scores while averaging a paltry 3.8 YPC. Despite his prowess as a former tight end, Donaldson has never been much of a factor in the passing game, catching just 47 passes for 286 yards in four seasons. Despite his size, Donaldson struggled mightily after contact, posting a 2.99 yards after contact per attempt for his career, and averaging 2.92 YCO/ATT or less in each of his final three seasons. He totaled just 24 carries of 15 or more yards in his career, and may not have much to offer outside of a short-yardage/goal-line role. His larger body of work leaves much to be desired. He’ll need a strong camp if he hopes to stick on the end of a roster. The Saints also signed DT Keeshawn Silver.

Nelson initially entered the NFL as a 2023 Dolphins UDFA before venturing to the UFL in 2024. He notched 29 quarterback pressures and two sacks in his two seasons there with the San Antonio Brahmas. The Broncos correspondingly placed UDFA rookie OLB Johnny Walker Jr. on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.

Silver (6'5/255) was additionally considering Georgia, Florida, LSU, Auburn, Oregon and Alabama. The Rocky Mount, North Carolina, native took an unofficial visit to UNC on Tuesday and made his pledge to the Tar Heels later that evening. The Tar Heels have done well with in-state targets early in the 2021 cycle -- indeed, all six of their current pledges in the class hail from the state. Rivals ranks Silver as the No. 19 strongside defensive end for the 2021 cycle.