As the New Orleans Saints gear up for their 2026 regular season, with only 43 days left until their away game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 13, attention is turning to emerging talents. Among them is CJ Donaldson, an undrafted rookie running back donning jersey number 43, who is currently making his case during the team's rigorous training camp. Historically, undrafted players face an uphill battle to secure a place on an NFL roster, yet the Saints organization has a commendable record of nurturing such prospects, particularly in the running back position. Donaldson, a former Ohio State Buckeye, represents a fresh wave of talent aiming to defy expectations and join the ranks of successful undrafted athletes.
Undrafted Rookie CJ Donaldson: A Closer Look at His Journey to the Saints
Born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida, the 22-year-old De'Carlo "CJ" Donaldson brings a robust physique to the field, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 230 pounds. His collegiate career began at West Virginia, where he initially committed as a tight end after being a three-star recruit from Gulliver Preparatory School. A pivotal shift to running back during his freshman year at West Virginia saw him excel, recording 526 rushing yards and a team-leading 8 touchdowns. He continued to impress in 2023 with 798 yards and 11 scores, matching that touchdown count in 2024 with 734 rushing yards before transferring to Ohio State. At Ohio State, despite a reduced role with 361 rushing yards, he still led the Buckeyes with 10 rushing touchdowns.
Donaldson's powerful running style and effectiveness in short-yardage situations, especially near the goal line, are his standout attributes. These strengths are crucial as he contends for a spot in a fiercely competitive running back group that includes established players like Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara, alongside other promising talents such as Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estime. While his draft stock might have been impacted by a perceived lack of burst and receiving prowess, his sheer power and collegiate scoring record offer a compelling argument for his potential impact. The upcoming training camp provides Donaldson a critical platform to showcase enhanced creativity and leverage his formidable power to surprise observers and earn a coveted roster spot.
Donaldson's journey underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. His story serves as a reminder that raw talent, combined with an opportunity and the will to succeed, can open doors even when the traditional path of the NFL Draft doesn't. For the Saints, investing in undrafted talent like Donaldson could yield significant rewards, adding depth and a unique power dimension to their offensive strategy. His progress in training camp will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, hoping to witness the emergence of a new star from an unexpected background.
