Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The NFL Draft isn’t just about finding the next starter at a premiere position or superstar player on the roster. Often it’s about adding young, developmental potential and depth to a roster.
The New Orleans Saints hold three picks inside the top-75 this year along with six selections in the back-half.
With one of those later picks, the Saints could land an under-the-radar player with a ton of promise in Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings.
Stephen F. Austin CB Charles Demmings
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 193 pounds
Arm length: 32 inches
Hand size: 10 ⅛ inches
Combine Testing
40-yard dash: 4.41 seconds
Vertical: 42 inches
Broad jump:11-foot
3-cone: 7.28 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.25 seconds
RAS: 9.10
Charles Demmings 👀 pic.twitter.com/jerLcQ7Mtt https://t.co/p7esIFwB5Q
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 27, 2026
Demmings isn’t a big name at the top of his position this year. He’s coming from a small program and doesn’t have a ton of recognition. However, his reputation as a competitive leader has allowed him to put himself on draft radar anyway.
His impressive NFL Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl performances have put him squarely in focus for numerous NFL teams and the Saints should be among them.
Even if New Orleans lands a corner earlier in the draft, the position could continue to see attention. Demmings would give the Saints a backup on the perimeter with promising ball production and someone that could help the group on special teams.
2025 Stats
Total tackles: 18
Interceptions: 4
Pass break-ups: 5
He’s a Lumberjack, and he’s okay! Stephen F. Austin CB Charles Demmings is a prototypical bigger, aggressive, man/match cornerback who I’m eager to see at the combine, because I think the skills are entirely NFL-conversant. pic.twitter.com/KLSirreAMp
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 20, 2026
Pros
- Possesses NFL size and speed
- Impactful ball-hawking mentality.
- Excellent leaping ability and speed keep him in plays.
- Noted for his leadership and high character.
- Special teams contributions could create a shortcut to making the roster.
- Very clean footwork for his level of play.
Opportunities for Growth
- Has room to grow in run support.
- Appears to be scheme versatile, but heavily played man in college.
- Dramatic leap in competition level going to the pros.
The Bottom Line
Demmings may not be a player that immediately steps into a starting role, but as a late-round development piece for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, his potential risk is worth a sensible investment.
His speed and dedication to the craft could allow him to compete as a potential gunner, a spot the Saints took a series of hits to last year.
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