Saints meet with NDSU WR Raja Nelson pre-Draft

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints continue to do their homework on this year’s NFL Draft wide receiver talent. Along with setting up several top-30 visits with wideouts, and holding additional meetings with others, the team reportedly met with North Dakota State University receiver Raja Nelson.

KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reported that the Saints were among four teams that have met with the slot specialist either at his Pro Day or for a private workout.

Cole Payton ▶️ RaJa Nelson 🎯

Bison up 17-0 after a 34-yard TD! pic.twitter.com/yoBgb3WXQ8

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) August 30, 2025

Nelson, who is listed at 5-foot-9, 196 pounds, is known as a bit of a Swiss Army knife type of weapon. While he’s been more focused as a wide receiver in recent years, compiling 404 receiving yards and four touchdown catches on just 28 receptions in 2025, he has a history of taking carries out of the backfield as well.

In 2023, Nelson ran the ball 35 times for 302 rushing yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

The NDSU Bison receiver is often overlooked with teammate and fellow wideout Bryce Lance being the top producer at the position. But Nelson’s deep threat ability and ability to play inside and out could be worth a look as a priority free agent signing following the draft.

That is, if a team doesn’t fall in love with his field-stretching play enough to snag him in the later rounds.