After 11 Ohio State players heard their names called during the 2026 NFL Draft, the pipeline from Columbus to the league is not slowing down.

Within hours of the draft’s conclusion, running back CJ Donaldson found his opportunity , signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. And in some ways, that path might say more about the league’s evaluation process than anything that played out over seven rounds.

Donaldson not being selected was a surprise. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound back built a productive college career that began at West Virginia, where he showed early flashes.

Last season in Columbus, Donaldson totaled 10 rushing touchdowns, providing a physical presence in short-yardage and goal-line situations.…