Over the past few years, the New Orleans Saints have done well to find value in their UDFA signings, specifically targeting talent that can make an impact early rather than developmental projects. However, their hit rate in Day 3 of the NFL Draft is less impressive, at least in the last few seasons.
One of the names they took during Day 3 has been waived right off the rip after taking a significant amount of reps in preseason, that being TJ Hall Jr. out of Iowa. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football first reported that Hall has been waived, but is likely to return to the practice squad.
Hall had some impressive moments at Iowa and in the preseason and flashed some good reps at corner, specifically on the outside. He played in all three matchups,
posting 146 defensive snaps, 139 of which came at the boundary corner spot. However, he did struggle at times, allowing 9 receptions on 14 targets (64.3% completion rate) for 138 yards, while also being penalized twice (both were offsetting or declined, however.)
He did look solid in run coverage at times and only missed two of his nine tackle attempts, while also snagging a pass breakup against the Los Angeles Rams. We will see if he returns or not for the Saints, but there is certainly some promising stuff when it comes to his skillset long-term.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints already cut one of their rookie picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
