Saints Sign Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris After Going Undrafted

by Sam LanierMay 6, 2026, 1:59 am >

The New Orleans Saints have signed Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris from undrafted free agency.

During the draft, Harris had one of the biggest falls in the NFL.

Before the draft, Harris was the 63rd-ranked player according to ESPN and was the 5th-ranked defensive tackle. He was ranked the best remaining unsigned player.

Only two Ole Miss players heard their names called: wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and offensive tackle Jayden Williams.

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Harris was also projected to be the first Ole Miss player selected, according to USA Today’s full seven-round mock draft.

The only explanation for an unprecedented fall like this is off-field concerns, which took him off the team’s draft boards.

Harris was arrested and charged in 2024 for domestic violence and obstructing an arrest. He was also charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, being a minor in possession, not using headlights, running a stop sign and felony fleeing in 2023.

He is also dealing with an injury, despite competing at the 2026 NFL draft combine, undergoing surgery on his right foot after the combine, and not participating in Ole Miss’ pro day on March 18.

His college coach, Pete Golding, was asked about Harris’ unexpected fall, saying, “With Zay, I don’t think it’s how you start, it’s how you finish.”

“I think a lot of that could be looking at the body type and all those types of things. Zay loves football. He’s tough, he’s competitive. He’s got a really good skillset.”