The NFL Draft process is often portrayed as a glamorous coast-to-coast tour of powerhouse college programs, with scouts flocking to the Alabamas, Ohio States, and Georgias of the world. But the real work--the work that separates contenders from pretenders in late April--often happens off the beaten path. The New Orleans Saints, under the direction of their front office and scouting department, are proving they understand that distinction better than most.
According to John Sigler of Saints Wire, the Saints have kicked off their 2026 pro day circuit with a series of deliberate, early visits that tell a story of thorough preparation. The most notable detail? The team utilized owner Gayle Benson's private jet to make stops at Western Colorado University and other schools, all ahead of the more publicized and heavily trafficked pro days at USC and UCLA later this month.
This isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a strategic declaration. By deploying such a valuable resource so early in the process to visit a Division II program like Western Colorado, the Saints are signaling an intent to leave no stone unturned. It speaks to a draft philosophy that values exhaustive evaluation and the potential to find value where other teams might not be looking as closely.
The primary targets of this aerial scouting mission were two prospects who have likely flown under the radar of the casual draft fan: quarterback Drew Nash and tight end Ricky Freymond. Their presence on the Saints' early itinerary is fascinating and warrants a closer look at what the team's scouts might be seeking.
Drew Nash: A Diamond in the Rocky Mountains?
Evaluating a quarterback from a Division II school is always a complex exercise. The competition level is a legitimate question, but so is the opportunity to see traits in isolation--arm talent, mobility, processing speed--that can translate to any level. Drew Nash, by virtue of the Saints' very presence, is a player who has generated enough buzz in pre-draft workouts and film study to warrant a firsthand look from an NFL team with a known history of quarterback development.
For the Saints, the quarterback room remains in a state of intriguing flux. The long-term picture is among the franchise's most pressing questions. Scouting a prospect like Nash isn't necessarily about finding an immediate starter; it's about identifying a developmental asset. Does he possess the raw physical tools--a strong arm, prototypical size, athleticism--that can be molded? Is his footwork and mechanics coachable? These are the questions Saints evaluators such as Senior Personnel Executive Jeff Ireland and the scouting staff would have been asking in Gunnison.
Nash represents the classic late-round or priority free agent project. The Saints' interest suggests they see a lump of clay worth shaping, a player who could compete for a practice squad role with upside to grow. In an era where quarterback value is paramount, finding potential contributors outside the draft's premium rounds is a smart, low-risk strategy.
Ricky Freymond: Filling a Modern Need?
The reported interest in tight end Ricky Freymond may be even more immediately telling. The tight end position has evolved into a crucial offensive weapon, demanding players who are hybrids--capable blockers in the run game and dynamic pass-catchers who can create mismatches. The Saints have invested in the position recently, but the search for a complete, game-changing tight end is perpetual.
Freymond's appeal likely lies in this modern archetype. At the Division II level, a talented tight end can dominate in ways that make his athletic traits pop on film. The Saints' scouts would be looking for that "FBS athlete in a D-II body" indicator. How does he move in space? Does he have reliable hands? Can he be an effective blocker, or does he project solely as a "move" or "jumbo" receiver?
A successful pro day visit for Freymond would involve demonstrating athletic testing numbers (40-yard dash, short shuttle, three-cone drill) that align with NFL standards, coupled with clean pass-catching drills. For a team like the Saints, which values versatility and intelligence in its offensive pieces, a player who shows well in these areas could become a legitimate Day 3 target. He could provide depth and a specific skill set that complements the existing roster.
The Bigger Picture: A Methodical Approach to the 2026 Draft
The use of Gayle Benson's private jet is the clearest symbol of a committed, proactive approach. It allows the scouting department maximum flexibility and efficiency, enabling them to hit multiple, geographically dispersed schools in a short window. Beating the crowds to Western Colorado means getting more focused time with prospects, more direct interaction with coaches, and a clearer evaluation without the noise of dozens of other NFL personnel in attendance.
This early move also sets the table for the rest of the pre-draft process. By doing their homework on these lesser-known prospects now, the Saints create a baseline. When they attend the USC and UCLA pro days later in March--events that will feature higher-profile prospects and generate more headlines--they do so with a broader context. They can compare athletic testing, interview styles, and on-field work against players they've already seen. It makes their evaluations at the major schools more nuanced and informed.
Furthermore, it reinforces a key tenet of successful team building: foundational work is done in anonymity. The headlines in March are about the Caleb Williamses and the top-50 talents. The headlines in September are often about the unheralded rookie from a small school who made the team and contributed. The Saints, by starting their journey in Gunnison, Colorado, are investing in finding those September headlines.
Saints Coaching and Front Office Stability Boost Scouting Sophistication
Under Head Coach Kellen Moore, Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley, and General Manager Mickey Loomis, the Saints have developed a stable and sharp football operation. This continuity in leadership ensures drafts and scouting efforts are meticulously planned and executed, leveraging every resource including owner Gayle Benson's private jet.
The team's willingness to scout beyond the marquee names reflects an organizational confidence and thoroughness that could pay dividends in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What This Means for Saints Fans
For Saints fans, this report should be encouraging. It's a tangible sign that the offseason machinery is humming, and that the organization is leveraging every asset to improve the roster. It's not a flashy free-agent signing or blockbuster trade, but it is the essential, granular work that builds a competitive team year after year.
The 2026 NFL Draft is still weeks away, but the New Orleans Saints have already taken off.