Outside of Chris Olave in 2022, wide receiver is a position that the New Orleans Saints have had more success in later rounds than the first round of the NFL Draft. Michael Thomas (2nd), Marques Colston (7th), Devery Henderson (2nd), Lance Moore (UDFA), and Rashid Shaheed (UDFA) are perfect examples of this. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Georgia State Panthers wideout Ted Hurst is one of a few receiver prospects that could be more middle or late round gems.New Orleans needs more weapons at wide receiver.

They're expected to do so early in the draft. A first round choice at eighth overall is certainly a possibility. If they use that pick on a different need, then Hurst is among a few tantalizing prospects at wide receiver who will be avaliable in Day 2 or even the middle rounds.Ted Hurst bioPosition: Wide receiverCollege: Georgia State PanthersHeight: 6-feet, 4 inchesWeight: 206 pounds40-yard dash: 4.42 seconds10-yard split: 1.55 secondsVertical jump: 36.5"Broad jump: 11'3"Out of Sol C.

Johnson High School in Georgia, Hurst committed to the nearby Valdosta State Blazers to start his college career. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Hurst had a combined 60 receptions and 1,027 yards with 10 touchdowns. At the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, he'd transfer over to the FBS Georgia State Panthers and the Sun Belt Conference.Hurst had an immediate profound impact for Georgia State in 2024.

He led the team with 56 receptions, 961 yards, and 9 scores, earning 2nd Team All-Sun Belt honors. In 2025, Hurst pulled in 71 passes for 1,004 yards and 6 touchdowns to grab 1st Team All-Sun Belt accolades.StrengthsPrototype size with explosive athletic traitsDeep threatGood ball-tracking skillsElite leaping ability to high point throwsSmooth release off the line of scrimmage against pressShows an extra gear to gain separationNice open field running abilityWeaknessesRarely used him frame and physicality to advantageDoesn't adjust well to off-target throwsNeeds to be better at securing catches in trafficMust show better abilities to diagnose coverages and adjustQuestions whether he can handle the major jump in competitionTed Hurst 2026 draft outlookHurst shot up draft boards by wowing scouts in postseason workouts, making him a likely Day 2 selection.

The jump in competition could be a concern for some teams. However, Hurst's ability as a deep threat should make him a contributor right away with the upside of becoming a top two starting wideout.If the Saints pass on drafting a wide receiver with their first round choice, then Hurst could very much be in play with their second round selection if still on the board. He could be an immediate field stretcher while the offense works him into a bigger role, adding youth, size, and upside for the offense and quarterback Tyler Shough.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Georgia State Panthers WR Ted Hurst scouting report