Last season, the New Orleans Saints appeared to find a gem in fourth round draft pick Quincy Riley out of Louisville. Riley was one of three first or second year players and four new faces in a secondary that jelled quickly to help the defense rank fourth against the pass in 2025. The Saints may look to strike gold again in the 2026 NFL Draft with NC State cornerback Devon Marshall, a projected Day 3 pick.New Orleans lost defensive back Alontae Taylor to free agency, leaving a need in an otherwise talented secondary.

They may look to address that need early, perhaps as soon as the first round. If the Saints address other spots with their early picks, then Marshall has the look of a potential mid-round steal.Devon Marshall bioPosition: CornerbackCollege: NC State WolfpackHeight: 5-feet, 11inchesWeight: 194 poundsMarshall started his career with the Villanova Wildcats. He was there for two years, playing a major role on both defense and special teams.

After the 2023 season, he'd transfer to the FBS and ACC with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. He'd record 2 interceptions in 2024 with the team, breaking up 7 passes and notching 33 tackles.In 2025, Marshall became one of the most productive defensive backs in the ACC. He again grabbed 2 interceptions, with his 50 total tackles finishing second among Wolfpack defensive backs.

Marshall broke up 16 passes in 2025, best among all NCAA players.StrengthsOffers scheme versatilityExplosive with fluid agilityPossesses the speed to stay with receivers all over the fieldNatural cover skills with excellent change of directionGood vision and awareness in zonesWilling and physical in run supportWeaknessesHeight and size disadvantage against taller receiversCan be undisciplined and over aggressive against double movesMust improve timing when turning his head back to the ballDoesn't have ideal measurablesDevon Marshall 2026 draft outlookA combination of low Relative Athletic Score and lack of size might turn teams away and has Marshall projected to stay on the board until Day 3. He also has the coverage ability and ball skills to make teams regret the decision to pass on him.

Marshall handled the jump from FCS to FBS competition well and handled himself extremely well in one-on-one drills at the East-West Shrine Bowl.Quincy Riley was a steal out of last year's draft and looks like a long-term starter for the Saints. Devon Marshall has that same kind of capability. While not as big or physical as a Alontae Taylor, Marshall could be a contributor in the slot right away and with his cover skills could work his way into a starting role.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: NC State Wolfpack CB Devon Marshall scouting report