New Orleans signs one of the top cornerbacks at the FCS level.
The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a UDFA deal with former South Dakota State cornerback Dalys Beanum, the second corner and fourth defensive back acquired by the team during the draft process. Beanum is a four-year contributor and two-year starter who won back-to-back FCS national titles for the Jackrabbits in 2022 and 2023. He finished his career in Brookings with 12 interceptions, 3rd all-time in school history, three of which he returned for a touchdown. Beanum’s season high in tackles in 2024 came in South Dakota State’s opener against Oklahoma State, their one FBS opponent last year. Beanum has also stepped up in big games for South Dakota State. In 2023, he intercepted a pass in each of the Jackrabbits four playoff games en route to their second straight national title. He recovered a fumble in the 2022 FCS national championship game and intercepted three passes against UC Davis in a first-round playoff game in 2021.
Dalys Beanum all over it for the INT!#GoJacks pic.twitter.com/YaicUkbQkW
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) October 12, 2024
Beanum has good size for a corner at 6’1” 200 lbs. If he winds up playing for the Saints, he will most likely play in the slot, as he is a good tackler with size but not breakaway speed. The Saints could use some depth at corner, as behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor most of the Saints corners have played mainly on special teams. Beanum likely will stick around as a member of the practice squad early in the year, and he may be called up to the active roster to cover for any injuries later in the season.
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