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Saints had multiple undrafted rookies turning heads at minicamp

Throughout mandatory minicamp, the New Orleans Saints saw a couple of impressive performances from some of the team’s undrafted rookies.

By Jaleel Grandberry

May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running backs coach Derrick Foster gives direction during rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running backs coach Derrick Foster gives direction during rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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For a lot of veterans in the NFL, OTAs and mandatory minicamp are just parts of the offseason that they’re trying to get through. That’s why some veterans don’t even attend the voluntary portions; their spot on the team is established and they know how to get ready for a season. However, these same offseason activities mean much more to younger players, especially undrafted rookies trying to make the team.

Everything is supposedly earned in the NFL, but that’s especially the case for undrafted players. With less reps and lower expectations than other rookies, not many undrafted players make the final 53-man roster. However, there are usually a couple who break through and become impact players.

The New Orleans Saints have witnessed that a ton, most recently with guys like Rashid Shaheed and Juwan Johnson. The Saints could be witnessing it again, after a couple of the team’s undrafted rookies had impressive minicamps. Both Dallin Holker and Millard Bradford turned heads throughout the offseason program.

Undrafted rookies Dallin Holker and Millard Braford have been impressive for Saints

It hasn’t been a secret that Holker is an impressive undrafted rookie that will likely make the team. Since the tight end signed the biggest undrafted free agency contract of the offseason, it was clear that the Saints had big plans for him. So far, he has been delivering on those plans. Holker has consistently impressed from the start of OTAs to the end of mandatory minicamp. With Juwan Johnson set to undergo a foot surgery, Holker could have the opportunity to cement a role in the offense for himself during training camp.

Millard Bradford, the other impressive undrafted rookie, is a safety that experts have already predicted will make the roster. He’s on his way to proving those experts right, recording multiple interceptions throughout OTAs and minicamp. The Saints have a deep secondary, but if Bradford can continue to make splash plays like he has, and also carve out a role on special teams, he should have a spot on the regular-season roster.

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