Rookies will report to UC Irvine for the start of New Orleans Saints training camp Tuesday. Names such as Taliese Fuaga, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Spencer Rattler will garner the most attention because of where they were drafted (or for being a QB, in Rattler’s case). So, who are some of the lesser-known Saints rookies that should be talked about?
Here are three rookies to keep an eye on in Saints training camp who aren’t the big names.
WR Bub Means
While he isn’t one of the big names, Jerrod “Bub” Means certainly isn’t unknown. The former Pitt wide receiver was drafted in the fifth round of this year’s draft after a solid showing at the NFL Combine. On top of being an athletic 6-foot-2 receiver (weight is a question as he was listed as both 212 and 227 pounds), New Orleans’ wide receiver spots are up for grabs after Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
If Means makes enough of an impression in training camp, he could end up as a really good find for the Saints late in the draft. With Michael Thomas no longer around, the offense could use a player with a little more size and strength. Means fits that profile.
TE Dallin Holker
After he put together an impressive year at Colorado State, New Orleans signed Dallin Holker as an undrafted free agent. He moves well for a tight end, catching 64 passes for 767 yards and six touchdowns in his one season with the Rams.
Juwan Johnson is dealing with an injury that will keep him out for at least a portion of training camp. Holker won’t be first in line to take his snaps, but if he impresses in his opportunities, he’ll make the roster and could see some playing time this year.
“I think (Holker will) define himself a lot more when we put the pads on and see what he can do from a physicality standpoint,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said during OTAs. “I do think there’s some things he can do to help us in the passing game, and some things excite me in that area.”
Allen admitted the bigger questions lie with Holker’s ability as a blocker. He’s impressed so far in camp but has by no means secured himself a roster spot.
S Millard Bradford
Millard Bradford, another undrafted free agent, will battle for a roster spot in training camp. None of these three players have a guaranteed position, but Means and Holker likely have a better chance than Bradford. At 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 190 pounds, the former TCU safety is undersized but ran a 4.42 40-yard dash (second among safeties) at the Combine.
The Saints’ safety room is shallow in top-end talent. Other than Tyrann Mathieu, there are a few safeties that will double up with playing a little cornerback or special team. If Bradford can do either of those things in training camp, he has an opportunity to take advantage at a position of need for New Orleans. He impressed with a two-interception day during OTAs.