The New Orleans Saints have officially started training camp and these are some under-the-radar names that could end up making the regular-season roster.
2024 training camp is officially underway for the New Orleans Saints. With the team hitting the field everyday, the battle for the 53 roster spots have officially started. Currently, the Saints have 90 guys in training camp, but after the final preseason game, that number will be trimmed to 53.
Obviously, there are a ton of guys who are locks for the roster. Veterans like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, and so on, need to have good camps, but their spot on the regular-season roster isn’t riding on their training camp performance.
The same can’t be said for others on the roster. The majority of players entered training camp on the roster bubble and are fighting for their spot. Once the final 53-man roster is announced, there will certainly be some surprises.
RB Jordan Mims could steal a spot on the Saints roster
New Orleans signed running back Jordan Mims to the practice squad in August of 2023, after he was waived by the Buffalo Bills. Throughout his rookie season, he bounced between the practice squad and the active roster, appearing in just two games but not recording any stats.
Entering 2024, the Saints aren’t hurting at running back. They still have Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and the promising Kendre Miller. However, Miller hurt his hamstring on the first day of camp, and head coach Dennis Allen sent him a stern message that he can’t make the team while always in the training room.
If Miller misses significant time, the door could be opened for Jordan Mims to claim the RB3 spot.
TE Dallin Holker could steal a spot on the Saints roster
Dallin Holker may not belong on this list, because no one’s sleeping on him; he entered his first ever training camp expected to make the roster. However, he is still an undrafted rookie, and New Orleans has several veteran tight ends.
The Saints are returning Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, and Foster Moreau, and added Jesper Horsted. Holker may be expected to make the final roster, but he’s still has to do the work, with four veteran tight ends working to hold on to their spots.
DB Millard Bradford could steal a spot on the Saints roster
The secondary may be the toughest position group for a young player to break through in New Orleans this year. The team is getting back Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Howden, and Alontae Taylor. The Saints also added talented corner Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round of the draft.
While the secondary will likely be the strength of the team, undrafted rookie may be able to squeeze on to the roster and be a part of this talented group. The safety out of TCU had a solid spring in OTAs and minicamp, and he doesn’t have the stiffest competition for depth safety roles.
Veterans Will Harris, Johnathan Abram, Ugo Amadi, and J.T. Gray have been solid contributors on defense and special teams, but if Bradford can put together a strong camp as a depth defender and a special teams player, he has a chance to make the team.
