The rookies for the New Orleans Saints reported for training camp on Tuesday, and it’s a rookie class with quite a few talented players. One of the most promising players is a guy that wasn’t even drafted. Entering training camp, tight end Dallin Holker will draw a lot of attention from fans and media members.
Despite Holker not being drafted, adding him to the roster was a priority for the Saints. That was evident when New Orleans gave him a $10,000 signing bonus and $235,000 guaranteed, making him the highest-paid undrafted free agent this offseason.
Now, Holker has to prove he was worth the investment in training camp. He’ll be competing for a role in the offense, and his spot on the team. If he is unable to make the regular-season roster, another team is already waiting for him.
On Wednesday, the Birmingham Stallions selected Holker in the 2024 UFL College Draft. The Stallions are fresh off a third straight spring football championship, and they believe Holker can keep their dynasty rolling.
However, if things go according to plan in New Orleans, Holker will never make it to Birmingham.
Bad bet. I have him on the roster going into camp. See what happens, but he’s probably at least practice squad https://t.co/Mv2Dfe3mGs
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) July 17, 2024
Dallin Holker selected by Birmingham Stallions in UFL college draft
Everyone expects Holker to make the roster in New Orleans. The Saints don’t have the best tight end group, so the rookie tight end will have the opportunity to impress. Veterans Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill lead the group, and they’re locks to make the roster, but things are wide open after them.
Additionally, Holker is coming off a strong spring. He consistently flashed in OTAs and minicamp, making a great impression early. That shoud carry over into training camp, especially if Johnson misses time early while recovering from a foot procedure done earlier in the offseason.
Still, if, for some reason, Dallin Holker is cut by the Saints, other NFL teams will likely be interested, and New Orleans would definitely want to keep him around on the practice squad. But if Holker does find his way to spring football, the Stallions are ready.