The New Orleans Saints are less than a week away from training camp. Rookies reported to camp on July 16th, and the rest of the team is set to report on July 23rd. Keep a close watch on training camp as the Saints rookies are gearing up to leave a lasting impression. These former college athletes are fully prepared to showcase their skills and secure their spot on the team. Whether they were top picks or undrafted, the Saints rookies bring unique talents and potential to the field, sparking hope and optimism for the team’s future. This piece will spotlight the rookies to watch at this year’s training camp.
Which Saints Rookies Will Stand Out at Training Camp?
Taliese Fuaga
The Saints drafted Fuaga 14th overall in the 2024 NFL draft from Oregon State. He will be transitioning from right tackle, where he had 25 starts in college, to left tackle. Fuaga possesses the strength, aggressiveness, and athleticism needed to make a smooth switch. He was unquestionably one of the top tackle prospects in the incredibly talented 2024 NFL draft class. Since Ryan Ramczyk may not play this year due to a severe knee injury and Trevor Penning is struggling with his transition from Northern Iowa to the NFL, it is crucial for the team’s success that Fuaga has an immediate impact.
Dallin Holker
Holker signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent from Colorado State. In his last season with the Rams, he emerged as a finalist for the John Mackey Award, presented to the nation’s top tight end, following his outstanding performance of 64 catches, 767 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He has garnered significant playing time with the starters during the summer due to Juwan Johnson’s foot surgery and Taysom Hill’s versatile role. Moreover, the new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, integrates tight ends heavily into his scheme, increasing Holker’s chances of making the final roster.
Khristian Boyd
Boyd, a product of Northern Iowa, was the 199th pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He played in 49 games over his collegiate career and finished with 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. At 6’2″ and 320 lbs, he doesn’t excel as a pass rusher but demonstrates enough strength and power to impact run defense. He will add some youth to the Saints aging defensive line. The Saints may still look to add additional help along the defensive line, but Boyd will earn snaps during training camp.
Spencer Rattler
Rattler, the gunslinger from South Carolina, was selected as the 150th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 5th-round pick concluded his college career with 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns, 32 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 68.5%. He joins the Saints as one of the more polarizing quarterbacks in the draft class. Rattler does not have a prototypical size for the position measuring only six feet tall. Despite his diminutive stature for the position, he will compete with second-year pro Jake Haener and veteran Nathan Peterman for the backup role. Starter Derek Carr did not miss a game in 2023 but dealt with multiple injuries, including a shoulder injury and concussion. The Saints should carry three quarterbacks on the roster this season, but Rattler will benefit from sitting and learning for a year under Carr.
Main Photo: [Stephen Lew] – USA Today Sports
