Saints' hidden gems live up to the hype by officially making the team despite longshot odds

The New Orleans Saints found a handful of hidden games after this year's NFL Draft. Their undrafted free agent class has been making plays all summer. Now, some of them just got rewarded for their strong play.

Four UDFA rookies make Saints' initial 53-man roster

Dallin Holker, Tight End

Holker was a training camp stud. Every practice brought a highlight from the rookie TE, and staff members took notice.

The Saints were smart to pick him up after the 2024 NFL Draft. He was widely expected to go early on day three but somehow was available once selections concluded. He can play a key depth role on offense for the Saints, especially in the red zone.

Mason Tipton, Wide Receiver

Tipton may be the most intriguing story of the Saints' initial 53-man. The young wideout really impressed staff members during rookie camp and training camp. Tipton suffered an injury before the Saints' first preseason game.

He did not take a single in-game rep during the exhibitions. His roster spot proves how much he showed them before the preseason. Klint Kubiak clearly believes in his value, and he can also be a returner on special teams for New Orleans.

Rico Payton, Cornerback

Payton was one of the Saints' best players, overall, in the entire preseason. He was a pass breakup machine after a slow start in training camp. He secured the final cornerback spot on the roster with his preseason play and deserved to get a chance to prove himself in the pros.

Teams had interest in Payton if the Saints did not keep him on the 53-man, so a practice squad promise was not going to happen here.

Matthew Hayball, Punter

There's a new sheriff (punter) in town for New Orleans. the Saints chose to keep rookie Matthew Hayball over Lou Hedley as their starting punter. Hedley was released on Tuesday morning.

It was the first surprise, of a handful, dealt by the Saints staff and front office on roster cutdown day. Hayball was the better of the two punters in the preseason. Accordingly, the Saints rewarded him with a roster spot to begin the season.

Hayball was one of the best punters in college football during his time at Vanderbilt.

The Saints chose a handful of young options over veterans to complete their initial 2024 roster. We will see if a youth movement helps New Orleans get back into contention in the NFC this season.

Related: The biggest reason the Saints lost one of their preseason games could help them win games that actually count