Saints put their money where their mouth is for top UDFA after draft

New Orleans gave Holker $235,000 in total guarantees. That decision all but ensures that Holker will be on the active roster or practice squad by the time the season rolls around. 

That guaranteed total is the most that the Saints gave out during this offseason to a UDFA. 

The Saints got a steal in UDFA TE Dallin Holker

Dallin Holker's journey to Colorado State, following a transfer from BYU, marked a turning point in his career. At BYU, Holker was a freshman in 2018, took a break for a mission trip, and then missed most of the 2022 season due to an ankle injury. However, his time at Colorado State showed his potential, where he made 64 catches for 767 yards and six touchdowns.

Holker's strengths lie in his ability to deliver in crucial moments and even against tough opposition, making him a reliable target in clutch situations. Despite his less-than-ideal explosive speed off the line, Holker's proficiency in making plays in traffic and his effective use of size and technique in blocking make him a versatile asset. His soft hands, good catch technique, and ability to gain separation with head fakes and stutter steps are positives. -- NFL Draft Buzz

Holker had some of the best hands in the entire draft class, including wide receivers. His mitts are sticky - in a legal way, though. New Orleans needed TE depth behind Juwan Johnson, and Holker can give a run to Foster Moreau. 

That being said, Moreau has a connection with Derek Carr already, and his blocking skills are much more polished than Holker's. We also must keep in mind that Taysom Hill's role is fluid with a new offensive coaching staff coming into New Orleans. He may be listed as a TE, but he is quite unique.

All in all, Holker should be, at minimum, a red zone target in the Saints offense immediately. 

Remember Jimmy Graham's role from 2023? Holker could manage that, undoubtedly.

The Saints made off like bandits by getting Holker after the draft, and they were willing to pay up to get him in their building immediately.