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NFL Writer Predicts Saints' UDFA Will Make Team's Roster

The Saints could have landed an impact player in undrafted free agency.
Zach Pressnell|
Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of New Orleans Saints helmets on the bench during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of New Orleans Saints helmets on the bench during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints had one of the more controversial NFL Draft classes in the league this year, largely because of their second-round selection of Tyler Shough.

The Saints still brought in some serious impact players this offseason, including undrafted free agents. There were a lot of holes on the roster the Saints needed to fill, and New Orleans has done its best to patch these holes.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski recently predicted the Saints had an undrafted free agent, punter James Burnip, who could make the team's roster out of camp.

"Only one punter, Jeremy Crawshaw, heard his name called during the 2025 NFL draft," Sobleski wrote. "An argument can be made in James Burnip's favor that he was the top-rated prospect at the position despite going undrafted. The New Orleans Saints are definitely positioned to upgrade on special teams with Burnip now in the mix. A season ago, the Saints signed another undrafted punter in Matthew Hayball.

"The rookie finished 30th and 25th in punting average and net punting average, respectively. To be fair, Hayball did an excellent job as a directional punter with good hang time to minimize returns. A fellow Australian, Burnip outperformed each of the two previously mentioned numbers during his final season on campus, while getting excellent hangtime and minimal return yardage."

This isn't a bad prediction.

The Saints desperately needed to add to their special teams unit, and Burnip is arguably the best punter in the draft. He also comes from a respectable, storied college football program, which indicates he'll likely be mature and developed as he enters the league.

More NFL: Under-The-Radar Saints Selection Tabbed NFL Draft's 'Best Value Pick'

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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