Saints UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Millard Bradford

As the New Orleans Saints prepare to ramp up competition for roster spots throughout the summer workout period, general manager Mickey Loomis agreed to terms with 16 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former TCU safety Millard Bradford may be Loomis' most impressive UDFA signing. Bradford possesses a terrific opportunity to compete for a 53-man roster spot.

Bradford turned heads with an impressive workout at the NFL Combine. The Horned Frogs standout ran a 4.42 40, the second-best result among all participating safeties. He reached a top speed of 22.99 mph according to GPS-recorded time. Bradford also showcased elite lower-body explosion with a 38.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-4 broad jump. However, he is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds.

Bradford was a standout performer at TCU. He left the program with 231 tackles, 19 pass breakups, 16.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and four fumbles forced or recovered. Bradford was arguably their most consistent defender in 2023.

That playmaking ability has already been evident throughout rookie minicamp and the early portion of OTAs. Bradford intercepted rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler on two occasions during the May 28 practice, according to reports. That showing will undeniably improve his standing with defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen.

TCU’s coaching staff moved Bradford around their defensive formation as required. He played 260 snaps at safety and another 190 in the slot throughout the 2023 campaign. Bradford could play a similar role in New Orleans.

Despite signing 16 undrafted players, Bradford was one of just two UDFA additions at safety, with Southeast Missouri State’s Lawrence Johnson joining him. Loomis did not utilize any of his seven draft picks at safety, so Bradford isn’t competing with many rookies on the Saints’ roster.

New Orleans is looking for talents to emerge at safety. Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Howden return as the primary starters from last season. There's competition for depth and rotational roles beyond them. 

The oft-injured Marcus Maye was the third-most snapped safety on the team last season (missing time through injury and suspension). Maye was released from his contract earlier this offseason. He’ll be replaced by veteran safety Will Harris, who signed a one-year contract. That leaves veterans like Ugo Amadi and Johnathan Abram as back-end roster safeties. Neither is guaranteed to make the team in 2024. Bradford should push both to the brink throughout training camp.

It was a bit surprising that Bradford went undrafted. The Philadelphia Eagles showed interest by hosting him for a formal interview at the combine. Bradford later embarked on a top-30 visit with the Miami Dolphins. It was ultimately the Saints that pounced on his availability.

Special teams often provide the quickest pathway for UDFAs to earn a roster spot. Bradford was one of the most experienced safeties in the 2024 draft class on kickoffs and punts, earning more than 500 snaps in the third phase throughout his time at TCU. Securing a role on special teams would improve Bradford’s chances.

The Saints don't possess much depth at safety. Bradford is a versatile secondary defender who can also contribute on special teams. Expect Bradford to maximize his opportunity in New Orleans by capturing a 53-man roster spot.