NFL Offseason: Rookie Receiving the Most Buzz for Every Team Thus Far

An NFL franchise's first-round pick always creates buzz and gets a lot of media attention. However, there are plenty of other rookies that make a major impact in their first season. 

Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals could see later-round picks work their way into the starting lineup. The ability of these lesser-known prospects to generate some positive attention will be key to their ability to make early contributions.

With that in mind, here are the rookies creating the most buzz on every team in the league. 

Dallas Cowboys

Buzz-Worthy Player: Danny Coale, Wide Receiver

Danny Coale will be given a shot at winning the slot receiver role, according to Bob Sturm of Fox Sports. The Dallas Cowboys are holding an open competition for the position following departure of Laurent Robinson.

Coale has good quickness and feel for the game. He knows how to locate the open zone in the defense and sit. His good hands make him a reliable target, and he is a player quarterbacks will quickly get on the same page with. 

Update: Coale recently broke his foot during OTAs and will need surgery. If he is to miss training camp for an extended period of time, his chances of becoming the team's No. 3 wideout will take a hit. 

New York Giants

Buzz-Worthy Player: Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver

ESPN's Dan Graziano feels Rueben Randle has the inside track to be the New York Giants' No. 3 wide receiver. The G-Men are looking for someone to replace Mario Manningham on the outside of their three-wideout formation.

Randle is capable of making plays all over the field. His size lets him box out defenders and win jump balls. He also has enough speed to attack the deep part of the field. New York can create a lot of mismatches with Randle, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz on the field.

Philadelphia Eagles

Buzz-Worthy Player: Mychal Kendricks, Linebacker

Bleeding Green Nation featured a post about how Mychal Kendricks is close to earning a starting role. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Kendricks in the second round with the hopes that he can step in and immediately improve the team's linebacking corps.

Kendricks is an extremely quick and tenacious defender. He makes plays all over the field, and is aggressive attacking the line of scrimmage.

With Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans joining the fray, Philly has greatly improved this unit.

Update: Kendricks recently worked with Philly's first team during OTAs, further supporting the notion that he will be the team's starting strong-side linebacker. 

Washington Redskins

Buzz-Worthy Player: Josh LeRibeus, Offensive Line

ESPN's Dan Graziano laid out how Josh LeRibeus could make an impact early in his career.

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The Redskins apparently targeted LeRibeus because of his versatility (and because of a strong recommendation from Shanahan's buddy June Jones), and have plans for him that might venture beyond the immediately obvious.

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The Washington Redskins need to put a competent offensive line in front of Robert Griffin III, and LeRibeus could be contributing to that line in three different positions. 

That being said, LeRibeus logically slots into the center position, and is an ideal candidate to develop alongside Griffin III.

Buffalo Bills

Buzz-Worthy Player: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback

The Buffalo Bills used a lot of resources this offseason to improve make improvements to the defense, and 10th overall pick Stephon Gilmore is an important part of the puzzle.

Gilmore quickly opened eyes at Buffalo's rookie camp. Jay Skurski of BuffaloNews.com was impressed by his ability to notch three interceptions in only four practices.

In order for the Bills' defense to be successful, they need to stop the opponent's passing attack. This is especially important in the AFC East, where the team has to face Tom Brady twice a year.

Miami Dolphins

Buzz-Worthy Player: Rishard Matthews, Wide Receiver

One of Izzy Gould's Sun Sentinel quick hits shows that Rishard Matthews is capable of being a playmaker. 

The Miami Dolphins' decision to trade Brandon Marshall left the wide receiving corps with a lack of talent. This will be a closely watched training-camp battle, with everyone having an opportunity to earn playing time.

Matthews may not have the same type of recognition as the other contenders, but he's equally talented.

It will be important for him to remain healthy and build a relationship with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. 

New England Patriots

Buzz-Worthy Player: Chandler Jones

The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick strayed from their recent strategy and moved up in the draft to land Chandler Jones. This move filled New England's major need for a pass rusher.

Jones is not only extremely athletic, he's also a hard worker. During his career at Syracuse, Jones created pressure on the quarterback using his quickness and non-stop motor. He's the type of player that coaches love, especially one like Belichick.

Look for the Patriots to use Jones at both defensive end and outside linebacker. They will move him around the field to ensure he has the best chance to get to the quarterback.

New York Jets

Buzz-Worthy Player: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver

Stephen Hill has caught the eye of ESPN's Rich Cimini, who stated that Hill...

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"...was the best player on the field -- at least from my perspective. In 7-on-7 drills, Hill was a huge presence over the middle, making several grabs on in-cutting routes in the 15- to 20-yard range."

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It would be a major upset if Chaz Schilens beat out Hill for the starting receiver spot opposite Santonio Holmes. Hill has both superior size and athleticism, which equates to more big-play potential.

The New York Jets need Hill to fill the shoes of Plaxico Burress, and become a playmaker down the field.

Arizona Cardinals

Buzz-Worthy Player: Bobby Massie, Offensive Tackle

The Arizona Cardinals team website writer, Darren Urban, really likes what he sees from Bobby Massie. Arizona needs Massie to quickly earn a starting role along the offensive line. This unit surrendered a total of 54 sacks last season, good for second worst in the NFL.

Massie should be able to beat out Jeremy Bridges for the starting right tackle spot. He's an all around better athlete, and a much more powerful run blocker.

It could be another long season in Arizona if Massie isn't able to develop. The exciting wide receiving tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd won't make much of an impact if the quarterback doesn't have time to throw the football.

San Francisco 49ers

Buzz-Worthy Player: LaMichael James, Running Back

The San Francisco 49ers might have a crowded backfield, but that won't keep LaMichael James from making an impact. He left the 49ers' rookie camp already making a strong impression on Jim Harbaugh. James' gamebreaking ability and drive will make it tough for Harbaugh to keep him off the field.

Look for the 49ers to use James all over the field. He'll likely see time as a kick/punt returner, running back and in the slot. Kendall Hunter is his top competition for snaps, as both Brandon Jacobs and Frank Gore will be used in different situations.

Seattle Seahawks

Buzz-Worthy Player: Russell Wilson, Quarterback

According to Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson has shown enough to earn the right to compete for the starting quarterback job.

The Seattle Seahawks' quarterback competition will be one of the more intriguing training camp stories. Wilson's leadership and feel for the game gives him a legitimate chance to earn the starting nod.

Carroll's decision to open the competition is a very wise move. He's going to find out, one way or another, if the quarterback of the future is on the current roster.

Tarvaris Jackson seems to be the odd man out, as he showed last year that he's nothing more than an average quarterback. The unknown potential of Wilson and Matt Flynn should give them the inside track.

St. Louis Rams

Buzz-Worthy Player: Trumaine Johnson, Defensive Back

Trumaine Johnson made a good first impression on his new coach, with Jeff Fisher stating...

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They're both very athletic and both have very good pass catching ability and hand-eye coordination and they're learning. They're learning, they're physical, they have long arms. They're pretty good at the position.

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The above quote also talks about Janoris Jenkins, but don't be surprised if Johnson is the rookie defensive back who makes the most noise. His size and athleticism makes him a candidate to play either cornerback or safety.

Look for the Rams to feature Johnson in multiple roles, and especially on special teams.

Denver Broncos

Buzz-Worthy Player: Omar Bolden, Cornerback

John Fox had some high praise for Omar Bolden, even going as far as saying he looked like a first-round prospect.

Bolden is coming off an injury that cost him the entire 2011 season at Arizona State. However, now that he's fully healthy, it appears that he's ready to compete for a job with the Denver Broncos.

Bolden's future with the team might not be this season, but could be a major factor in the future. The Broncos' secondary features aging players like Champ Bailey and Drayton Florence. Eventually, the Broncos will need someone to step up and replace Bailey.

Kansas City Chiefs

Buzz-Worthy Player: Devon Wylie, Wide Receiver

Sean Keeler of Fox Sports sees Devon Wylie having a good shot making contributions as a rookie. Wylie will be battling Dexter McCluster and Steve Breaston for the right to earn snaps as a slot receiver. His size, quickness and route-running ability makes him an ideal candidate for the position.

Wylie's also a candidate to return punts and kickoffs. He's not only a dangerous returner, but also very sure handed. The Kansas City Chiefs can feel comfortable that Wylie will make good decisions and avoid turnovers in the return game.

Oakland Raiders

Buzz-Worthy Player: Miles Burris, Linebacker

Dennis Allen sees some potential in Miles Burris and stated

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I've seen every indication that he is fully athletic enough to play the positions we are going to ask him to play and we are excited about him.

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I'm not sold on Philip Wheeler as a winning starter in the NFL. He's better suited for a backup role, and could be unseated by Miles Burris as early as this season.

Bleacher Report's Richard Langford has a good breakdown of the type of skills Burris brings to the table. This could be Allen's Von Miller-type of linebacker.

San Diego Chargers

Buzz-Worthy Player: Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line

Kendall Reyes received some praise from Norv Turner, with Turner stating Reyes is "a big 300-pound guy with great change of direction and great quickness." This outlines the versatility Reyes possesses, as he's capable of both rushing the passer and stopping the run.

Reyes will see playing time at defensive end, and has a real shot at breaking camp as the starter opposite Corey Liuget. Pairing Reyes and Liuget gives the San Diego Chargers an excellent young defensive end tandem.

Chicago Bears

Buzz-Worthy Player: Shea McClellin, Defensive End

Shea McClellin was selected in the first-round to come in and make an immediate impact. So far, he's done a good job impressing the Chicago Bears' coaching staff, according to Brad Biggs.

The success of the Bears defense could very well rest on the shoulders of McClellin. This team struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, which what Lovie Smith's defense requires to be successful.

McClellin might start the season as a rotational player who sees most of his time in passing situations. However, if he can improve his ability to stop the run, he'll easily unseat Israel Idonije as the starter.

Detroit Lions

Buzz-Worthy Player: Travis Lewis, Linebacker

According to MLive's Justin Rogers, Travis Lewis made his presence felt early in the Detroit Lions' rookie camp. Rogers stated the following:

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Lewis looked very comfortable in the defensive scheme, playing both outside and middle linebacker. He's an incredibly smart player and flashed some vocal leadership, shouting at his teammates to close out practice strong. He made several good reads during full squad scrimmage drills.

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The Lions don't need Lewis to become an immediate starter, but they could use a strong presence on special teams. It's also important to have depth at all positions, and Lewis appears more than capable of stepping in for an injured linebacker.

Green Bay Packers

Buzz-Worthy Player: Jerel Worthy, Defensive Line

Jerel Worthy will be counted on to help fix the struggles of the Green Bay Packers defense. Coach Mike McCarthy had some high praise for Worthy, stating

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You could definitely see that. I don’t like to compare players (Cullen Jenkins, Warren Sapp), but he has a very explosive first step, even for a big guy. Whether he’s playing the three-technique (defensive tackle) or even the shade (defensive end), he’s definitely going to be a factor inside. That was evident through our drill work today. Very explosive for a big guy.

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With the arrival of Worthy, Jarius Wynn's starting job might be in jeopardy. The Packers need to find some players capable of generating pressure on the quarterback. Worthy has the ability to bring some pressure from the defensive end position.

Minnesota Vikings

Buzz-Worthy Player: Rhett Ellison, Fullback/ Tight End

According to Mike Wobschall, Rhett Ellison has really surprised him by showing that "he’s a fluid route runner and smooth pass catcher." Ellison's going to see time at fullback and could break camp as the starter at the position.

The Minnesota Vikings need all the offensive weapons they could find. Christian Ponder could use a reliable target who's capable of working the flat and underneath routes.

Ellison is different from tight ends Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson in that he isn't going to get much attention from the defense.

Ellison won't be a major playmaker, but he could find a nice role in the offense.

Baltimore Ravens

Buzz-Worthy Player: Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Line

When the Baltimore Ravens lost Ben Grubbs via free agency, it opened a big hole along the offensive line.

Several players will have a shot to win that starting guard job, but Kelechi Osemele might have the inside track. He impressed John Harbaugh during the rookie camp, with Harbaugh stating...

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He is really athletic for a big man. He can explode and uncoil. He has a lot to learn though, just like they all do. But, I am very optimistic and excited about him.

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Osemele's top competition for the job is Jah Reid, who's in his second season with the team. Last year, Reid saw most of his snaps at right tackle, but he is capable of bumping inside to guard. Finding a competent replacement for Grubbs will be key to the Ravens' offensive success.

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Cincinnati Bengals

Buzz-Worthy Player: Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver

Marvin Lewis feels that Mohamed Sanu has a great opportunity to open the season as one of the starting wide receivers. The Cincinnati Bengals have plenty of options at the slot receiver position, but don't have many players they can plug in opposite A.J. Green.

Armon Binns appears to be Sanu's main competition for the starting job. Catching the eye of Marvin Lewis is a good way to take an early lead for the job. However, Sanu needs to have a good showing during training came to lock down the role.

Cleveland Browns

Buzz-Worthy Player: James Michael Johnson, Linebacker

According to Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal, James Michael Johnson stood out:

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It’s hard to tell much from position work, but James-Michael Johnson, a fourth-round pick from Nevada, looked much more smooth and quick in lateral footwork drills than Emmanuel Acho, a sixth-rounder from Texas.

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Johnson is a very underrated player, and someone I had rated as a second-round prospect. He has a lot of quickness and does a good job reading his keys.

His versatility increases his value, as he can play either inside or outside linebacker. There's a great possibility Johnson opens the season as the starter, replacing the suspended Scott Fujita.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Buzz-Worthy Player: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to take a risk on Mike Adams already seems to be paying off, as he's slated to open training camp as the starting left tackle.

Injuries and inconsistency along the offensive line has been a problem in Pittsburgh for the last few seasons. However, the addition of Adams and fellow rookie David DeCastro could solve the problem.

Adams is a long and athletic tackle who does a good job protecting the edge. His quick shuffle and balance helps him hold up against a wide array of pass rush moves.

He only needs to improve his work ethic and off-the-field issues in order to fulfill his enormous potential.

Atlanta Falcons

Buzz-Worthy Player: Jonathan Massaquoi, Defensive End

The Atlanta Falcons defense needs to find a way to generate more pressure on the quarterback. Mike Smith feels that Jonathan Massaquoi has a chance to develop into a good edge rusher, stating...

"We felt that looking at him as a junior and then looking at his senior tape he looked to be heavier as a senior. He played a little bit lighter as a junior when he had more production. His weight is down, and he looks a lot leaner than he did as a senior."

Atlanta's defense only recorded 33 sacks last season, a number that must improve this season. Massaquoi will have an opportunity to show the Falcons that he's capable of making an early impact as a situational pass rusher.

I could see him stepping in for Ray Edwards at defensive end in passing situations, with Edwards possibly bumping inside to tackle.

Carolina Panthers

Buzz-Worthy Player: Josh Norman, Cornerback

Ron Rivera took notice of rookie cornerback Josh Norman, stating:

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I thought Josh looked very good, very solid. A corner with that kind of size and those long arms, he really flashed very well for us.

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Coming from small-school Coastal Carolina, Norman will need time to adjust to the better competition in the NFL. However, he's athletic enough to feel his way through and not make too many major mistakes.

He'll be locked in a battle vs. Darius Butler and Brandon Hogan for the nickel back role.

New Orleans Saints

Buzz-Worthy Player: Nick Toon, Wide Receiver

The New Orleans Saints are in need of someone to replace the departed Robert Meachem. Coach Joe Vitt feels Nick Toon showed enough during the rookie camp to be in contention for that role, stating:

"I thought (Nick) Toon had a good weekend. I thought he caught the ball well. He ran routes very well and ran with the ball well afterwards."

The bounty penalty left the Saints with limited draft choices. With all the offseason drama, the Saints could use something positive to come out of this draft class.

Toon is very talented, but injury issues have kept him from reaching his full potential. However, if he's healthy, he could make a major impact.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buzz-Worthy Player: Mark Barron, Safety

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Mark Barron, it seemed like a perfect match.

He's joining an organization that just added a focused head coach in Greg Schiano, and a team looking to become more disciplined. Barron's toughness and no-nonsense approach is exactly what this team needed.

According to Daniel Wallace from the Associated Press, Barron entered the rookie camp with laser focus. He didn't have much to say and wanted his play on the field to do all the talking.

The entire Tampa Bay roster could benefit from taking this type of approach.

Houston Texans

Buzz-Worthy Player: Brandon Brooks, Guard

The Houston Texans will allow rookie Brandon Brooks to push Antoine Caldwell for the starting right guard spot. Gary Kubiak stated, "He sure looks like he’s in good shape and moving well and he’s 345", when referencing the conditioning of Brooks.

If he has any chance of unseating Caldwell at guard, he'll need to show up in shape.

Brooks brings both good size and athleticism to the table. He does a good job opening running lanes, and is very physical. The Texans lost both Eric Winston and Mike Brisiel from last year's starting unit, meaning theirs plenty of opportunity for Brooks to earn playing time.

Indianapolis Colts

Buzz-Worthy Player: Dwayne Allen, Tight End

SBNation's Brad Wells feels that the Indianapolis Colts will run a two tight end base offense, which is good news from Dwayne Allen.

The Colts spent the early part of their draft to upgrade the talent on the offensive side of the ball. It appears that they feel giving Andrew Luck weapons is key to the success of the franchise.

Allen will team with Coby Fleener to form a talented tight end duo. Both players possess good size and the ability to make plays in the passing game.

Allen's poor performance at the Combine hurt his draft stock, but the fact remains that he's a talented football player.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Buzz-Worthy Player: Bryan Anger, Punter

The Jacksonville Jaguars feel they have their punter of the future in Bryan Anger, and Mark Long of the Associated Press agrees stating

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After three days of rookie camp, it looks like a sound decision. Anger averaged about 5 seconds of hang time during the camp, showing why the Jaguars used an early-round pick on a special teams player. Whether it changes public perception remains to be seen.

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Jacksonville's decision to select Anger was met with a lot of criticism. However, the ability to change field position with a punter is an underrated part of the game.

The Jaguars offense isn't built for quick strikes and explosive plays, meaning they need to play the field-position game.

Tennessee Titans

Buzz-Worthy Player: Taylor Thompson, Tight End

Taylor Thompson is working to make the transition from defensive end to tight end, but he's already turning heads in Tennessee.

Thompson gained a lot of attention late in the draft process when he showed off his athleticism at the SMU pro day. His athleticism and high-school experience allowed him to convince teams he's a legitimate tight end prospect.

This transition won't be easy, and it may take Thompson a few years to really contribute. However, expect to see him get plenty of action on special teams.