3 NFL Undrafted Free Agents Making Serious Noise Heading into OTAs

It was a blatant shock to see Chris Polk not get selected, and the Philadelphia Eagles got a gem player after the 2012 NFL draft.

The man was the first of some impressive undrafted free-agent signings, but only a few really have stood out as we enter OTAs. So, before we tackle Polk, let's see the other undrafted prospects that are currently making some noise as we close in on June.

Leonard Johnson: CB, Buccaneers

One of the most underrated corners in college football, Iowa State's Leonard Johnson endured a solid and consistent career with the Cyclones. There, he defended 32 passes, forced six fumbles and made 241 tackles.

A physical corner, Johnson stepped up well against stud receivers like Justin Blackmon and Mohamed Sanu in 2011. As for his time thus far in Tampa, Johnson has made quite the impression, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times:

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His comfort level was the result of being picked to work on a separate field — with the team's draft picks — during the three-day rookie minicamp that ended Sunday.

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Now no, this doesn't mean that Johnson is going to be a Week 1 starter, but the opportunity to work with the Bucs' draft picks is a boost of confidence. Considering that he already plays well against tough competition, Johnson has panned out well in Tampa, Fla. thus far.

Chase Minnifield: CB, Redskins

One of the more well-known defenders to not get selected, Virginia's Chase Minnifield had a strong college career with 30 defended passes, 13 picks and 151 tackles. He is a bit undersized, but the potential to contribute as a nickel/dime back for Washington as a rookie is realistic.

And in an interview with NBC 29-WVIR in Washington, Minnifield is happy with the situation:

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He says he signed with the Redskins because they told him he has a great chance to make the team if he's healthy.

Minnifield said, "There's a lot of things that the Redskins offer that is a positive. I'm used to the situation. I know a lot of people around here. I had a lot of things I could learn from. I thought I could come in here and start, but I thought I could come in anywhere and start honestly."

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So what the Redskins are getting is a confident player with something to prove, and he's a guy they feel can make an immediate impact. Well, take into account how pass-oriented the NFC East can be, and it's a great system for Minnifield to develop.

Lest we forget about Washington's pass-rush (Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan), and Minnifield will have his fair share of opportunities to make plays.

Chris Polk: RB, Eagles

Arguably the best undrafted free agent in 2012, Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk is just what the Philadelphia Eagles need. With LeSean McCoy as the every-down and complete back, Polk has the size and proven consistency to work well between the tackles and as a check-down target.

He ran for over 1,400 yards the past two years (over 1,100 in 2009) and also caught 78 passes for 683 yards from 2009-2011. As the focal point of the Huskies offense, Polk set up the passing game and creates a strong two-back set for Philadelphia.

In an article by Bob Grotz of the Times-Herald, Polk has confidence and motivation:

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Instead of getting drafted in the late rounds I actually got to pick a team and I think it’s a good fit. I loved the coaching staff and the way I fit into this offense. I’m just going to act like it’s my last carry every time I touch the ball. It’s extra motivation, what I went through.

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Last season, the lack of an interior ground game affected some of Philly's execution on offense early in the year. Polk gives the Eagles an edge in short-yard situations and enhances the threat of Michael Vick off play-action.

John Rozum on Twitter.