Hit the Ground Running: 4 Rookies to Watch During NFL Rookie Minicamps

The beginning of the NFL season starts with a team's offseason program, specifically during rookie minicamps. This allows newly drafted rookies to become more familiar with the professional level and to get off to a great start with their new teams.

Here are four rookies to watch during rookie minicamps who may pop off your television screen when the NFL regular season begins in September.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Cleveland Browns

NFL comparison: Alterraun Verner, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Once considered a first-round talent, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu fell all the way to the seventh round in this year's draft. The former Oregon Duck suffered a season-ending knee injury in December while preparing for the College Football Playoff, which greatly affected the former All-American's draft stock.

However, the Cleveland Browns made a steal at the NFL draft by selecting Ekpre-Olomu with their last overall pick.

He is easily one of the best cover corners in this year's rookie class, and he demonstrated great versatility at Oregon. Ekpre-Olomu covered both slot and outside receivers during his college career and was a turnover machine. He recorded nine interceptions, eight forced fumbles and one fumble recovery during his career with the Ducks.

If Ekpre-Olomu can stay healthy and develop his skills, he and veteran cornerback Joe Haden could be a formidable duo in Cleveland for years to come.

Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore Ravens

NFL comparison: Jordan Cameron, Miami Dolphins

Maxx Williams is viewed as a jack of all trades, a tight end who can make an instant impact in both catching the football and blocking. The 21-year-old prospect may be raw, but his athletic ability makes him an enticing weapon for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

Williams likely impressed many NFL scouts at the league's scouting combine earlier this year and ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.78 seconds. His rare straight-line speed makes him an intriguing prospect for Flacco, especially on seam routes and inside the red zone.

Williams was an opposing defensive coordinator's worst nightmare in college, as he lined up at both receiver and tight end during his career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In a league where the tight end position is constantly evolving, this prospect has a chance to challenge for the starting job in Baltimore right away.

Denzel Perryman, LB, San Diego Chargers

NFL comparison: Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers

Denzel Perryman is viewed as a versatile linebacker who has hit power similar to Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor.

During his senior season, Perryman recorded 110 tackles, nearly double the amount he recorded during the previous season. Many have criticized this Miami Hurricanes prospect for his 5’11” frame, but there is no doubt he plays like he is six inches taller. A member of the All-ACC first team last season, he also played both inside and outside linebacker during his four-year career with the Hurricanes.

San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano needed to add a physical presence to his system, and many believe that Perryman will be the perfect fit in his base 3-4 defense. It'll be important that he gets off to a fast start and learns Pagano's system quickly to fill an immediate need for his new team.

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Indianapolis Colts

NFL comparison: Percy Harvin, Buffalo Bills

Dorsett, once a little-known receiver at Miami, entered the first-round discussion after one of the best scouting combine performances in recent memory. The speedster ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.33 seconds at the combine, which was the second-fastest time among wide receiver draft prospects.

Due to his speed, Dorsett was utilized on special teams as a punt and kick returner in addition to being a productive receiver. During his senior season with the Hurricanes, Dorsett led the team with 36 receptions for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He'll have the opportunity to learn from veteran receiver and former Hurricane Andre Johnson, which will benefit him as one of the key offensive cornerstones for quarterback Andrew Luck. Dorsett is surrounded by an abundance of talent, which will allow him to attract single coverage and showcase his unique playmaking ability.