Under-the-Radar NFL Rookies Quietly Turning Heads in Offseason Workouts

The 2016 NFL offseason is quickly drawing to a close. Most teams have completed organized team activities (OTAs), and some are wrapping June minicamps this week. Though we still have a long way to go before the regular season gets underway, we're starting to get an early idea of how teams are coming together.

Naturally, rookies have taken a big place under the spotlight throughout offseason workouts. They represent the future of the NFL and many of them have been in the limelight since the early rounds of the 2016 draft.

However, the rookies making noise in offseason workouts haven't only been first- and second-round draft picks. There are plenty of underrated rookies who have been pulling themselves into the spotlight with their work on the practice field. Being late-round picks, however, many have done so quietly.

Today, we're going to take a look at some late-round picks—taken in the fourth round or later—who have been making names for themselves in offseason workouts. We'll examine the players themselves, their current situations and the potential impact they can have in the coming season.

Wendell Smallwood, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

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Former West Virginia running back Wendell Smallwood could be an interesting weapon for the Eagles offense.

Former West Virginia running back Wendell Smallwood wasn't a high draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles—he was selected in the fifth round—but he has been impressing his new team much like an early draft pick would.

With Darren Sproles absent from OTAs, Smallwood has been getting plenty of work in a variety of running back situations. Head coach Doug Pederson seems pleased with what he has seen from the rookie so far.

"I like the way he runs routes out of the backfield," Pederson said of Smallwood, per Matt Lombardo of NJ.com. "He's got great hands and I think it's something that is just a gift that he has and something that we actually saw when we were scouting him this offseason."

"I think he's going to be really, really good," teammate Kenjon Barner added. "He shows a lot. He shows he has an ability to make cuts and get through the hole. I think that gives him a chance to be good."

Smallwood rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season with nine touchdowns and 26 receptions. There's little doubt that he can add something extra to the Eagles backfield. Philadelphia has constructed a strong group of running backs—one that includes Sproles, Barner and Ryan Mathews—so Smallwood's addition may have more long-term value than immediate impact.

However, the potential is there for Smallwood to be a significant piece of the Eagles offense moving forward. With Sproles' contract expiring after the season, per Spotrac, Smallwood could be the primary change-of-pace back as soon as next season.

If Smallwood continues turning heads, though, don't be surprised if he earns a chance at a significant role in 2016.

Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots

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Malcolm Mitchell has a realistic shot at earning a role in New England's receiving corps.

The New England Patriots added a few new pieces to their receiving corps even before this year's draft. The team acquired pass-catching tight end Martellus Bennett and receivers Nate Washington and Chris Hogan.

Therefore, it wasn't a huge surprise to see the Patriots wait until the third day of the draft to pull the trigger on a wide receiver. However, the selection, fourth-round pick Malcolm Mitchell, may prove to be an equally important offseason addition.

The Georgia product wasn't a star during his college career—he logged 58 receptions for 865 yards and five touchdowns in 2015—but he is a savvy route-runner and seems to be working well in New England's offense.

Christopher Price of WEEI 93.7 FM recently wrote about Mitchell's presence in minicamp:

"

There were several notable offensive skill position players absent from this week’s minicamp workouts, but of the receivers who did take part, rookie Malcolm Mitchell distinguished himself as a relatively steady and consistent performer who showed impressive flashes over the course of the three sessions.

Mitchell’s finest moment may have come in Thursday’s finale when he went up for a one-handed touchdown grab on a nicely thrown ball from fellow rookie Jacoby Brissett.

"

Mitchell will probably begin his New England career as a role player on offense. However, his ability to excel in route running and make tough catches will almost certainly endear him to both head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

If Mitchell can continue to stand out, he could quickly earn in-game opportunities as a rookie. At the very least, it appears he will provide some quality depth at the wideout position.

Rashard Robinson, CB, San Francisco 49ers

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Rashard Robinson could have an immediate impact for the 49ers defense.

The San Francisco 49ers selected former LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson in the fourth round of this year's draft. He is a relatively raw prospect—he's made just eight career starts—but Robinson might have the goods to make an early impact for the 49ers.

At 6'1", Robinson possesses the long, rangy frame that NFL teams now want from their cornerbacks. Though he is a bit light at just 171 pounds, Robinson appears to have the physicality and toughness to excel at the position.

According to Chris Biderman of USA Today, Robinson's physicality and fiery attitude have gotten the attention of 49ers receivers in offseason workouts. His on-field demeanor also appears to be getting the attention of San Francisco's coaching staff.

"I think a guy who has natural press cover CB skills is Rashard," 49ers defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley recently said, per Ryan Sakamoto of NinersFans.com.

Of course, talent was never the issue with Robinson. The fact that suspensions cost him a large portion of his college career is. However, Robinson recently got words of support from Arizona Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson, which is sure to draw attention.

"They asked me questions about Rashard as a person because they already knew what type of player he was,” Peterson said, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “They wanted insight into him and I definitely told them how it is. He’s a great person … I did vouch for him. I did put in their ear that he’s a phenomenal player and good person.”

If Robinson can continue proving his worth on and off the field, he should see opportunities in the San Francisco secondary. Don't be surprised if he uses his opportunity to make a mark on the 2016 season.

Nick Rose, K, Atlanta Falcons

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Former Texas kicker Nick Rose is using his offseason opportunity to make a name for himself.

Former Texas kicker Nick Rose isn't likely to land a spot with the Atlanta Falcons this season unless the team decides to part ways with 14-year veteran Matt Bryant. However, the rookie free agent is getting a chance to audition for other kicker-needy teams around the league.

Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong has been impressed with the former Longhorn so far in offseason workouts.

“Big leg,” Armstrong said of Rose, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He looked nice. He looked good. Big leg. Big, strong leg. He’s going to work on his consistency, but he’s a good kid and a good kicker.”

Consistency has been an issue for Rose, who made just 13 of 17 field-goal attempts last season. However, he could provide value for a team that is looking for a kicker with a big leg—he once made an 80-yard field goal in practice—or kickoff specialist.

Rose averaged 63.06 yards per kickoff in 2015.

If Rose can continue to impress the Falcons staff and find some consistency with his accuracy, he might force Atlanta to at least consider moving on from Bryant.

Bryant missed six games due to injury in 2015, missed four of his 18 field-goal attempts and was rated just 54th overall among kickers for the season by Pro Football Focus.

Cody Core, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

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Former Mississippi receiver Cody Core is fighting for a spot in Cincinnati's receiving corps.

The Cincinnati Bengals lost receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency this past offseason, so adding to the wideout position was a clear priority for the draft. While second-round pick Tyler Boyd is expected to be a large part of the reloading process, sixth-round pick Cody Core might just provide an equally important impact.

The former Mississippi standout brings a lot to the table from a physical standpoint. He is a big target at 6'3" and 205 pounds. He has also shown some big-play ability on the field. He averaged an impressive 17.4 yards per reception this past season.

Core took his talents and immediately began impressing the Bengals back in rookie minicamp, where he was able to get the better of Cincinnati's first-round pick, cornerback William Jackson III.

What the Bengals love is the fact that Core can do more than just catch the football.

"He blocks like he's supposed to," Bengals receivers coach James Urban said of Core, per Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. "He's a blocking jet ski. I mean, he's out there pushing and he finishes blocks so much that we're like, 'Oh.'"

The ability to block should help Core earn a role in a Cincinnati offense that has been largely run-based over the past two seasons. Though he may not be a game-changer as a rookie, Core should find plenty of opportunities to make an impact in 2016.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

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Tyreek Hill could give the Chiefs another speedy deep threat in 2016.

The Kansas City Chiefs decided to take a chance on former West Alabama receiver Tyreek Hill in the fifth round, primarily due to his elite speed. He ran a 4.25-second 40-yard dash at his pro day.

So far, Hill has not disappointed in the speed department.

“He’s outrunning a lot of other guys out there, too," quarterback Alex Smith said of Hill, per Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. “He’s certainly one of the fastest guys I’ve seen."

The 5'10", 185-pound Hill produced big plays as both a runner and a receiver this past season. He carried the ball 25 times for 237 yards and a touchdown and caught 27 passes for 444 yards and three scores. Yet, it could be his ability as a big-play return specialist—he had four total return scores last season—that allows Hill to shine as a rookie.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub even went so far as to compare Hill to veteran return ace Devin Hester, telling Teicher:

"

[Hill is] a dynamic returner. You can see it clearly on tape, his speed. I probably said a couple of [times] that he’s Devin Hester-ish. He’s a really good catcher. He makes people miss. He’s got great agility, great quickness, great first-step quickness. His top speed is second to none. Four-two-five? That speed is real. That’s one thing we’ve learned over the last month is that he’s got legitimate speed.

"

Hill has been grabbing attention with his insane speed on the practice field. The next step will be to utilize that speed and make plays in training camp and the preseason.

Tavon Young, CB, Baltimore Ravens

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Tavon Young has the potential to make an immediate impact in the Ravens secondary.

A serious of significant injuries was not the only issue for the Baltimore Ravens last season. A pass-coverage unit that was rated just 23rd in the league by Pro Football Focus often put the team in an uphill battle. Obviously, the Ravens would like to turn things around this season.

Despite being a mere fourth-round pick out of Temple, rookie cornerback Tavon Young may be a big part of the solution.

Though he is a bit undersized at 5'9" and 183 pounds, Young has the skills to produce on the field. Last season, he racked up 41 total tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack and seven passes defended.

It appears that Young also has the skills to stand out on the practice field.

“I see why we drafted him, because he’s going to be a good one,” veteran cornerback Lardarius Webb said of Young, per Garrett Downing of the team's official website. "He just has to keep on learning, keep on learning. One thing he does [is] he hustles and he competes, and that’s what we need"

Webb is entering his eighth NFL season and is one of the better pass defenders on Baltimore defense. Pro Football Focus rated him 46th overall among cornerbacks last season. If he's taking notice of his new rookie teammate, there's a good chance the Ravens coaching staff is as well.

Don't be surprised if Young finds a home as the team's nickelback or No. 4 corner early in his rookie season. From there, he should develop into a long-term mainstay of the Ravens secondary.

Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans

Associated Press

Rookie wideout Tajae Sharpe can help boost Tennessee's passing attack.

The Tennessee Titans—who were rated just 21st overall in receiving by Pro Football Focus in 2015—waited until the fifth round of the draft to address the wideout position. However, their selection of former Massachusetts receiver Tajae Sharpe already looks like it could yield big dividends. 

Titans head coach Mike Mularkey said the following of Sharpe, per John Glennon of the Tennessean:

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He’s taken advantage of the opportunity when it’s been presented. He’s made the plays. He’s been very impressive in the one-on-ones, where he’s going against No. 1 corners. A lot of guys, rookies especially, are very impatient. They shorten their routes. Their double moves are too quick. He is playing like he’s been in the league for a while.

"

The fact that Sharpe seems to be making a quick transition to the NFL is significant. The 6'2", 194-pound pass-catcher brings few questions about physical talent. The questions surrounding him come from playing against lower-tier competition in the Mid-American Conference (Massachusetts will be independent starting this season).

Sharpe dominated the MAC competition, though. Just last season, he produced 111 receptions, 1,319 yards and five touchdowns. He isn't likely to produce similar numbers as a rookie, of course, but he could emerge as the Titans' third or fourth receiver behind guys like Dorial Green-Beckham, Rishard Matthews and Kendall Wright.

Expect Sharpe to be an early contributor as a rookie and a long-term piece of Tennessee's growing young offense.