The first round of the NFL Draft often captures the imaginations of NFL fans in the offseason, but the late rounds truly define drafts. And sometimes, late-round rookies can make a big impact. Recently, defensive players like Tariq Woolen, Maxx Crosby, Kamren Curl, Malcolm Rodriguez, James Houston, and Dre Greenlaw immediately demonstrated that they could hit the field and improve their teams’ defenses.
Who are the defensive rookies this year that can slot into their teams’ defenses and make a big impact?
Which Defensive Late-Round NFL Rookies Could Make a Day One Impact?
Antonio Johnson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars entered the draft with a need at safety. Andre Cisco did alright for them last year, but both he and Rayshawn Jenkins aren’t solid enough starters to be considered locks at the position. Antonio Johnson, despite being a fifth-round pick, has a clear pathway onto the field and was considered by most draft analysts as a second-round quality safety.
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His versatility and overall athletic profile give him a lot of different ways to make an impact, and his hitting ability should appeal to Jacksonville. He needs a more disciplined playing style, but that won’t necessarily keep him off the field.
Darius Rush and Jaylon Jones, CBs, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts drafted three cornerbacks, and second-round pick Julius Brents will almost certainly earn the starting job on one side of the defense. But Isaiah Rodgers isn’t a lock to start on the outside on the opposite end of the field, so there could be a competition that sees both Darius Rush and Jaylon Jones compete for that spot.
They were both lauded by draft experts, and it’s probable that one of them gets the job. Rush is a phenomenal athlete with fluid movement skills and experience in man coverage, while Jaylon Jones is a bit bigger and slower but more physical and could be a great dime option.
This is not unlike the situation with the Bills last year, where multiple rookies competed for a starting role at corner, and it was sixth-round pick Christian Benford who won out Week 1 over first-round pick Kaiir Elam.
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have a strong starting foundation with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, but rookie Adetomiwa Adebawore has a strong case to be first in the rotation without much defensive tackle dept around him to take away his reps.
That kind of rotation can result in 500 snaps, and for a player like Adebawore, that might mean a big opportunity. He’s explosive and long and happens to be one of the best athletes to test at the position in some time. It’s not hard to imagine him making life miserable for opponents.
Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
The Browns did sign an edge rusher in the offseason, grabbing Ogbonnia Okoronkwo from Houston, but as a player who has only ever started eight games in his career, maxing out at five sacks, it’s unlikely he’s considered a lock to start opposite Myles Garrett.
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That gives Isaiah McGuire, an incredibly productive pass rusher from Missouri, the chance to rotate in or even start. His length and size are typical of this Browns regime, and he has shown the flexibility to get around tackles and into the backfield. He could be this year’s James Houston.
Siaki Ika, DT, Cleveland Browns
Though the Browns have a plethora of defensive tackle talent on their roster, they have very few nose tackles. It is possible that Dalvin Tomlinson fills that role, and someone like Perrion Winfrey, Maurice Hurst, and Trysten Hill take on the pass rusher role on the interior.
But it could also be the case that they keep Tomlinson at his traditional three-technique role and have a big body like Siaki Ika compete with Jordan Elliott for the job. The Browns have had some issues defending the run, so there’s clearly a role for someone like Ika.
Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had an excellent group of cornerbacks not too long ago, but after injuries and expired contracts, they’re left with a shadow of that group. Marlon Humphrey is almost certainly going to start, but new additions Daryl Worley and Rock Ya-Sin don’t inspire confidence as clear-cut outside starters, and presumed nickel corner Brandon Stephens isn’t a lock either.
A player like Kyu Blu Kelly, who carries concerns about his speed, could play on the outside as a bigger defender using the sideline or even in the slot as an uncommonly agile player for his size. Kelly has great college production, and that may translate.
Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Houston Texans
Linebacker Denzel Perryman is likely to start Week 1 for the Houston Texans, but the other linebacker spot is wide open. The presumptive starter, second-year player Christian Harris, was a big liability last year, and though players are rarely set in stone their rookie year, it creates an opportunity for a player like Henry To’oTo’o to provide genuine competition for the job.
To’oTo’o was a four-year starter in the SEC, which is pretty rare at the position, and his game instincts are top-notch, with functional speed to boot. His size has been a concern, but overall, he could provide an immediate upgrade for Houston.
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, Los Angeles Rams
The Rams could have even more players on this list, given how sparse the roster is and how many rookies they added — 14 draft picks and 24 undrafted free agents. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is one of the better players that they’ve added, and his overall level of play in college was very high. Part of his fall in the draft is because of his size and perceived role as a slot defender — a role that the Rams could fill.
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A three-time first-team All-Big 12 and a first-team All-American, Hodges-Tomlinson finished his college career with an astounding 43 pass deflections — a reason that in his final year, he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. His physical play, great instincts, and astounding athleticism will find a home on the Rams.
