NFL Late Round Rookies Worth Watching
BRAXTON JONES | OT | CHICAGO BEARS
Starting off the list is the least notable name of this group, Braxton Jones, from Southern Utah State. The 5th round pick by the Bears is an athletic lineman who seems to fit well in Chicago’s new zone based offense. Since there is no proven starter at LT, Jones has been filling in at the starting role during mini-camp while 2nd year lineman Larry Borom has practiced at RT. There is still a lot time left between now and the start of the season meaning Jones may not even see playing time in 2022, but it is intriguing that he has seen a majority of mini-camp at the team’s starting LT spot.
COBY BRYANT | CB | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
During the NFL Draft one of the overlooked CBs that I was a big fan of was Cincinnati standout Coby Bryant who hand a productive college career with the Bearcats. Somehow Bryant lasted to the beginning of the 4th round eventually leading him to his team in the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is well removed from the ‘Legion of Boom’ days and with no clear standouts at CB, it is a prime opportunity for Bryant to earn some playing time in his rookie season. Don’t be surprised if Bryant finishes the season as one of Seattle’s starting CBs.
THOMAS BOOKER | DL | HOUSTON TEXANS
Another late round rookie who has a chance to bring into the starting lineup this season is former Stanford lineman and Texan’s 5th round pick, Thomas Booker. Booker is a former 4 year starter at Stanford and has the experience that could give him an added advantage in camp and the preseason. The Texans are a young team in flux with a lot of inexperienced pieces, including along the defensive line. While Booker may be a late round pick, he has a legitimate chance at starting reps early this season and if he stands out to the coaching staff, could eventually take over a starter for the Texans defense.
CADE OTTON | TE | TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Recently future Hall of Fame TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement which opens up a spot in the Buccaneers TE room for rookie 4th round pick Cade Otton. The 6-5, 250 lb. TE never had a huge season statistically for the Washington Huskies but he is in a great spot in Tampa Bay that utilizes two TE sets with veteran Cameron Brate being the only TE with real experience on the team. Otton may not stand out on the stat sheet but he should see starting reps early and often in 2022.
ISAIAH SPILLER | RB | LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
A few years ago the Los Angeles Chargers had a dynamic duo at RB with Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekler and since the departure of Gordon, Ekler has taken the starting role and run with it full throttle. While Ekler is one of the more dynamic RBs in the league, most teams have more than one good RB who is capable of handling serious reps; that is where rookie 4th round pick Isiah Spiller comes into play. The former Texas A&M standout amassed almost 3,000 yards during his 3 year college career with the Aggies and has the size and ability to be a legitimate three-down RB in the NFL. Even though Ekler will see a majority of the starting reps, do be surprised to see Spiller on the field on certain downs and potentially start a game or two for the Chargers.
BRANDON SMITH | LB | CAROLINA PANTHERS
Rounding out the list is Carolina Panther LB Brandon Smith. The former Penn State LB was selected in the 4th round by the Panthers but he comes to the team with great potential and athletic ability for the LB position. Smith played alongside former teammate and current Dallas Cowboy star LB, Micah Parsons, which could point to smith maybe learning a thing or two from the star sophomore. The Panthers have their leader in the LB room with Shaq Thompson but outside of him there is plenty of room for competition for starting reps and Smith should have no problem landing starting reps in his rookie season.