8 NFL Rookies with Potential to Outperform Teammates Drafted at Same Position

Kitan OladapoKevin Sabitus/Getty Images

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department graded Kitan Oladapo as an early Day 2 talent and a top-three safety prospect in this year’s class.

However, the Oregon State product fell all the way to the fifth round, where the Green Bay Packers selected him with the 169th overall pick.

The defensive back quietly suffered a broken toe during the on-field portion of the NFL Scouting Combine, per Paul Bretl of the Packers Wire. As a result, his acclimation period into the professional ranks has been delayed since he can’t participate during the on-field portions of minicamps.

“Just staying in the training room, getting the swelling down, getting my range of motion back,” Oladapo told reporters last week. “And then just staying locked in, mental reps on the sideline, and then meet with the coaches after, make sure I get the game plan.”

The organization still saw value in Oladapo’s selection, though, even after drafting fellow safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams earlier in the process.

The rookie trio, alongside the free-agent acquisition of Xavier McKinney, provides a revamped safety room. Bullard will likely take plenty of reps working over the slot. The 6’2″, 216-pound Oladapo, meanwhile, fits more of a “traditional safety role.”

“I’m comfortable anywhere on the field,” Oladapo said. “Whatever the team needs me to do: be in the box, be in the post, blitz, guard tight ends, guard slots. I can do it all. I feel comfortable just having my two feet on the grass.”

With the fifth-rounder’s size, playing style and overall talent level despite the recent injury, he can become a primary component in the Packers’ defense when he’s ready.

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Bleacher Report – https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120982-8-nfl-rookies-with-potential-to-outperform-teammates-drafted-at-same-position