NFL Training Camp 2018: 12 Rookies who can carve out significant roles

9. Maurice Hurst, DT, Oakland Raiders

A pre-existing hearth condition caused the former Michigan Wolverine to fall to the Raiders in the fifth round. Nevertheless, his draft position shouldn’t hinder Hurst from being viewed as a potential starter — his skill set certainly won’t.

Hurst is an explosive defensive tackle who also has an elite first step and solid punch at the point of attack. There isn’t a defensive tackle on the roster who provides the upfield explosiveness he does. He doesn’t have to start, but he’ll see plenty of playing time, especially on third downs.

10. Micah Kiser, ILB, Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams need a thumper at the inside linebacker position. With upfield rushers like All-Pro Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, a player like Micah Kiser fits ideally. Kiser’s undesirable athleticism and lack of sideline-to-sideline speed can’t be fixed in camp. Nevertheless, Kiser’s football intellect and ability to stack and shed overshadow his shortcomings.

At 6-0, 240 pounds, Kiser is built like an old school thumper and plays like one as well. He’s a true downhill two-down linebacker who will help improve the Rams’ run defense. Kiser’s intellect and powerful play-style will give defensive coordinator Wade Phillips the confidence to allow Donald and Suh to what they do. There’s no doubt that, if Kiser can show the traits that made him an excellent linebacker at Virginia in camp, that he’ll be a starter come Week 1.