Denzel Boston leads group of non-first-round rookies making early impact

With roughly a quarter of the NFL season complete, several teams are already getting strong returns from draft picks taken outside the first round. An analysis by CBS Sports highlights 18 rookies who were not selected on Day 1 yet have already logged at least 150 offensive or defensive snaps through four weeks, underscoring how quickly mid-round and later picks are earning trust.

That group spans six second-rounders, six third-rounders, three fourth-rounders, two fifth-rounders and one undrafted free agent: Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Kahlil Benson. Together, they illustrate how much of a roster’s core can come from beyond the opening night of the draft.

Browns’ Denzel Boston emerging as a go-to target

Cleveland Browns wideout Denzel Boston, taken 39th overall in the second round, is among the most eye-catching early contributors. According to the data cited in the breakdown, he ranks seventh in rookie receiving yardage across the first four games when compared to the last decade, trailing only high-profile names such as Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua.

TruMedia credits Boston with zero drops to this point, even though a few contested throws could have been scored that way. There have also been some missed connections with quarterback Deshaun Watson that, if completed, might have boosted his early totals further. Boston’s size and ability to win downfield are notable, but CBS Sports emphasizes that his detailed route-running allows him to threaten all three levels. When the ball goes elsewhere, he still adds value as a willing run-game blocker. The analyst behind the piece notes Boston finished the pre-draft process as his No. 20 overall prospect.

The Browns are also getting early stability from rookie right guard Austin Barber, another member of the 150-snaps club. Transitioning from left tackle, Barber has handled the move inside well enough to profile as a long-term starter in Cleveland.

Linebackers and defensive backs earning big responsibilities

The Dallas Cowboys appear to have found a versatile piece in third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who worked under Vic Fangio with the Eagles, is using Barham in a role that taps into his college experience both on the edge and off the ball. The report notes that Barham’s athleticism is obvious and TruMedia credits him with three pressures, though he is still ironing out inconsistencies in run defense and refining his pass-rush plan at the NFL level.

In Tennessee, second-round linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is already a central figure. Described as an elite athlete whose influence extends beyond the box, Hill shows sideline-to-sideline range and flashes as a spot rusher. The main growth area is shedding blocks inside; as he learns to navigate traffic more efficiently, his impact against the run is expected to climb.

For the Miami Dolphins, second-round pick Jacob Rodriguez has been handed the green-dot helmet as a rookie, relaying play calls from head coach Jeff Hafley to the rest of the defense. CBS Sports calls him instinctive, with the ability to stay square to the line of scrimmage while covering ground horizontally. Through four games, he has been credited with 46 tackles, putting him on an early track to build a Defensive Rookie of the Year résumé after linebacker Carson Schwesinger ended the position’s award drought last season.

Other first-month risers include Green Bay Packers second-round corner Brandon Cisse, who has generally stayed tight in coverage despite a blown assignment against Chicago and a missed shot on Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels; and Raiders fifth-round corner Hezekiah Masses, who showcased his ball skills early before being tested by route technicians like Saints receiver Chris Olave and double moves leading to big gains for targets such as Tyquan Thornton.

Mid-round offensive help across multiple teams

On offense, several mid-round picks are filling important complementary roles. New York Giants third-round receiver Malachi Fields recorded his first touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals and has flashed size, speed and blocking value even as his route-running remains uneven. In Tampa Bay, third-rounder Ted Hurst III has eight catches for 128 yards and a score, with most of his production coming on the left side as the Buccaneers navigate injuries at receiver while turning to undrafted quarterback Jalon Daniels in Baker Mayfield’s absence.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have shored up a potential weak spot thanks to third-round guard Emmanuel Pregnon. Ranked as the No. 48 overall pre-draft prospect by the CBS Sports evaluator, Pregnon’s wide, powerful frame has given most opposing defensive tackles trouble. TruMedia credits him with six pressures allowed and no sacks so far, with recent games showing progress when pulling and working in space, even against established veterans such as Jonathan Allen and Dexter Lawrence.

The profile of non-first-round rookies also includes role players like New Orleans Saints fourth-round receiver Bryce Lance, whose work often involves clearing out coverage and blocking in the run game, as well as the previously highlighted undrafted lineman Kahlil Benson in Kansas City. Collectively, these early returns reinforce that impact talent continues to be found well beyond pick No. 32.