Late-round rookie gems (cont.)

With Thomas Jones and Leon Washington unhappy with their contracts, Shonn Greene could make an impact in the Jets backfield. Jeff Zelevansky/Icon SMI

Indianapolis -- Fili Moala (2nd round, 56th overall)

The Colts desperately need an impact defensive tackle. Moala fills the need, in more ways than one.

He has better size than the Colts are accustomed to using in their gap-penetration scheme. That signals a change in philosophy. The Colts often were manhandled at the point of attack.

That the Colts were willing to trade two picks in order to move up five spots and get Moala tells you just how highly they think of him, and the kind of impact this physical, quick, nasty tackle can have.

Jacksonville -- Jarett Dillard (5th round, 144th overall)

Jaguars fans have had more than their share of headaches with receivers under-achieving, getting in trouble or both.

Dillard is a high-class, high-character playmaker who could erase a lot of bad memories. Dropping to the fifth round was predictable for a kid coming out of Rice, with "measurables" that don't quite measure up (5-10, 191 pounds). Dillard should get some time opposite Torry Holt and, given the chance, he will make the big plays.

Kansas City -- Quinten Lawrence (6th round, 175th overall), Chiefs

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has made no mistake about the fact that Lawrence has a long way to go, hailing from McNeese State, where he missed a big chunk of the year because of injury.

It's going to be tough breaking in and becoming a regular NFL contributor. But he can get there.

Lawrence certainly can contribute on special teams and should find playing time at receiver eventually, with speed and after-the-catch elusiveness. The Chiefs have been in need of help at receiver, and they may have just found it.

Miami -- Chris Clemons (5th round, 165th overall)

He won't be a starter this season, but Clemons has a knack for the ball and versatility that should keep him in the league for a long time.

During OTAs and off-season drills, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano singled out Clemons several times for his demeanor, work ethic and playmaking ability.

Clemons also has that streak of nastiness that, coupled with good size (6-foot, 208 pounds), could eventually make him much more than a special-teams player and situational contributor.

Minnesota -- Phil Loadholt (2nd round, 54th overall)

Loadholt isn't much of a sleeper pick, per se. But he is expected to start on Opening Day.

That's asking a lot. This mammoth young man, however, already has matched his impressive size (6-foot-8, 332 pounds), with an impressive array of skills during off-season and OTA activities.

Vikings right tackle Ryan Cook was subpar on the right side last year. While Loadholt's size would indicate he might not have the quick feet to hand NFL rush ends. And that is one part of his game that needs work. But just watch. He can knock players off their feet with brute strength.

New England -- Julian Edelman (7th round, 232nd overall)

Why in the world would the Patriots be interested in Michael Vick when they're already working on the legend of Julian Edelman?

OK, so that may be a stretch, but among rookies coming into camp you would have been hard-pressed to find any Patriot who made a bigger impression.

A record-setting quarterback at Kent State, Edelman has been converted to a receiver and figures to gradually work his way into a significant role. He could be a "Wildcat"-type player immediately.

New Orleans -- Chip Vaughn (4th round, 116th overall)

The Saints were the oldest team in the NFL last year and in desperate need of some young blood and attitude -- especially on the defensive end.

Vaughn is older than most rookies (23), but he fulfills a big need in youth and approach.

Sure, the Saints have proven experience at safety. But at 6-1, 221 pounds and having been clocked at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, Vaughn is a tremendous specimen with obvious upside. Sean Payton has singled out Vaughn for his playmaking and plans to use him as a free safety, which could be the perfect spot for him.

New York Giants -- Ramses Barden (3rd round, 85th overall)

Who needs Plaxico Burress when you can have a close approximation with better character, a higher football IQ and those intangible qualities that just make him likeable inside the locker room and out?

That's Barden (6-6, 229 pounds). It won't come overnight, but expect Barden to make all the right adjustments to the NFL, adjust to the speed and size of the league and then start making plays. He is raw, but has very good hands and, with his size, he could become a favorite of Eli Manning's around the end zone.

New York Jets -- Shonn Greene (3rd round, 65th overall)

Mark Sanchez is the coverboy rookie, but Greene has earned just as many raves in the early going from Jets coach Rex Ryan.

With Thomas Jones unhappiness with his contract situation and Leon Washington in the same boat, the Jets have found someone willing and able to push for time in the backfield. At 227 pounds, Greene has the strength and power to run between the tackles and help wear down opposing defenses. No one is saying it publicly just yet, but the Jets have to be thinking the Sanchez-Greene combination could become something special down the road.