Rookie Report: Hau'oli Kikaha, Phillip Dorsett among 1st-year standouts early in OTAs

The Rookie Report highlights first-year players, focusing on how they might perform in their debut season and beyond.

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Wide receiver was not a position the Colts needed to address in this year's draft, especially in the first round, so their selection of Dorsett at No. 29 raised some eyebrows. But the Miami product is quickly proving he's got a lot of upside.

"He's really fast," head coach Chuck Pagano said of his initial impressions, according to George Bremer of the Herald Bulletin. "He's got really good hands. He's really smart. He's picked things up. He looks really good."

The media has also taken notice of Dorsett's impressive speed during organized team activities:

The Colts appear set with T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson as their top two receivers, so Dorsett will likely be competing against Donte Moncrief, Duron Carter, and Vincent Brown for the No. 3 job. He'll also get first crack at returning punts and kicks.

Hau'oli Kikaha, LB, New Orleans Saints

Kikaha led the NCAA with 19 sacks in 2014, including a stretch where he recorded at least one in 14 consecutive games, and left Washington as the school's all-time sack leader. That should be music to the Saints' ears after ranking 25th in the NFL last season with just 34 sacks.

"He's been highly productive," Saints head coach Sean Payton said of Kikaha, according to Sam Spangler of KHON2. "You got a crystal-clear vision right away, you know exactly what you're getting from the player. He's smart, he's tough, there's a passion with how he plays and you see it out here."

"He's a real hard worker," added defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. "He's going to be an excellent player for us. He works hard. He wants to be great."

Kikaha also wants to prove that he can do more than just rush the passer. He'll likely have to earn playing time on special teams before taking on a more prominent role, but that suits him just fine.

"If that's what it takes, you've got to challenge yourself and not the man next to you or the guy who's first or second string," Kikaha told Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "It's you and yourself."

Quick Hits

• Another rookie drawing rave reviews is Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker. According to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post, Parker "made several impressive catches in coverage" during Tuesday's practice and was able to hold his own against Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes.
• Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Nelson Agholor has been taking taxis to the team's facility to ensure he's one of the first players there, according to teammate Jordan Matthews.
• Former Michigan defensive end Brennen Beyer says the Baltimore Ravens' track record of having at least one undrafted rookie make the roster was a major factor in his decision to sign with the team.
• Las Vegas oddsmakers are already eyeing potential Rookie of the Year candidates, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is currently leading the pack.
• Will Laws of Sports Illustrated looks at how standout rookie receivers typically fare in their second year.