Early Predictions for the 2016 NFL All-Rookie Team

The 2016 NFL season is rapidly approaching and the hype surrounding this year's class of incoming rookies is only gaining momentum.

We love to speculate on the future of incoming NFL players. It's part of the reason why mock drafts are insanely popular in the early offseason every single year. The 2016 draft is a thing of the past, though, and we still have about a month before training camps officially open. So what are we to do in the meantime?

Well, we could always speculate on which rookies are going to find success in the coming season.

Today, we're going to take a stab at predicting this year's all-rookie team. (Hey, it makes as much sense as predicting draft picks!) Our choices will be based on factors including player potential, team fit, coaching and projected role. Early offseason feedback will be considered when applicable.

To help reflect modern NFL trends, our projected all-rookie team will be based on a three-receiver offense and a 3-4 base defense. We won't be filling out our team with specific roles—for example, inside or outside linebacker, left or right tackle—in mind.

Quarterback: Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

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Jared Goff appears to be entering a good rookie situation with the Rams.

Since quarterbacks were taken with the first two picks in the 2016 draft, we have two top candidates for the spot on our team—Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles.

We're going with Goff here for a couple of reasons. For one, he appears the more likely of the two to be a starter from Day 1. According to Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, veteran Sam Bradford seems to be in control of Philadelphia's quarterback competition.

"I think he’s really done a nice job of taking that next step to be the leader of this football team and be the starter," Pederson said of Bradford, per Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com. "He’s done a good job.”

Goff is also entering a good situation with the Rams, who went 7-9 last season. He has a stout defense and a franchise running back in Todd Gurley. He won't be asked to put the team on his shoulders often, though Goff did show the type of talent needed to carry a team during his time in college.

Just last season, Goff passed for 4,719 yards with 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Perhaps the biggest reason why Goff can succeed this year, though, is the fact he seems to be growing increasingly comfortable with his role as a pro quarterback.

“This week was a good week for me to kind of start to really get in a little bit of a rhythm of things and start to feel more natural, more second nature,” Goff recently said, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “Stuff is starting to click a little more.”

If things continue clicking for Goff, expect him to start the season opener and ride momentum to a strong rookie season.

Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

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Ezekiel Elliott should lead a formidable Dallas rushing attack as a rookie.

This is probably the least surprising selection on our entire list. Ezekiel Elliott was an absolute stud at Ohio State, racking up 1,821 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns in 2015 alone.

Elliott now joins a Dallas Cowboys team with loads of offensive talent. With quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant also on the field, opposing defenses aren't going to be able to focus all their attention on shutting down Elliott. The presence of 2015 starter Darren McFadden also means that Elliott won't have to shoulder the ground game alone.

It will also help that Elliott will be running behind one of the top offensive lines in football. Pro Football Focus rated the Cowboys first overall in run blocking last season.

Don't be surprised if Elliott is an All-Pro in 2016 in addition to making various all-rookie lists.

Tight End: Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams

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Tyler Higbee can be a pass-catching weapon at the tight end position.

Western Kentucky product Tyler Higbee isn't the type of all-around player that NFL teams traditionally want at the tight end position. Instead, the 6'6", 249-pound Higbee is more like an oversized receiver with limited blocking skills.

Of course, we know that pass-catching tight ends have a ton of value in today's NFL, and Higbee has the tools to be a difference-maker for the Rams as a pass-catcher this season.

"Tyler missed some games due to injury over the last couple years, but we watched him play and he just has that sense of urgency and that competitive drive," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said of Higbee shortly after the draft, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. "He’s a very physical player, dominant at times, at that level. We felt like he was going to create some matchup problems down the line."

Despite missing five games due to injury, Higbee still managed to rack up 563 yards and eight touchdowns on 38 receptions. He can create mismatches for the Rams from the tight end position and can be a security blanket for rookie quarterback Jared Goff.

Though blocking is certainly an important aspect of the game, today's tight ends typically separate themselves with receiving numbers. Higbee has the potential to produce plenty in the Los Angeles offense this year.

Wide Receiver: Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns

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The Browns seem very high on rookie receiver Corey Coleman.

The Cleveland Browns made Baylor product Corey Coleman the first receiver off the board in this year's draft. Even if he isn't the most complete wideout, Coleman might end up being the biggest home run hitter to come out of this draft class.

Last season, the 5'11", 194-pound Coleman racked up 1,363 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns on just 74 receptions. He averaged more than 18 yards per catch in 2015 and followed up his impressive season by clocking a 4.37-second 40 at his pro day.

This big-play ability should allow Coleman to shine as a rookie, despite Cleveland's muddled quarterback picture. The Browns didn't exactly have stability at the quarterback position last year, but speedy Travis Benjamin still produced 966 yards and five scores.

Right now, Coleman appears well on his way to replacing Benjamin as Cleveland's No. 1 receiver.

"He's a tremendous player," head coach Hue Jackson said of Coleman, per NFL Media's Marc Sessler. "He's going to be pretty good. I ride him pretty hard because he has so much ability and I want to get it out of him. He's really shown why we drafted him in the first round."

Wide Receiver: Laquon Treadwell, Minnesota Vikings

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Former Mississippi receiver Laquon Treadwell can become an offensive star in Minnesota.

Former Mississippi star Laquon Treadwell might be the most complete receiver to come out of this year's draft class. The 6'2", 211-pound pass-catcher isn't going to be the fastest guy on the football field, but he is big, physical and determined to win.

"He competes for the ball, and I think you see his competitive spirit by how he blocks and how he does the little things," Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze said of Treadwell, per Rob Rang of CBSSports.com. "He never takes a play off. He's going to make somebody a special player, and I think he's tough and durable."

The Minnesota Vikings got themselves a good one.

Treadwell returned from injury in 2015 to produce 82 receptions, 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. He will now give Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater a true No. 1 option. Treadwell, in return, will benefit from a quality quarterback and the dominating presence of running back Adrian Peterson. Treadwell isn't likely to ever be the focal point of opposing defenses.

Playing in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system—which often features play-action and vertical-passing components—should help Treadwell take advantage of favorable matchups.

"He's going to be big for this team," Bridgewater said, via the Vikings official website. "There's a reason that we drafted him in the first round."

Wide Receiver: Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

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Ohio State product Michael Thomas will be catching passes from Drew Brees this season.

Former Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas is entering a situation any young receiver should envy. Now with the New Orleans Saints, Thomas will be on the receiving end of quarterback Drew Brees' passes.

Brees, you might have heard, is a pretty good quarterback. He led the NFL with an impressive 4,870 yards passing and Pro Football Focus rated him sixth overall among quarterbacks last season. If Thomas can prove to Brees that he is a reliable target, the wideout should have the opportunity to produce some very healthy numbers as a rookie.

According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Brees has been working with Thomas individually after offseason practices and has been impressed by the rookie's quick development.

At 6'3" and 212 pounds, Thomas is a big target who can—at a minimum—be a top-tier red-zone target as a rookie. However, Thomas should have an opportunity to become an every-down go-to target with further development and by gaining more trust from Brees.

Offensive Tackle: Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

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Notre Dame product Ronnie Stanley should be an immediate starter at tackle for the Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens made Notre Dame product Ronnie Stanley the first offensive lineman off the board in this year's draft, and for good reason. Stanley is a blue-chip tackle prospect and the Ravens need to protect quarterback Joe Flacco.

Flacco was sacked only 16 times in 10 games last season. However, a torn ACL prematurely ended his 2015 season after those 10 games. 

Stanley should be an instant starter at either right tackle or as a replacement for veteran Eugene Monroe at left tackle. Baltimore obviously isn't going to hand Stanley a starting job but seems confident he can earn one.

“The ball is in [Stanley’s] court and he has to earn it, but he’s the sixth pick in the draft,” head coach John Harbaugh said, per Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official website. “I expect him to start. That’s his job is to come out here and start.”

Stanley should have opportunities to impress as a protector for Flacco and as a springboard for running backs like Justin Forsett and rookie Kenneth Dixon.

Offensive Tackle: Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions

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Lions rookie Taylor Decker may start the season as Detroit's left tackle.

Detroit Lions rookie Taylor Decker has all the tools needed to be a big-time offensive tackle at the pro level. The 6'7", 310-pound former Ohio State star is big, physical and possesses superior blocking skills.

Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller wrote the following of Decker before the draft:

"

Decker impresses on film as an easy, balanced mover with the strength to get physical and become a bully. His toughness traits in the run game are some of the best of any offensive lineman in the entire class. Whether it’s a power scheme or a zone-blocking system, Decker has the strength and athleticism to be a fit.

"

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions seem to be preparing Decker to start at left tackle this season. This would place him in a prominent position as Matthew Stafford's blindside protector. If the Detroit offense can bounce back after the retirement of Calvin Johnson, Decker should have plenty of opportunities to shine.

We obviously considered placing former Mississippi star Laremy Tunsil at one of the two tackle spots, but we're not so sure Tunsil will be playing tackle this season.

According to Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel, the Dolphins have been working Tunsil at left guard and seem content to start him there as a rookie.

Center: Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts

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Alabama product Ryan Kelly should lock down the Colts' center position for the foreseeable future.

The Indianapolis Colts made the decision to draft former Alabama center Ryan Kelly in the first round of this year's draft. He should be a Day 1 starter and a major piece of the Colts offensive line for the next several seasons.

Kelly's presence should immediately improve the protection in front of star quarterback Andrew Luck. If the two can develop the right kind of chemistry, the presence of Luck is also going to make Kelly look very, very good on game days.

The two have spent much of the offseason thus far trying to get on the same page.

"It’s obviously been a growing relationship and we’re just looking forward to getting back on the field [for minicamp] and continuing that before we go to the real thing," Kelly said of his time with Luck, per Mike Chappell of Fox59.com.

Another strong candidate for center is San Diego Chargers rookie Max Tuerk. However, Tuerk is coming off a serious knee injury and may start the season behind veteran Matt Slauson. Kelly should be on the field for the first and every snap of the 2016 season.

Guard: Joshua Garnett, San Francisco 49ers

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Rookie Joshua Garnett should immediately upgrade the San Francisco line.

The San Francisco 49ers traded back into the first round in order to secure former Stanford guard Joshua Garnett. The 2015 Outland Trophy winner should immediately step in and bolster the interior of the San Francisco line.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller graded Garnett as his top guard prospect prior to the draft and praised his on-field ability.

"His awareness and instincts will likely wow NFL teams," Miller wrote of Garnett. "He picks up blitzes and stunts with ease and understands how to get the angle on defenders to drive them out of the play. He locates well on the move and can be dominant when pulling around the edge."

Garnett should be a Day 1 starter for the 49ers and should spend the season springing Carlos Hyde and the 49ers rushing attack. We're picking Garnett over fellow first-round pick Laremy Tunsil because guard isn't Tunsil's natural position.

We do expect Tunsil to eventually emerge as a perennial Pro Bowler.

Guard: Cody Whitehair, Chicago Bears

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Former Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair fills a hole along the Chicago offensive line.

The Chicago Bears snagged Kansas State product Cody Whitehair in the second round of the 2016 draft, and the team should provide him with a prime opportunity for rookie success.

The massive 6'4", 301-pound Whitehair will play on the interior of a Bears line that also features three-time Pro Bowler Kyle Long. He will also get to block for a quality quarterback in Jay Cutler and versatile running backs including Jeremy Langford and rookie Jordan Howard.

Though Whitehair played tackle at Kansas State, his size, strength and consistency should make him a top-level player at guard, and possibly at center.

“There was a consistency about Cody throughout the predraft phases," Bears offensive line coach Dave Magazu said of Whitehair, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. "Senior Bowl, interviews, predraft visit and the combine—and when you put on his tape, he is just a good, consistent football player. He can move, he can run, and he understands leverage."

We're giving Whitehair the edge here over first-round pick Germain Ifedi, who finds himself part of an unstable Seattle Seahawks line. Guard Christian Westerman, selected a pick ahead of Whitehair, landed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Since the Bengals have a habit of slowly working their rookies into a role, we're also giving Whitehair the nod over Westerman.

Defensive Lineman: Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers

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Former Ohio State standout Joey Bosa becomes the new face of the Chargers defense.

The San Diego Chargers made former Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa the first non-quarterback selected in this year's draft. It's safe to say he'll be under the spotlight much of the coming season.

The good news is that Bosa definitely seems to have the goods to meet high expectations. The 6'5", 269-pound lineman is a long, rangy defender who can power his way to the quarterback and shut down the run on his side of the formation.

Last season alone, Bosa racked up 51 total tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 5.0 sacks. He also logged an interception and four passes defended. If Bosa can quickly adapt to playing the pro game, he should have the opportunity to produce even better numbers as a rookie.

So far, it seems that Bosa is well on his way.

“He’s better than I thought he’d be to be honest with you in terms of picking up the playbook and as a person," Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget said of Bosa, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The kid has his head on his shoulders. That’s just the truth. I can’t sugarcoat it. That’s just what it is.”

Expect Bosa's profile to make him one of the most notable players on the Chargers defense throughout his rookie season. Expect his ability as an all-around defender to earn him accolades after it.

Defensive Lineman: Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans Saints

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Former Louisville star Sheldon Rankins can be the centerpiece of the Saints' defensive front.

The New Orleans Saints selected former Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with the 12th overall pick in the draft. He was arguably the top defensive tackle in the draft and could be one of the best to come out of college in recent years.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller even went so far as to compare Rankins to Rams star Aaron Donald. Miller wrote the following before the draft:

"

Rankins may not be Donald, but there are similarities. Both are undersized tackles with great quickness and body control. Rankins showed off impressive strength lining up at defensive end in Louisville’s 3-4 scheme and is a more versatile option along the line given his experience as a 5-technique but with the ability to play in a 1-, 3- or 4-technique. With elite short-area quickness and a stunning first step, Rankins can win the snap before linemen are in their pass set.

"

The 6'1", 299-pound Rankins should be a force against the run in the middle of the Saints defense. In addition, he may be able to make some noise as an interior pass-rusher, thanks to the presence of star defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Rankins produced 6.0 sacks and 13.0 tackles for a loss in 2015.

Defensive Lineman: DeForest Buckner, San Francisco 49ers

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The addition of DeForest Buckner should boost the 49ers pass rush in 2016.

Even in a draft class deep in defensive line talent, Oregon product DeForest Buckner stands out. The 6'7", 291-pound defender has the length and the agility to rush the passer off the edge and the strength and the physicality to win against the run.

Last year alone, Bucker racked up 83 total tackles, 17.0 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and five pass deflections.

Buckner's versatility and ability to produce in a variety of roles should allow him to stand out on pro playing fields as well.

"DeForest has done a great job so far," 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil recently said, via the team's official website. "He’s very versatile. He’s a guy that we see being a difference-maker in the run and pass game."

Expect Buckner to largely be the face of San Francisco's new-look defense. However, there will be some guys around Buckner—including nose tackle Ian Williams—who can help make the rookie an even better pro.

Linebacker: Leonard Floyd, Chicago Bears

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Former Georgia star Leonard Floyd can bolster Chicago's pass rush.

The Chicago Bears used the ninth overall pick in the draft to grab former Georgia standout Leonard Floyd. By doing so, the team landed one of this year's top edge-rushers and a cornerstone for their defense moving forward.

The 6'6", 244-pound Floyd is a long and athletic specimen with enough quickness—he clocked a 4.60-second 40 at the combine—to close on opposing quarterbacks off the edge. According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com, the Bears are trying to get Floyd to add a little size to his frame in preparation for the coming season.

“I’ve got prompts set up on my phone of times in the day that I’m supposed to eat,” Floyd said, per Dickerson. “I [have to] make sure I eat at the times when I get the alarm.”

A bigger, stronger Floyd should be a scary sight roaming the edge of coordinator Vic Fangio's defense. Last season, Floyd produced 74 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. As a pass-rushing specialist for the Bears, the potential for even more impressive numbers will be there this season.

Linebacker: Myles Jack, Jacksonville Jaguars

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UCLA product Myles Jack could be this year's top rookie defender.

Former UCLA linebacker Myles Jack dropped out of the first round in this year's draft due to concerns about his surgically repaired knee. Some fear that his knee could limit the length of Jack's NFL career. However, this shouldn't affect his ability to produce as a rookie.

If there's one thing Jack proved in college, it's that he can produce on a football field. In 2014, when healthy, Jack produced 87 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss, seven passes defended and an interception.

The 6'1", 245-pound Jack is a true sideline-to-sideline defender and he can make plays against both the run and the pass. He has also shown the ability to thrive at multiple linebacker spots. This should give him added value in Gus Bradley's defense.

The Jaguars added several other defensive pieces this offseason and have an offense that can score points—23.5 of them per game in 2015. This means opposing offenses will face the pressure of keeping pace on the scoreboard, and Jack will benefit from a strong supporting cast. This should lead to plenty of prime opportunities for the former Bruin to make plays.

Expect Jack to take full advantage of each opportunity. Also expect Jack to be an early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Linebacker: Reggie Ragland, Buffalo Bills

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Rookie linebacker Reggie Ragland can be a force in the middle of the Buffalo defense.

Former Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland was a tackling machine and a run-stuffing nightmare in college. Just last season, he produced 102 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.

Now a member of the Buffalo Bills, Ragland should have an opportunity to become an elite defender at the pro level. He will be playing behind a talented Bills defensive line and should be able to make a name for himself as the cleanup man in the middle of the defense. 

NFL Media's Marc Sessler recently explained:

"

Coach Rex Ryan has become an easy target in Buffalo, but he found a kindred spirit in Ragland, the team's second-round pick. The former Alabama star doesn't blow you away with his speed, but Ragland is an old-school defender with some bite. Set to start immediately at inside linebacker, Ragland is bound to help improve a run defense that allowed a whopping 4.4 yards per carry last season.

"

If Ragland's collegiate career is any indication, he isn't likely to pile on the sacks or turnovers as a pro. However, Ragland should be able to produce some impressive tackle totals and deliver a handful of highlight-reel hits along the way.

Linebacker: Darron Lee, New York Jets

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Former Ohio State star Darron Lee should have opportunities to shine in the Jets defense.

Former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee landed in a nearly ideal spot with the New York Jets. The Jets' defensive strengths reside along the defensive line and in the secondary. Lee, a versatile do-it-all defender, can benefit as a centerpiece in between the two talented groups.

Lee should get plenty of opportunities to rack up numbers as a rookie because he is a true three-down linebacker who can tackle, cover and rush. Just last season, he produced 66 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception.

Going to a strong defense—Pro Football Focus rated the Jets ninth in overall defense for the 2015 season—should help quicken Lee's transition to the NFL. It should also help Lee in the production department.

Don't be surprised if Lee's stats sheet is even more impressive as a rookie than it was at Ohio State last season.

Cornerback: Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars

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Former Florida State star Jalen Ramsey might be the best overall player in this year's draft class.

The Jacksonville Jaguars likely got themselves one heck of a pass defender with the fifth overall pick in the draft. Florida State product Jalen Ramsey has the ability to play both cornerback and safety and he has shown the ability to thrive in a variety of roles.

Last year, Ramsey produced 52 total tackles, 10 passes defended, a sack and a fumble recovery.

Ramsey is likely to spend most of his time at cornerback in the Jacksonville defense, and he should benefit from an influx of defensive talent. The Jaguars also brought in defensive end Malik Jackson and safety Tashaun Gipson this offseason. In addition, the team will be getting pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. back after he missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL.

Ramsey suffered a knee injury of his own this offseason, but his meniscus tear doesn't appear to be serious.

According to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell recently said that Ramsey is “doing great right now and will be 100 percent ready for camp.”

Expect Ramsey to be on the field and making plays early and often as a rookie.

Cornerback: Vernon Hargreaves III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Rookie Vernon Hargreaves (left) should immediately compete for a starting corner spot in Tampa.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snagged Florida product Vernon Hargreaves III with the 11th overall pick in the draft, and by doing so may have landed the best cover corner in this year's class.

The 5'10", 204-pound Hargreaves is a physical and fiery competitor with more than enough athleticism for the position. He has also shown the ability to take the football away from opposing quarterbacks and to make plays once he has the ball in his hands.

Last season, Hargreaves grabbed four interceptions and amassed 152 interception-return yards. He also racked up 33 tackles and four pass deflections.

Hargreaves should have little trouble cracking the starting lineup of a Buccaneers secondary that was just awful in 2015. Pro Football Focus rated Tampa as the league's worst coverage unit. He may wind up on the outside, starting opposite 2015 Pro Bowler and offseason acquisition Brent Grimes. If so, Hargreaves may be consistently tested by opposing quarterbacks.

If Hargreaves does become a target of quarterbacks, it could lead to some big turnover production. This was the case with Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, who was targeted 137 times as a rookie in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. Though Peters surrendered 939 yards passing, he also produced eight interceptions and was named 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

It shouldn't be a total shock to see Hargreaves competing for Rookie of the Year honors this year.

Safety: Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons

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New Falcons safety Keanu Neal should add some much-needed physicality to the Falcons defense.

The Atlanta Falcons added a tough, physical defender to the back end of their defense when the team added former Florida safety Keanu Neal in the first round of this year's draft.

The 6'0", 211-pound Neal is a big-hitter and can bring an intimidating presence to the Falcons secondary. He is also a rangy defender in run support and can serve almost as an extra linebacker in certain packages. Expect head coach Dan Quinn to use Neal in the same way he used Kam Chancellor when with the Seattle Seahawks—as a momentum-stopper in the middle of the field.

Barring an unexpected development, Neal should have every opportunity this offseason to earn a starting role. This is why we're choosing him over a safety like Vonn Bell, who is staring down a crowded depth chart with the New Orleans Saints.

Once Neal gets on the field, his production should speak for itself. Just last season, he amassed 96 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and an interception. Though Neal is more of an in-the-box safety than a ball hawk, his raw numbers and highlight-reel hits should have him eyeing a spot on this year's all-rookie team.

Safety: Karl Joseph, Oakland Raiders

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Rookie safety Karl Joseph finds himself in a favorable spot with the Raiders.

With the 2016 draft class lacking in top-tier free safety talent, our choice for the second safety spot is also more of an in-the-box safety. However, Karl Joseph, a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders, can be more than just a run defender at the pro level.

Joseph didn't receive a ton of hype heading into the 2016 draft due to the ACL injury that prematurely ended his 2015 campaign. If you go back to the beginning of this past season, however, you can see that Joseph does possess the skills to be a turnover machine.

Despite playing in just four games, Joseph managed to produce five interceptions to go with 20 total tackles and a sack.

The 5'10", 205-pound Joseph should benefit greatly from playing alongside safety Reggie Nelson, who came away with eight interceptions of his own in 2015. The Oakland pass rush—led by Khalil Mack and rated sixth overall by Pro Football Focus in 2015—should further increase Joseph's big-play opportunities.

Assuming Joseph doesn't suffer any setbacks in his return from injury, he could be a legitimate candidate for Pro Bowl honors in addition to a spot on all-rookie teams.

Kicker: Roberto Aguayo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Buccaneers traded up to grab former Florida State kicker Robertyo Aguayo in the second round.

When a team trades up in the second round to grab a kicker—as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did with Florida State product Roberto Aguayo this year—the kid had better be something special at the next level.

While we're not completely convinced that Aguayo will be truly special as a rookie, we feel pretty confident that he has the safest job of any rookie kicker this year. This alone makes him an early favorite for our team.

Aguayo's problem resides in his long kicks. He made just 14 of 22 attempts on kicks longer than 40 yards over the past two season. However, he is an extremely accurate kicker. Aguayo converted 96.73 percent of all kicks in college, which set a new NCAA record.

Aguayo should be money on shorter field-goal attempts and on the new, longer extra-point tries.

Punter: Drew Kaser, San Diego Chargers

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Texas A&M product Drew Kaser should be the new punter in San Diego this season.

The San Diego Chargers selected former Texas A&M punter Drew Kaser in the sixth round of the draft and also parted ways with veteran Mike Scifres in the offseason. Naturally, Kaser should have every opportunity to take the starting job as a rookie and run with it.

Kaser should be a fine addition to the Chargers' special teams unit. He averaged 47.47 yards per punt last season with the Aggies. His average set a new SEC record.

According to former A&M teammate and current Chargers kicker Josh Lambo, Kaseer works hard to be more than just a power punter.

“He works his tail end off,” Lambo said, via the team's official website. “He works hard on his craft and doesn’t settle for anything less than excellence. You can tell from his record at A&M, but also breaking Shane Lechler’s records who has been a Pro Bowler and in this league forever. He’s going to make some noise in this league.”

Return Specialist: Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

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Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill is already impressing teammates with his quickness.

Kansas City Chiefs rookie receiver Tyreek Hill has the type of speed that can change the course of a football game—he clocked a ridiculous 4.25-second 40 at his pro day. This is one of the reasons why the Chiefs are interested in Hill's ability as a return specialist and why he makes our team today.

Last season at West Alabama, Hill averaged 23.35 yards per kickoff return, 12.85 yards per punt return and scored four return touchdowns.

Hill's potential game-changing ability even reminds Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub to one pretty prolific return man.

"I probably said a couple of [times] that he’s Devin Hester-ish," Toub said, per Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. "He’s a really good catcher. He makes people miss. He’s got great agility, great quickness, great first-step quickness. His top speed is second to none. Four-two-five? That speed is real."

It's obviously a bit early to be comparing Hill to a guy like Hester, but there's not denying the impact his elite speed can have on a special teams unit.