Breaking Down the NFL's Most Likely Day 1 Rookie Starters

We're drawing closer to the start of the 2016 NFL regular season. The league has gone through two weeks of preseason action, and the all-important third week (dress rehearsal) is upon us. While we don't have a crystal-clear picture of what teams are going to look like when the season opens, we do have a better idea than we did a couple of weeks ago.

For some teams, a significant part of the opening-day roster will be comprised of rookies. Some teams may have a high number of rookie starters, while others may have just one playing at an important position. For these teams, though, rookies are going to play an important role.

We're going to take an early look at the rookies who are most likely to start from day one. We'll be focusing on first-year players who appear to have already locked down a starting job and who should play a notable role for their respective teams.

Our choices will be based on factors like preseason performance, player expectation, positional competition and offseason reports, where applicable.

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens

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Ronnie Stanley appears to be on his way to rookie stardom.

The Baltimore Ravens made former Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley the first offensive lineman taken in the 2016 draft. As of now, it's difficult to argue against the team's decision to do so.

Stanley has strung together strong performances in training camp and has been an absolute star through two weeks of preseason action. Pro Football Focus actually rates him sixth overall among all offensive tackles to play in the preseason thus far.

“You look at it, and you go, ‘There’s nothing that tells you that he can’t do this,’” offensive coordinator Marc Trestman said of Stanley, per Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official website. “The game’s not going to be too big for him, and the spot’s not going to be too big for him. It’s an important spot, obviously. That’s what we’re seeing each and every day. ... I think he’s going to grow into being an outstanding football player.”

Stanley is looking like a player who can protect Joe Flacco's blindside from the start of the regular season—and potentially for the remainder of the quarterback's pro career.

We obviously have yet to see Stanley perform in a meaningful game against a creatively coached defense, but right now, he's looking like the real deal at left tackle and a quality rookie starter.

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

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Rookie wideout Michael Thomas is looking like a potential star.

The New Orleans Saints drafted former Ohio State wideout Michael Thomas in the second round of this year's draft, in part to help replace the departed Marques Colston.

The 6'3", 212-pounder has the size and the polished route-running skills needed to excel as an outside receiver. With Drew Brees under center to help guide him, Thomas could become a star sooner than later.

Through two weeks of preseason action, Thomas leads all New Orleans pass-catchers with 72 yards receiving. If head coach Sean Payton's words ring true, Thomas could be an early receiving leader in the regular season as well.

"I’ve got high expectations for him," Payton said of Thomas, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. "Listen, I think he’s gonna contribute early. I don’t follow fantasy football, but shoot, I’d try to have him. I think he’s gonna do well."

The Saints have Thomas listed behind Willie Snead on the team's preseason depth chart. However, it would be no surprise at all to see him starting on the outside in Week 1 with either Snead or Brandin Cooks in the slot.

Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Jaguars expect Jalen Ramsey to provide a major boost to their secondary as a rookie.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Jalen Ramsey may not have been the first defensive player off the board in this year's draft, but he was widely considered one of the most pro-ready. All the Florida State product has done since being drafted is further reinforce that perception.

Ramsey was forced to undergo knee surgery shortly after being drafted, but he has already worked his way back into the first-team defense and recently made his preseason debut. The Jaguars held Ramsey out of the team's preseason opener but allowed him to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. He finished the game with three tackles, including a standout tackle for a loss on the second play of the game.

The Jaguars are naturally excited about Ramsey's potential.

“He can run pretty much with any player in the league,” defensive coordinator Todd Wash said of Ramsey, per Hays Carlyon of Jacksonville.com. “We knew that from the draft, but it’s just his competitive nature. He’s a guy that works in the classroom, on the field and really excels during games. We’re really excited about him.”

Expect Ramsey to start for Jacksonville from day one and to be a big contributor on the defensive side of the ball throughout the season.

Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Could Vernon Hargreaves be a shutdown corner for the Buccaneers as a rookie?

Vernon Hargreaves was the second cornerback off the board in this year's draft. Yet, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may still feel like they got a bit of a steal by landing the former Florida star with the 11th overall pick.

Hargreaves has been one of the most impressive rookies to take the field this preseason.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hargreaves has played 40 snaps through two weeks of preseason action, has allowed zero receptions and has one pass defended and two interceptions on four targets. Pro Football Focus also rates him first overall among all cornerbacks who played in the first two weeks of the preseason.

Hargreaves' teammates recognize just how quickly the rookie is taking to the pro game.

"All you need, for a rookie, all you need to do is just make some plays, make plays here and there and your confidence boosts and your game takes over," Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David said of Hargreaves, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. "That's what's been going on. You can tell he's carrying himself different now, has a little swagger to him."

The Buccaneers hope that Hargreaves can continue building confidence and making plays on the football field. The rookie has been working with the first-team defense at both nickelback and on the outside in training camp, and he should have a significant role in the defense from day one.

Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants

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Giants rookie Sterling Shepard is expected to be an early contributor in the passing game.

The hype surrounding New York Giants rookie receiver Sterling Shepard has been palpable since the early portion of the offseason. The speedy Oklahoma product has been projected as a complementary piece for star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. since shortly after being drafted, and he seems to have done nothing to ax that idea.

“I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but he’s going to be a special player,” Beckham said of his rookie counterpart earlier this month, per Michael Eisen of the Giants' official website. “I kind of want to keep him on the down-low for right now, so that way he just jumps out the first couple of games, has some big plays, touchdowns, and all of that."

Though Shepard hasn't seen a lot of work during the preseason—just one reception for 24 yards—he has already been penciled in as the team's No. 2 receiver. The Giants have Shepard listed as such on their unofficial preseason depth chart.

Barring injury, Shepard appears likely to remain in the No. 2 receiver role when the Giants open the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 11.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas fully expects rookie Ezekiel Elliott to lead its rushing attack this season.

We haven't been able to see Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott this preseason because of a nagging hamstring injury. Fortunately, the former Ohio State star is expected to see his unofficial NFL debut this week against the Seattle Seahawks.

"I'm excited to finally get some full-go action," Elliott said of his debut, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. "It's been a long time."

Even though Elliott has missed a large portion of camp, we fully expect him to be the Cowboys' lead back when the regular season kicks off against the New York Giants. The Cowboys do have veteran Alfred Morris (and an injured Darren McFadden) on the roster, but Elliott has an upside Dallas' other backs lack.

Though he has only done so at the collegiate level, Elliott has shown he can put an offense on his shoulders. Just last season, he produced 1,821 yards rushing, 206 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns for the 12-1 Buckeyes.

The Cowboys wouldn't have used the fourth overall pick in the draft on Elliott if they didn't plan on starting him from day one. If he's healthy, Elliott will be in the backfield out of the gate.

Joe Thuney, OG, New England Patriots

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Joe Thuney could provide the Patriots line with a boost as a rookie.

The New England Patriots might not have held a first-round pick in this year's draft, but this doesn't mean they won't have a rookie starter. Third-round selection and former NC State standout Joe Thuney appears ready to step in and start at guard from the opening whistle.

Thuney has performed incredibly well this preseason, which should give the Patriots plenty of confidence in him. According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney played 83 snaps through the first two weeks of the preseason but only allowed a single quarterback pressure. Pro Football Focus rates him second overall among all guards who appeared in the first two weeks of exhibition play.

Though Patriots head coach Bill Belichick unsurprisingly hasn't handed Thuney a starting job yet, he has admitted that the rookie is close.

"Joe's done a good job with what we've given him," Belichick said, per Zack Cox of NESN.com. "I think he's certainly moving toward maybe being able to lock something down at some point. I don't think we're there yet, but I think he's certainly gaining on it. He's had a good preseason and a good spring."

Barring an injury or a nosedive in performance over the final two weeks of the preseason, Thuney should start for New England.

Germain Ifedi, OG, Seattle Seahawks

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Rookie Germain Ifedi is expected to help anchor the interior of the Seattle line as a rookie.

The offensive line of the Seattle Seahawks was a bit of a mess in 2015. In fact, it just might have been the worst line in the entire NFL. Pro Football Focus rated the Seahawks 29th in run blocking and 30th in pass blocking for the season.

The need for an overhaul along the line is part of the reason why the Seahawks decided on former Texas A&M guard Germain Ifedi as their first-round draft pick.

The rookie should have an impact from day one.

Though Ifedi has had some growing pains during training camp and in the preseason, he has impressed the Seattle coaching staff with his fiery attitude and his approach to the game.

“Hey, he’s just a tough football player, and I love the way he’s approaching the game,’’ Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said of Ifedi, per Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. “Gauging what he can and can’t do, we’ll figure it out. I don’t want him to change anything. I want him to keep battling and keep pushing, and match the passion he sees from the guys across from him.”

Expect Ifedi to be a starter when the season opens and a big piece of Seattle's revamped offensive line throughout the season.

Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts

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Rookie center Ryan Kelly should be an immediate asset in the middle of the Indianapolis line.

The center position may be a relatively overlooked one in today's NFL, but it is still an important part of a strong offense. Not only does the center typically help the quarterback read the defense and make protection adjustments, but he is also responsible for protecting the quarterback in the middle and springing the interior running game.

In fact, one could argue that the center is the only player other than the quarterback who is directly involved in every offensive play.

Fortunately for the Indianapolis Colts, rookie center Ryan Kelly is looking like a guy who can have an early positive impact and solidify the center spot for the next decade.

"He just puts his nose to the grindstone and goes to work every day," Colts guard Jack Mewhort said of Kelly, per Kevin Bowen of the Colts' official website. "That’s something you appreciate as a teammate and an offensive lineman. We aren’t worried about him being a rookie.”

Though Kelly dealt with a shoulder injury early in training camp, he has bounced back to play extremely well in the preseason. Pro Football Focus rates him sixth overall among all centers for the first two weeks of the preseason.

The Colts should start Kelly from day one and have no worries about the position when doing so.

Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns

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Rookie receiver Corey Coleman has yet to play this preseason, but he should still own a starting job with the Browns.

The Cleveland Browns made former Baylor receiver Corey Coleman the first wideout off the board in this year's draft. However, draft status isn't the only reason why Coleman is likely to own a starting job despite not playing in the preseason to date.

Coleman was impressive in training camp prior to suffering the hamstring injury that has kept him out of Cleveland's first two preseason games. His speed and ability to track the deep ball made him one of the biggest standouts of the Browns' offseason.

Coleman and fellow receiver Josh Gordon are expected to make their preseason debuts on Friday against the Buccaneers. Browns head coach Hue Jackson seems to believe that the missed time won't hamper the rookie's preparation.

“He’s just getting back and finding his rhythm back playing, but I think he is doing well," Jackson said of Coleman, per Patrick Maks of the Browns' official website. “He’s a young player. I understand he’s going to have some up and down days, but I think he’s going to be fine. There is no question in my mind about that.”

If Gordon was eligible to start when the regular season opens, there's a chance that Coleman might not. However, Gordon was only recently reinstated by the league and must serve a four-game suspension to open the 2016 season.

This makes it a virtual certainty that Coleman owns one of the starting receiver spots for Cleveland if healthy.