Which Rookies Are Already Shining in NFL's Preseason?

The NFL preseason is the perfect time for rookies to earn their keep and show their talent on a national stage. A strong game performance can help start the momentum toward a solid season and career.

While it's early in the preseason, there are eight rookies who have already shown game-changing talent in their brief debuts. Each one of these rookies figures to be an important rotation player, if not more, this season.

Most of the early preseason stars are familiar names for college football fans. So far, their transitions to the NFL have been smooth. Let's take a look at which rookies are shining throughout the preseason thus far.

Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings

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The Minnesota Vikings have played two games thus far, and in each game linebacker Eric Kendricks has been fantastic. The second-round pick from UCLA was a standout in college, racking up tackles and showing great ability in coverage. So far, the same is happening in Minnesota.

Kendricks has totaled one sack and two quarterback hurries, per Pro Football Focus. He also has seven run stops, zero missed tackles and a pass defensed in coverage. It doesn't matter what kind of play the offense is running; Kendricks is capable of making an impact.

Don't be surprised if Kendricks earns the starting job soon for the Vikings. His play so far has been too impressive for the team to overlook. He offers playmaking talent at a position where it is difficult to find those types of players.

La'el Collins, Dallas Cowboys

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It's not surprising Dallas Cowboys rookie La'el Collins has been so impressive thus far. Collins was widely regarded as a first-round talent entering the draft, but an odd circumstance and poor management by his advisers caused him to go undrafted. Other teams are likely kicking themselves for not selecting him on Day 3.

Nevertheless, here we are. The NFL's best offensive line has the best backup in Collins. To this point he's been by far the best rookie guard. According to Pro Football Focus, his run-blocking has been especially good, earning a positive 2.7 grade in 51 snaps.

We may not see Collins starting this season, but he's clearly on the path to becoming an impact starter whenever he'll be called upon. The long-term outlook for the Cowboys line is as bright as it could be.

Frank Clark, Seattle Seahawks

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The most dominant player in Week 1 of the preseason was undoubtedly Seattle edge-rusher Frank Clark. Clark was an accomplished player at Michigan, and his polish was clear as he tore through the Denver Broncos offensive line en route to six tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark had five run stops in 51 snaps.

It remains to be seen whether Clark will continue to be that productive against starters, but his first showing was promising. Instead of being groomed as a rotational piece down the line, Clark may force his way into Bruce Irvin's role sooner rather than later. Irvin is in a contract year, which may mean the Seahawks would be willing to give more playing time to a long-term member of the team.

We'll see if Clark can keep impressing. His on-field resume at Michigan was very impressive, and obviously his NFL debut was as well.

Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles

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The Philadelphia Eagles were able to add dynamic speedster Nelson Agholor to their wide receiver room in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. The former USC playmaker dazzled in his debut performance, racking up three receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. His blend of speed, acceleration and smoothness makes him a natural breakout candidate for the Eagles.

Agholor quickly eats up any space that defensive backs give to him. His elusiveness after the catch helped cause two missed tackles in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus. So far he is proving he was a first-round talent.

Expect the Eagles to keep feeding Agholor. He seems likely to start based off his preseason work volume. Agholor's explosiveness should continue to prove dangerous on a week-to-week basis for the Eagles.

Daryl Williams, Carolina Panthers

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Although the Carolina Panthers offense has been somewhat neutered by the loss of receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the season, there has been a positive development for the team in the preseason. With concerns at running back, offensive line and receiver, the Panthers need as many breakout players as possible. Rookie right tackle Daryl Williams has been that so far, earning the top blocking grade from Pro Football Focus of all rookie tackles.

Williams was one of my 2015 draft favorites because of his ability to use his massive frame to work defenders downfield in the run game. He is incredibly powerful and violent, which is perfect for the right tackle position. As the Panthers search for a starting right tackle, they may not need to look any further than the 6'5", 327-pound Williams.

Week 2 will feature a big matchup for Williams as the Panthers face the Miami Dolphins. Defensive end Cameron Wake is a premier pass-rusher. If Williams can hold his own, he may solidify his grasp on the starting job.

Quinten Rollins, Green Bay Packers

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The Green Bay Packers knew they needed to inject talent into their secondary, which led to selecting two defensive backs within the first two rounds of the 2015 draft. The latter pick, Quinten Rollins, played just one year of football in college. His natural instincts in coverage helped him stand out from the crowd.

At least through one game, Rollins seems to be on the fast track to success in the NFL too. Facing the New England Patriots in Week 1, Rollins was a terror for Jimmy Garoppolo to face. Rollins was targeted 10 times but allowed just five completions for 26 yards, per Pro Football Focus.

More impressive were the two passes Rollins knocked away. He continues to show the knack for finding the ball. Rollins is certainly cementing his role in the Packers' defensive back rotation with his high-quality play.

Josh Robinson, Indianapolis Colts

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The Indianapolis Colts may have found themselves a Day 3 steal in the draft when they took Josh Robinson from Mississippi State. At 5'8", 217 pounds, Robinson is an absolute bowling ball of a runner. His sheer power and balance allow him to bounce through tacklers as if they're nothing.

His first game against the Philadelphia Eagles went the same way Robinson's collegiate games went. In 10 carries, Robinson amassed four missed tackles and 44 yards, per Pro Football Focus. His stature and willingness to fight through contact make him very difficult to stop.

Robinson may not get the starting job this year, but he looks like a solid backup and role player behind Frank Gore. Gore has had injury issues and is aging, so in the event he slows down, the Colts may be just fine with Robinson taking the wheel if need be.

Anthony Chickillo, Pittsburgh Steelers

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A sixth-round pickup from the University of Miami, linebacker Anthony Chickillo is transitioning from a 3-4 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker. Chickillo was misused in college, which masked his talent level and overall athleticism. The Pittsburgh Steelers were wise to take a flier on his talent.

Chickillo's first two games have been solid thus far. He's amassed 39 snaps and should continue to work his way into the Steelers rotation. He has just two tackles, but he always ends up around the ball. Good things tend to happen to that type of player.

That stat book is not filled for Chickillo yet, but the tape is very good so far. That's why he has been a standout among the rest of the rookie class.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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