2016 NFL Rookies Who Will Become Household Names by Season's End

It's tough for rookies to make a significant impact in the NFL. Most are buried on the depth chart, and those who do play often struggle to keep up with the veterans around them.

But every year, a handful of players step into situations conducive to making a strong first impression and quickly become household names around the league.

A lot of factors go into becoming a household name—and they aren't strictly about talent.

The following criteria were considered to come up with this list of rookies:

• Playing time: Each rookie on this list has an opportunity to win a starting job at some point during the 2016 season.
• Team success: Rookies contributing to winners are more likely generate headlines and attract national attention.
• Market: The major markets, regardless of success, give rookies a slightly more high-profile platform.
• Position relevance: Players who contribute in fantasy football are exponentially more recognizable to casual fans, so they're more likely to become household names immediately.

Since some rookies are already household names from playing their college careers in the spotlight—Dallas Cowboys first-round selection Ezekiel Elliott, for example—a few obvious names have been left off this list. Some first-round picks have still been included, but we'll focus primarily on prospects who didn't necessarily get national attention in college.

Based on these factors, here's a list of rookies who could become household names by the end of the 2016 season.

Jared Goff, Rams

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Jared Goff is the face of Los Angeles' long-awaited NFL franchise.

Expectations for his first season with the Rams should be limited, but Goff will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about rookies in the league this year simply because of the attention he'll receive playing in Los Angeles.

This season will likely feature a lot of handing off to Todd Gurley, but if Gurley continues to progress and the Rams defense remains steady, a rookie-year playoff run is within the realm of possibility for Goff.

A realistic expectation for Goff's debut season probably resembles Mark Sanchez's rookie campaign with the New York Jets in 2009. Hopefully Goff continues to develop thereafter rather than have his development stall, as was the case for Sanchez.

Laquon Treadwell, Vikings

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Laquon Treadwell is the perfect fit for the Minnesota Vikings based on Teddy Bridgewater's skill set.

Bridgewater doesn't have a cannon for an arm, so the Vikings were clearly focused on adding a big, physical possession receiver who can win the short and intermediate routes.

Much was made of Treadwell's lack of speed prior to the draft, but in Minnesota he won't be asked to stretch the field. Stefon Diggs fills that role on the opposite side, so Treadwell should see a high volume of targets within 10 to 15 yards of the line of scrimmage and especially in the red zone.

Treadwell's role isn't conducive to big plays, but he should make an immediate impact and help the Vikings back to the playoffs.

Myles Jack, Jaguars

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Myles Jack's fall to the second round was shocking because of the fact his injury concerns are more about his longevity than his ability to make an immediate impact.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are building one of the league's most athletic defensive units, and Jack will be a centerpiece, along with first-round pick Jalen Ramsey.

Jack's ability to influence all facets of the game should make him one of the most exciting defensive players to watch in 2016.

Based on the construction of Jacksonville's defense, the Jaguars will likely use his athleticism in coverage most of the time but also as an occasional pass-rusher because of his speed on the edge.

With the ability to make plays all over the field, expect Jack to make frequent appearances in Jaguars highlights this season.

Su'a Cravens, Redskins

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Including Washington Redskins second-round pick Su'a Cravens on this list is going out on a bit of a limb because so few safeties are household names. But Cravens has the potential to play a unique role in Washington.

According to John Keim of ESPN.com, Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan described Cravens' potential role as a "safety, linebacker, maybe a nickel linebacker, maybe a nickel corner." Even if Cravens experiences some rookie growing pains, the novelty of his hybrid role will generate a lot of attention.

McCloughan's description makes Cravens sound a lot like Arizona Cardinals linebacker Deone Bucannon, who has become the gold standard for this hybrid position. The immediate success of Bucannon should have Redskins fans excited about the impact Cravens' versatility could have on their team's defense.

Tyler Boyd, Bengals

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In another situation, Tyler Boyd probably wouldn't make this list, but he's included simply because of his opportunity for playing time with the Cincinnati Bengals.

This offseason, the Bengals lost free-agent receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, who accounted for 152 targets in 2015. Boyd will likely be expected to fill a substantial portion of their contributions to the offense.

Boyd's skill set as a threat after the catch makes him ideal to play in the slot, which fits nicely into Cincinnati's depth chart with A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell likely to start on the outside.

As a result of his opportunity for immediate targets, Boyd will immediately be known to fantasy football players. If his production matches early expectations, his popularity will grow from there.

Paul Perkins, Giants

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It's rare for a fifth-round pick to become a household name early in his career, but Paul Perkins lands in an ideal situation with the New York Giants.

The Giants depth chart is full at running back, but incumbent starter Rashad Jennings does not have a stranglehold on the job.

Perkins will likely get a fair shot to earn carries early in the season, competing with Jennings, Andre Williams and Shane Vereen.

Jennings led the way with 195 carries a season ago, but at 31 years of age, expectations for Jennings are limited at this stage of his career.

Even if Perkins doesn't win the job immediately, it's unlikely anyone ahead of him on the depth chart will hold down the job for all 16 games, meaning it's only a matter of time before Perkins gets his shot.

The Giants primarily use Williams in short-yardage situations and Vereen as a third-down back. Perkins has the balanced skill set to take the starting job from Jennings when the time comes.

Josh Doctson, Redskins

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Josh Doctson doesn't have a clear path to playing time with DeSean Jackson, Jamison Crowder and Pierre Garcon ahead of him on the Washington depth chart. But by season's end, Doctson will likely force his way onto the field with his production.

It's also worth noting that in his eight-year NFL career, Jackson has played 16 games just twice. Sooner or later, Doctson will get a chance to prove his worth. When he does, he may not relinquish the starting job.

Doctson is at his best in contested situations, using his hands, leaping ability and positioning to consistently come down with tough receptions. This makes him an ideal target in the red zone—something Washington has lacked in recent years.