When we talk about first-round draft picks, it can be hard not to use phrases like "fills a need" or "ready to step in." I'm certainly guilty of it on occasion, and it's based on the reality that the draft is all about optimism and the best-case scenario for each player headed into the league. But at some point, rookie reality sets in.
I thought we got a lot of great rookie performances last year, but consider other realities of 2014's Round 1:
• Each of the top three picks had major struggles or was injured. You could say six of the top 10 picks had pretty tough transitions.
• Only about 50 percent of first-round picks were full-time starters. (Again, not unusual.)
We always say it, but it's worth repeating: Fit can be more important than talent early on. Opportunity can surpass ability early on when it comes to impact.
With that in mind, here are 10 rookies from Round 1 (five offense, five defense) who I think can make an early impact. While I expect both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota to start early (with Week 1 the likeliest option), neither really qualifies here because they're going to experience major growing pains. I'll hit Rounds 2-3 and 4-7 in the next two days.