Some will be immediate starters and need to produce immediately.
Others will spend some or all of the season being groomed for a regular role.
And the majority will be somewhere in between — a rotational player in Week 1 and a starter by Week 10.
What should fans expect from this year’s first round draft class? Here is a pick by pick look:
1. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay: Starting right away has worked out recently for top overall picks Andrew Luck (really well), Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford. In Winston’s favor are two stud receivers — Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans — to help him navigate the Buccaneers out of the NFC South basement.