Every year, 253 rookies start their NFL journeys as draft picks. Many more sign contracts as undrafted free agents. Some sink and others swim.
Let's press the fast-forward button and look at who'll be the top 25 rookies in 2018. The rankings are not offseason grades; they're a projection of who will finish with the best season. Consider those atop the list Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates.
Training camp reports and preseason performances have been considered, but those are secondary to a player's projected role. High-profile first-rounders are also included despite their uncertain outlooks as reserves.