NFL Week 1 Rookie Power Rankings: Patrick Surtain II, Micah Parsons get nod over three starting quarterbacks

How does one rank rookie prospects without them ever having played a down in a meaningful NFL game? The coaching situation and supporting cast must be taken into account, as well as the team outlook, preseason buzz and, quite honestly, a gut feeling. Pre-NFL Draft evaluations are doing a lot of the heavy lifting here but this incoming rookie class should have fans excited. Where do the three projected rookie starting quarterbacks come into play? When will Trey Lance and Justin Fields join the party? Those are just a few of the storylines to monitor.

The journey to naming the rookies of the year on offense and defense begins on Thursday night between the Cowboys and Buccaneers. Without further ado, the preseason rookie rankings:

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Pre-Week 1 Rookie Rankings

1	Patrick Surtain II Denver Broncos CB
Surtain should be a key player in a much-improved defensive unit. I believed him to be the top cornerback prospect available in the draft and I expect him to play like it. He recorded an interception returned for a touchdown in the preseason.
2	Micah Parsons Dallas Cowboys LB
Parsons has been all over the field for Dallas and is eager to retake the field in a meaningful game after opting out of his final college football season. The Penn State product should put up some big numbers this season.
3	Najee Harris Pittsburgh Steelers RB
Pittsburgh will need to incorporate Harris into the run game early and often. He takes pressure off an unstable offensive line and Ben Roethlisberger by being accountable in the pass game. It is not like the Steelers have a second running back they are eager to give carries. Harris should put up big numbers.
4	Mac Jones New England Patriots QB
The reason that Jones is higher on this list is because he has a more stable offensive line situation and should find team success sooner than Zach Wilson or Trevor Lawrence. I do not necessarily believe he is the most talented of the first-round quarterbacks but I am open to having my mind changed.
5	Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Cleveland Browns LB
Owusu-Koramoah is a similar conversation to Parsons. I believe that he will be all over the field for Cleveland; that much was evident in his preseason exposure. If nothing else, the linebacker should stack the stat sheet.
6	Rashawn Slater Los Angeles Chargers OT
The narrative that college football's opt-outs won't be ready to play is taking a hit with my list featuring Parsons and now Slater. The buzz out of Los Angeles is that Slater has looked really good and should be ready to hit the ground running Week 1.
7	Zach Wilson New York Jets QB
Perhaps I am giving Mike LaFleur and Robert Saleh too much credit, but I do not think they will throw their young quarterback to the wolves. I expect them to rely on motion, move the pocket and lean on that zone-schemed rushing attack until Wilson becomes comfortable.
8	Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars QB
Many expected Lawrence to be without blemishes early in his professional career and that is unrealistic. He is not walking through the halls of Clemson any longer. Jacksonville is not head and shoulders better than the competition. In fact, the opposite could be true many weeks this fall.
9	Javonte Williams Denver Broncos RB
Williams was my top ranked running back but he is expected to split duties with Melvin Gordon at least initially. His stats will be lagging behind Harris early in the season but do not be surprised if he comes on strong down the stretch.
10	Kyle Pitts Atlanta Falcons TE
When you clicked this list, I can confidently assume you did not expect to see the No. 4 overall selection barely inside the top 10. I think the outlook on Atlanta's offense has come through red-tinted glasses and I am choosing to take a more cautious approach. There is no doubt in my mind that he will have a successful career, however.
11	Asante Samuel Jr. Los Angeles Chargers CB
Some question if Brandon Staley is ready to take on the role of head coach. I can think of few that are more well-equipped to step into that role than Staley. His communication style and forward thinking on defense have me excited about the prospects of Joey Bosa, Derwin James and Samuel. I just wish Staley had gotten there a little sooner in Ingram's career; Ingram has since signed with the Steelers.
12	Alijah Vera-Tucker New York Jets OG
The presence of Vera-Tucker has more to do with my blind faith in the player dating to draft evaluations. The left side of New York's offensive line should -- literally -- be strong with Mekhi Becton and the USC product.
13	Christian Barmore New England Patriots DT
Barmore should jump into the New England rotation immediately. He landed in an ideal situation with Bill Belichick and should be better for it.
14	Kwity Paye Indianapolis Colts DE
Indianapolis' coaching has already made a few changes to Paye's technique and that should pay dividends. He is surrounded with talent, such as DeForest Buckner and Darius Leonard, which should free him up to make plays in the backfield.
15	Royce Newman Green Bay Packers OG
Even Newman's most devout believers could not have guessed he would be a in position to start for an NFC contender in Week 1 but that is exactly how the situation in Green Bay has developed. He has played fantastic in the preseason and has been rewarded for that play.