As we kick off another NFL season, I'm again trotting out predictions for rookies who will perform well. Just remember: This is NOT just a talent survey. It's all about opportunity. For example, going into Week 1, I don't think Cowboys starting quarterback Dak Prescott is the best rookie QB, but where opportunity meets talent, rookies thrive.
So here are my predictions for the 2016 All-Rookie Team.
Note: There are more than 11 players on each side; I added a spot or two because of how teams set up their lineups -- there is no "base" look anymore.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Dak Prescott, Dallas
He's penciled in behind arguably the best offensive line in football, with the chance to throw (and run) with plenty of favorable down-and-distance situations. Will it be 3-4 weeks, or 9-10? That's the question. Just keep an eye on Philly. There's at least a possibility that Carson Wentz will get more starts than Prescott.
Running back
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas
Derrick Henry, Tennessee
Elliott will start the season with a target on his back minus Tony Romo -- but that only means more carries (and catches) behind a dominating offensive line. Henry enters a timeshare situation with DeMarco Murray for a Titans team determined to run the ball, but Henry is the more explosive back and could finish with more carries.
Fullback
Andy Janovich, Denver
He's on the field to block, but Janovich has some wiggle if and when he gets a few carries. The former Nebraska walk-on is nails.
Wide receiver
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
Michael Thomas, New Orleans
Tajae Sharpe, Tennessee
The Giants threw the ball over 600 times last year, and Shepard could be the No. 2 option in the passing game. That could mean 100 or more targets. Thomas is an early favorite of Drew Brees and brings added value as a red zone matchup threat -- he need not be "open" to get a throw his way. Sharpe has been a stud in camp and could end up leading the Titans in targets.
Tight end
Hunter Henry, San Diego
You have a quarterback who knows how to find the tight end -- and help that tight end find his way right into the Hall of Fame. Antonio Gates is 36 and could use some help, and Henry, the best tight end in the draft, has a chance to help early on.
Offensive tackle
Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore
Jack Conklin, Tennessee
Stanley was drafted with the full intention that he'd be able to take over at left tackle right away. He'll have his struggles, but the potential is there. If Tennessee is truly to win with the run game, that plays into Conklin's strengths. He was the best run-blocking tackle in the draft and will start.
Offensive guard
Joe Thuney, New England
Laremy Tunsil, Miami
At North Carolina State, Thuney showed he could man any position along the offensive line, and the reviews are good so far as he works in at guard. (The Patriots will have two new guards.) Tunsil is a future left tackle serving an apprenticeship at guard.
Center
Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis
We've seen an endless stream of candidates at center since Andrew Luck arrived, and hopefully Kelly can hold the job for a while. There will be growing pains, but I suspect he will.
DEFENSE
Defensive end
DeForest Buckner, San Francisco
Joey Bosa, San Diego
Buckner will be active early on in what I suspect should be an improved 49ers defense. Based on how he'll be used it's possible to put Bosa either here or with the outside linebackers when they have him lined up to rush the passer from the edge. I don't expect a flying start, but he'll be fine.
The other guy who could jump out here: Jonathan Bullard of the Bears.
Defensive tackle
Kenny Clark, Green Bay
Javon Hargrave, Pittsburgh
We've seen in preseason how disruptive Clark can be, and he can line up in a couple of different spots for them. Hargrave has quickness and the ability to get a blocker on skates. He could be a steal for Pittsburgh.
Outside linebacker
Darron Lee, New York Jets
Leonard Floyd, Chicago
There will be growing pains, but Lee is a tremendous athlete with range and sneaky blitz potential, and the Jets will have him on the field. Floyd is going to make his name for his ability to get after the passer, but he also has done a decent job holding up against the run in preseason.
Inside linebacker
Blake Martinez, Green Bay
Deion Jones, Atlanta
Martinez is holding down the starting role of middle linebacker headed into the season; he's underrated in coverage, showing a good feel for it. The Falcons wanted to get faster at linebacker and safety, and Jones and Keanu Neal give Dan Quinn a little more of what he had in Seattle.
Cornerback
Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville
Vernon Hargreaves III, Tampa Bay
Brandon Williams, Arizona
Rookie cornerbacks always have some serious lows to go with flashes of good play, but these guys have a chance to be pretty good pretty soon. Ramsey does more than cover, because he's physical and fearless as a tackler. Hargreaves should see a ton of time when the Bucs are in nickel, which will be plenty. Williams has impressed early, and the speedster looks set for a ton of PT.
Safety
Karl Joseph, Oakland
Keanu Neal, Atlanta
Darian Thompson, New York Giants
Joseph is a playmaker who they need to help out right away. He's the replacement for Charles Woodson in Oakland. Neal is essentially an extra linebacker who can drop and cover -- a classic hybrid player. The Falcons had a plan for him when they took him. Thompson was a ball hawk in college but is showing the Giants he will attack downhill as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker
Roberto Aguayo, Tampa Bay
Everybody calm down. So he missed a couple of kicks in the preseason. Aguayo is going to be fine.
Punter
Drew Kaser, San Diego
Kaser has a huge leg, and he will pound out at least one 50-yarder per week. He can also pin the ball well.
Returner
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City
Hill has sprinter's speed, so you have to be careful about simply booming punts to him. If he gets room to accelerate, watch out.