The 2016 MLB draft kicked off Thursday night, and while the game's future stars have the spotlight, it's a good time to take stock of how the major league rookies are performing. The depth of potentially elite rookies this season pales in comparison to 2015, when Kris Bryant, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, Addison Russell, Michael Conforto, Kyle Schwarber and many others with star potential made their debuts, but .300 batting averages and huge home run totals are not the only ways players can make an impact. For many of this season's rookies, their gloves will make this season a success or failure. With that in mind, let's take a look at the best and worst rookie defenders so far in 2016.

Mallex Smith, OF, Atlanta Braves defensive runs saved: 7

Mallex Smith and his double-digit steals are woefully underowned in fantasy. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

The Braves are neck and neck with the Twins for the worst record in baseball. This was always going to be a rebuilding year for the team, but with most of the top prospects they landed in recent trades -- Dansby Swanson, Sean Newcomb and Ozzie Albies -- still in the minors, there isn't much for Braves fans to see at the major league level to get excited about. Outfielder Mallex Smith is the major exception. Smith has struggled at the plate in his first two months in the bigs, but his 7.2 percent walk rate and 15 stolen base attempts hint at his exceptional stolen base potential. As he gets more comfortable with major league pitching, he could start stealing 30 or more bases per season, a feat that he accomplished at four different stops in the minors.