EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Forget about easing in the New York Giants' rookies. Don’t even think about an elongated adjustment period. There is no time for any of that with the 2016 Giants trying to end their four-year playoff drought. Their top three draft picks (Eli Apple, Sterling Shepard and Darian Thompson) are expected to either start or be significant contributors, beginning Week 1.

“I trust them right now,” coach Ben McAdoo said early in training camp. “We’re not going to be afraid to play young players.”

It’s easy for McAdoo to say that after the early returns have been positive. Shepard has been one of the stars of training camp. The electric wide receiver is already working regularly with the first-team offense. Thompson and Apple are working with the first-team defense.

Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is quickly adjusting to the NFL game. William Hauser/USA TODAY Sports

So far, they appear as if they belong. They look as if they're going to receive plenty of playing time this season.

Here’s a breakdown of the entire 2016 draft class to date:

Eli Apple, CB, first round (10): Apple has split first-team reps all summer at left cornerback with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Coming from a program like Ohio State, he has not looked overwhelmed despite playing a difficult position. Apple has performed better than expected early in training camp.

Sterling Shepard, WR, second round (40): The Oklahoma product opened eyes in the spring and it has continued into the summer. He’s already a fixture next to Odell Beckham Jr. on the first-team offense, getting open with consistency using his sharp route running and catching everything in his direction. The Giants' coaches and players are raving about his prospects.

Darian Thompson, S, third round (71): McAdoo has come out and publicly declared him the heavy favorite to start at safety next to Landon Collins. His ability to absorb and retain information in the classroom, carry himself as a professional and make plays on the ball have impressed the Giants.

B.J. Goodson, LB, fourth round (109): The former Clemson linebacker is in the middle linebacker mix as he learns the defense. It’s easy to see what attracted the Giants. Goodson has flashed physicality and athleticism at times this summer.

Paul Perkins, RB, fifth round (149): His size and speed are noticeable on the field. But he’s still learning the intricacies of the position and needs to earn the trust of the coaches as a blocker before moving up the depth chart at a deep position.

Jerell Adams, TE, sixth round (184): He sticks out as one of the tallest receivers on the roster, but Adams is raw and has been running with the third team as he gets acclimated to the NFL game. He has quite a ways to go.