No, this rookie class does not have the big names like RGIII or Luck. But who would have though Russell Wilson, or Doug Martin would have hit the scene like they did. This year, will be no different as rookies will have a say on if you will end up with the trophy or in the basement of your fantasy league.
Let’s start with the running backs.
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Eddie Lacy has the skill to have fantasy value, but will his body hold up. Not only that, but will the Packers commit to running the ball with Aaron Rodgers and his host of receivers. One thing is for sure…the Packers need a running back and it’s Lacy’s job to lose, Two good ingredients for a fantasy stud but there are some downsides other than injuries. If Johnthan Franklin becomes that pass catcher out the backfield, Lacy is now a two down or goal line back. But even then the Packers have a tendency to go three and four wide inside the ten, so tame expectations for right now.
Giovanni Bernard is an all-around back that can give you points running, catching and special teams. Bernard has good talent around him with A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham and Mohammad Sanu, which means he won’t be the focus of the defense. The rookie running back will be challenged by Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard may be relugated to a third-down back or only used on pass situations. If he beats out Ellis for that spot, he can be a fantasy Rookie of the Year Candidate.
Now, to my Offensive Rookie of the Year, Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He goes to a team that loves to run the ball and unlike Bernard could be the unquestionable starter. He has the skills to be an every down back, and worse case scenario he will get the goal line carries. All these factors equal a fantasy must-have. The question is will Mike Tomlin trust a rookie to carry the load?
If Bell is challenged for Offensive Fantasy ROY, it will be from another Big 10 running back. As soon as the Broncos selected Montee Ball he was on my fantasy radar. Ball is on a high powered offense and can pass block. Nice and even nicer! Peyton Manning loves his backs to protect him. Last year, Ronnie Hillman could hit you with the big play but pass protection was his weakness. Not to mention, they just released Willis McGahee which leaves the door wide open for Ball to get rolling. Montee Ball can take you to the fantasy promise land if he beats out Hillman for that spot
Receivers/Tight Ends
Tavon Austin will be the first rookie taken in many fantasy drafts and I may be one of them but buyer beware for a couple of reasons. First, he plays in the NFC West against some great defenses. We all know about the Seahawks and 49ers but don’t sleep on the Cardinals. Plus, he will be the focus of defenses with no proven running back or receiver. Not sure Jared Cook will take the focus off Austin. We all known he has the quickness to contribute in the running and passing game but be cautious and don’t take him too high.
DeAndre Hopkins can finally be that receiver on the outside to get some attention off of Andre Johnson. I mean the guy’s nickname is “Nuke” because he blows up defenses so if nothing else he has one of the best nicknames in the NFL. The Texans like to throw it and they will throw it more if Arian Foster’s calf injury comes back up. Not to mention he is gaining confidence early from his head coach. Gary Kubiak says “Nuke” is “extremely special”, ”obviously very gifted” and “very competitive.” Not bad. After Johnson and Owen Daniels he is next up in the pecking order which could mean big numbers for the rookie.
Quentin Patton could reap the benefits of an unfortunate injury to Michael Crabtree. Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis will fill the void but who steps in after that? If A.J. Jenkins doesn’t live up to his first round potential, Patton could be the next man up. He has great hands and can go get the ball at the highest point. Not sure he will be consistent enough to give you big points every week but if he outplays Jenkins in camp, he will get the chance to play.
The Bengals shocked me at first when they selected Tyler Eifert in the first round. After I thought about it, the move made great sense. Eifert can split out wide or on the line of scrimmage and makes Gresham that more dangerous. The rookie tight end will get many chances to make plays even if he is the backup tight end. Gresham has been injury prone, so if he has step in and play the offense will not lose a step. Not to mention he is getting love from his quarterback. Andy Dalton says, “From Day 1 nothing has seemed too big for him. That’s why we picked him with the first pick, and he’s really well-deserving.” Tight ends are inconsistent in fantasy football but Eifert can give you something in deeper leagues.
Quarterbacks
I may have to eat my words, but I don’t think any rookie quarterback can contribute to a fantasy team this season. They can but it’s too many if’s. If Matt Barkley beats out Michael Vick and Nick Foles? Can you believe who is his beefing with? If EJ Manuel can finally be that quarterback the Bills have needed since Jim Kelly. If Tyler Wilson beats out Matt Flynn for the Raiders gig does he have enough talent around him to succeed? If Big Ben gets hurt can Landry Jones get the offense rolling? And last but not least… can Geno Smith overtake Mark Sanchez? If he does will Santonio Holmes rebound from that injury to give him that playmaker outside? Or will he be able to make plays with his feet and be consistent? Too many questions with this position.
Other rookies to keep an eye on:
Mike Glennon, QB, Buccaneers
Caleb Sturgis, K, Dolphins
Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Vikings
Montee Ball, RB, Broncos
Robert Woods, WR, Bills
Gavin Escobar, TE, Cowboys
Ace Sanders, WR, Jaguars
Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals
Mike Gillislee, RB, Dolphins
