Impact Rookies

 

 

After last season’s performance by Adrian Peterson all fantasy owners are going to be looking for that next breakout or impact rookie. Peterson’s rookie season is one that comes around very so often, but this years rookie class will produce some impact players for your fantasy squad.

QuarterbackMatt Ryan-

Ryan’s 2008 season will be a season of development as he will most likely begin the season as the teams number two QB behind either Chris Redman or Joey Harrington. Because of the lack of a track record by either of these QB’s look for Ryan to see the field at some point this season. Don’t set your expectation to high for this season but he is well worth a fantasy pick if you are drafting in a keeper league.

Joe Flacco- Flacco will begin camp as the backup to Kyle Boller, who has a track record of not sustaining the starting job. Look for Flacco early if the Ravens and more importantly Boller struggle early. If and when he does take over don’t expect gaudy numbers just yet from Flacco as he experiences the learning curve of being an NFL QB. On an overall assessment I see Flacco having more potential down the road that Ryan who was selected before him.

Chad Henne- Upon being drafted Henne has now joined the Miami Dolphin triangle at QB, that is himself, Josh McCown and John Beck. The veteran McCown should start the season because of his experience but don’t be surprised if all three at some point earn a start this season. Henne has the higher potential of the three so look to see if he can separate himself from the others when he eventually does make his first start.

Brian Brohm- The Green Bay Packers second round selection, has minimal fantasy value this season as Aaron Rodgers backup. But if Rodgers struggles or is injured, Brohm has the talent to step in and lead the Packers offense. Unless if Rodgers does falter, could we see a Brett Favre return?

Running backDarren McFadden- If there is anyone who can duplicate Peterson’s rookie performance last year McFadden is the guy. The Raiders are going to use him in both the rushing and receiving game and maybe we’ll see some of McFadden passing the ball. Because of the depth at RB with Justin Fargas and Michael Bush it may limit McFadden’s touches, view him as low second RB.

Jonathan Stewart- Stewart has seemed to recover from the toe injury that had hampered him this past collegiate season. Monitor once training camp begins how he performs at full speed. If everything is a go Stewart will begin the season splitting reps with DeAngelo Williams with Stewart likely seeing the touches around the goal-line. Stewart has all the tools to become a workhorse back so don’t be surprised as the season wears on if he begins to get more carries.

Felix Jones- We all saw in the playoffs the wear and punishment that Marion Barber takes every time he handles the ball. This led Dallas to take the lighting to Barber’s thunder in Felix Jones. Jones is a big time play-maker with great speed and he will fill the same role as he did in Arkansas with McFadden. Look for Jones to break off some long runs this season, while filling in for Barber. Jones has marginal value but because of the punishment Barber takes he a is a great handcuff to hold onto.

Rashard Mendenhall- He will start the season as Willie Parkers backup, but he will be used in short yardage and goal line situations. Unless Parker gets hurt don’t look for to much value here, he will enter the season as a number 4 RB.

Chris Johnson- Johnson could turn out having more value this season then some of the players ahead of him on this list. A poor man’s Brian Westbrook, Johnson will see time at RB and WR this season, and if you league rewards for receiving it makes him an even better option. While Lendale White is on pace to begin training camp with his knee, look for Johnson to steal some carries.

Matt Forte- With Cedric Benson’s departure it now means Forte will compete with Adrian Peterson for the job. Forte has the more upside and look for him because of his speed and versatility to eventually take over the starting gig. Forte should be viewed as a high number 3 RB.

Ryan Torain- No one really expected Selvin Young to play the way he did as a rookie, which leads you to keeping tabs on a guy like Torain for the Broncos.

Wide ReceiversJames Hardy- To me Hardy was the best WR in this draft class and he should play an immediate role for the Bills this year. His height at 6-5 is a great compliment opposite starting WR Lee Evans. He should be a strong number three WR this year and he will net 5-6 TD’s.

DeSean Jackson- The eagles drafted Jackson is hopes of adding another threat at WR for QB Donovan McNabb. It will be interesting how the smallish Jackson will handle his first NFL season but view him as a number 4 WR who has the potential to stretch defenses with his speed.

Devin Thomas/Malcolm Kelly- Both players will be competing for receptions alongside Santana Moss. Look for one of these players to settle in right away for the Redskins, my bet is on Thomas being the player to step up. Before you take either one, monitor which player has the edge in training camp.

Limas Sweed- Are the Steelers looking to develop another Plaxico Burress? The lanky Sweed should be used by the Steelers right away inside of the red-zone. He will need some time to develop as an NFL WR but take a stab on him in hopes he will get you TD’S.

Jerome Simpson- Keep an eye on Simpson this season as a potential sleeper for the Bengals. After waiving Chris Henry and with the Chad Johnson soap opera in full effect, Simpson’s value has begun to rise.

Tight- EndDustin Keller- The freakishly athletic Keller should immediately start at TE for the Jets this season. Keller will become a great security blanket for whoever is quarterbacking the Jets this season. If you plan on drafting your TE late this is the way to go.

John Carlson- Carlson couldn’t have been drafted by a more perfect team. Seattle has been looking for a receiving TE for years and Carlson will start right away. Carlson will become a viable target for Matt Hasselbeck, look for Carlson to finish in top 15 in TE receiving.