Fantasy football players rarely pay much attention to National Football League rookies during their fantasy football drafts. You see, rookies aren’t usually worth much to fantasy teams. It takes most rookies a year or two or, in many cases, as long as three or four to fully acclimate to the NFL. Consequently, they are often avoided by people in competitive fantasy football.
This year may be different. More NFL rookies are likely to appear on fantasy rosters than in the last decade because this draft is rich in impact players. That’s right, rookies who can really play this year and contribute to fantasy football rosters, some even as starters. I see at least seven players selected in the first round of the NFL draft who can start on fantasy teams, depending on how many teams are in your league. Obviously, the smaller leagues (8- and 10-team leagues) will be too rich in veteran talent to have rookies as starters. Below is an evaluation of these players and others to watch out for as you prepare for your fantasy draft. Note that quarterbacks are left out as they won’t contribute much even if they start.
The seven first-round NFL players to target are: Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Carnell Williams, Troy Williamson, Mike Williams and Mark Clayton. Brown, Benson and Williams are potential starters in any fantasy league. In one of the best running classes in recent memory, these guys will enter their rookie campaigns as standout running backs for Miami, Chicago and Tampa Bay, respectively. These teams have proven that with the right guy running the mail, everyone can produce fantasy stars.
Although not the best player, Benson is probably the best pick of all the rookies, in terms of fantasy football value. He is a no-brainer in the basic scoring leagues. He will be the starter from day one, and some pundits have called him the best goal-line rusher to ever come out of college. If he’s healthy, Benson could easily rush for 12 or more touchdowns in his inaugural NFL season.
Edwards is an immediate starter for the Browns, and this guy is a true stud. Although he can start in some fantasy football leagues, you’ll want to have him later on, as Cleveland is a team that hasn’t shown much in recent years. Edwards is a steal, if you can get him in later rounds. Then let it sit for a few weeks and watch the production of it. The same goes for Williams, taken by Detroit, and Clayton, selected by Baltimore. Both receivers are likely to start for their new teams, but a wait-and-see attitude is indicated as both teams are on weak passing offenses, though the sky is the limit for the Lions who have drafted a wide receiver with their first selection. in each of the last three seasons.
Aside from these seven, there are several players taken after the first round of the NFL draft who are worth drafting on fantasy football teams. The most notable is JJ Arrington, taken at No. 12 in the second round by Arizona. Dennis Green loves this guy and hinted on draft day that Arrington will be his backup. This guy is a compact runner and has a nose for the end zone. One characteristic of an improving Cardinals team could be a great scorer for fantasy teams.
The easiest steal in your fantasy football draft will be Ryan Moats, taken in the third round by Philadelphia. Moats, a smallish running back from Louisiana Tech, could surprise an Eagles team that needs a star at the job. Although he’s likely to be relegated to special teams and the use of third downs early on, he’ll be on the lookout for it to emerge, especially if someone gets hurt. He is a speedy runner and a true workhorse, despite his 5-8, 210-pound frame. A mind-blowing senior season saw him record 288 carries for 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 1,890 all-purpose yards set a school record, as he showed that he can catch the ball with almost as much acuity. With a 6.4 run-per-carry average and 28 TDs, Moats is definitely worth watching. Take this hard worker in the later rounds of your draft and wait for his turn. If the stars align in Philly, you just might get the steal of your fantasy football draft.
Here are a few other notables you might want to watch for a late pick or free-agent signing, as the season progresses:
1 Heath Miller, TE taken by Pittsburgh: He would be ranked higher, because he’s probably a starter, but tight ends are always a big question mark. If you’re in a fantasy league that requires you to take a tight end, Miller is a good fit.
2 Vernand Morency, RB drafted by Houston: Watch for an injury to Domanick Davis and catch Morency the moment it happens.
3 Maurice Clarett, RB taken by Denver: They love him and would like to see him prove all the critics wrong. He will have the opportunity to play.
4 Matt Jones, Jacksonville draft WR: Many feel the former QB is the best athlete in the NFL draft. At 6-6 with 4-5 speed and good hands, who knows?
5 Roddy White, WR taken by Atlanta in the first round. Very fast and underrated. The Falcons saw little of Michael Jenkins last season, so keep an eye on White.
6 Chris Henry, WR taken by Cincinnati. Very big and fast. It could be a factor around the goal line on three and four sets of receivers.
7 Reggie Brown, WR selected by Philadelphia. The Eagles have a few question marks at the position, one of which is the bizarre antics of Terrell Owens.
8 Ciatrick Fason, RB taken by Minnesota. With the running back so restless, Fason could emerge as a starter. Look at this very closely.
