Fantasy Football News

The A List - Rookies

08/15/2007

In fantasy football, every owner looks for that diamond in the rough, the rookie that comes into the NFL and makes an immediate impact. That player isn’t always the first player drafted or necessarily drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. Fantasy owners all know the feeling as we sit at the draft, waiting for the opportunity to pick that rookie running back that you’ve had your eye on every since you saw him galloping through college defenses. I’m not talking the Reggie Bush’s of the world, but I can recall the looks I received when I picked Edgerrin James his rookie year, retaining him as my keeper player then snagging Fred Taylor the following year. Drafting both of those rookie studs in the 6^th round, surprised the other owners, but if that rookie pick scores big fantasy points then it all pays off. This year, forget the quarterbacks as they won’t be on the field early in the season but look hard at the following 5 studs to put up quality numbers as a rookie.

Marshawn Lynch RB, Buffalo Bills. Lynch should put up quality fantasy football numbers from day one. As the starter on a conservative offense that plays in a bad weather (not conducive to aerial attacks) environment, will allow Marshawn to get max touches in both the running and passing game for Buffalo. If Marshawn stays healthy his combination of excellent running skill and dependable hands sets up for a season in which his fantasy football owner may look at 1800-1900 yard range in combined yardage.

Brandon Jackson RB, Green Bay Packers. Vernand Morency on the injured list is becoming a weekly situation, and one name continues to climb the depth chart and that name is Brandon Jackson. As the starting running back in a Green Bay offense that still has Brett Favre isn’t a bad position to be in. Jackson has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield as well as run in between the tackles in camp. Brandon’s size may limit his carries, but he will be the number 1 back in Green Bay.

Adrian Peterson RB, Minnesota Vikings. On paper ‘All Day’ would be the number one rookie, but fantasy football rankings aren’t based on football talent, opportunity also plays a role in where a player is ranked. Peterson is lightning fast and runs with such aggression that collisions are evident. Therein lies the problem, as Adrian dishes out the punishment to those that dare attempt to bring him down, his body seems to absorb an awful lot of the impact also. Barring significant injuries Adrian will put up quality fantasy numbers even in a split backfield with Chester Taylor.

Brian Leonard RB, St. Louis Rams. (Via Rutgers) This guy showed the most in his preseason debut as he took the field as ‘the man’ while Steven Jackson took it easy (as I figure he will for most of the preseason). Leonard not only put up starting fantasy numbers, but more importantly he showed that when he is in the game, the offense can still the entire Ram offense and be productive. Fantasy owners can quote me, this guy will get on the field each week. Brian will catch passes, run and find a way to have a fantasy impact with his versatility.

Anthony Gonzalez WR, Indianapolis Colts. I do realize that Gonzalez is a number 3 receiver, just remember Brandon Stokley circa 2004, over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gonzalez is a step faster and his football IQ renders him NFL ready as a rookie. In the explosive Colt offense Anthony will more than likely face man to man coverage and by a third corner no less. Peyton Manning has to be as giddy as the lucky fantasy football owner that selects Anthony Gonzalez in the 2007 season.

About the Author

Augustine Dashiell is a senior writer for fflcommish.com, a fantasy football management service providing flexible features for the discerning fantasy football manager .