If anyone hasn’t noticed, (then where the hell have you been?) Adrian Peterson, is “predicted” to be a fantasy sure thing this season. Just last year he was just an NFL rookie and probably wasn’t drafted until the later rounds in most leagues. So what value do we place on rookies? For starters, what are the teams needs? Do they need a RB/WR/QB, etc. to start right away? These rookies obviously have the most upfront value. Next, do they (rookies) have “upside”? This is a term used to describe a players potential. There are always “no-brainers”. Whether they pan out or not is a different story. Rookies have their place on your fantasy roster and are usually worth a late round selection. Here are a list of Rookies that may be this years’ Adrian Peterson.
1. Darren Mcfadden, Oakland- Could see the bulk of the carries and if “Big boy” Russell can complete some passes, Run DMC could be a top performer this season.
2. Johnathan Stewart, Carolina - With Deshaun Foster gone to SF and DeAngelo Williams not looking like the every down back. Stewart will get his chances and probably most of the Goal line touches.
3. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh – Same scenario here. Fast Willie Parker is coming off late season surgery and most likely will have to split time with Mendenhall. The knock on him is that he is fumble prone but is powerful and very quick. Don’t be surprised if RM is the starter before the season is over.
4. Matt Ryan, Atlanta – Micheal Vick is out and so he is the man. They would not have drafted him and paid him all that money to ride the pine. The only sure fire starter on ths list is Ryan. He also, has some really good play makers around him. Roddy White is ready to explode. If Micheal Turner can give them some productivity out of the RB position then Ryan may be a big surprise this year.
5. Chris Johnson, Tennessee - The fastest guy at the combine but a relative unknown, Johnson could be just what the doctor ordered in Tennessee. He will be the “lightning” to LenDale’s “thunder”. White will get the majority if not all the goal line carries; However, Johnson is a major homerun threat with huge upside. Chris could very well be the AP of this years’ class.
6. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City - Charles is very explosive and shows an ability to change directions in an instant. With Grandmama a question mark at RB, after being a top fantasy back just a few years’ ago, Charles could see the field quite often. There are many unanswered questions in KC bu the RB position may be solid or years’ to come. Charles is a definite late round sleeper.
7. Kevin Smith, Detroit - Nothing is certain in Motown. Especially at RB. I don’t even know who they have. Oh that’s right, Tatum Bell? Yeah, well this one is easy. Smith is going to play and play a lot. Look for Kevin to be a starter very soon, maybe by the end of preseason. Keep your eye on Smith because he could be a very good #2 RB or really good Flex player.
8. James Hardy, Buffalo – A big receiver with tons of potential. Hardy is the first WR on the list but it is not for lack of talent. WR’s have a tougher time in their 1st year reading defenses and making adjustments. Hardy will give the Bills what they need, someone to help compliment Lee Evans and provide some size and strength in the red zone. Look for Hardy to be a top TD producer among all rookies.
9. Earl Bennett, Chicago – Earl is going to surprise many defenses. With the Bears lack of any real WR threats, Bennett provides them with toughness and durability. Earl is an excellent route runner and has unbelievable hands. He will make the tough catch. Look for Bennett to contribute early and compete for the #2 or #3 WR position. Definetely an excellent late round potential sleeper.
10. Felix Jones, Dallas – The “REV Run” to the before mentioned Run DMC at Arkansas, Felix may have as much upside as his ex teammate. Mr. Jones, Jerry that is, was in love with Felix and wanted him to be the guy next to the “human wrecking ball” in Marion Barber. While Barber will get most of the touches and all the goal line carries, Felix will see the field and has big play potential. He also has great hands so look for him on 3rd down situations and making an impact in the passing game.
