Fantasy Football: Rookie Values

Will the young players make an impact? That isPatriots, leaving Maroney as the backup. However,
always one of the most important questions headingthe Patriots always find a role for their players, and
into a fantasy draft, because there are oftenMaroney will see quite a bit of playing time
sleepers, average players, and complete busts. Laststill.DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers *
year, the top potential offensive players were J.J.Theoretically, it seems like Williams could have a lot
Arrington, Braylon Edwards, and Mike Williams. Noneof potential playing time sue to DeShaun Foster's
of them ended up having the type of seasons thatpast injuries. However, it's not easy to pick up yards
warrant a high-draft pick, which definitely has to stickin the Panthers' system, and Williams will not see a
in your mind this year.Ratings System*****: Thegreat deal of playing time per game.Joseph Addai,
ultimate player. They have the potential to be withinIndianapolis Colts ***
the top five at their position in the entire NFL thisAddai is not the Colts' starter yet, but once the
year, as well as making the Pro Bowl, or being namedseason rolls around, he'll have the job won. Addai
the offensive rookie of the year.****: Will definitelycould be the biggest offensive sleeper in the draft
be a starter for their team, and will perform likebecause he's not well known, however will be playing
between an average NFL player and the ultimatein a system that is very well developed.LenDale
player.***: Will be an average performer, becauseWhite, Tennessee Titans **
they don't play on the greatest team in the world, orWhite could potentially be a red zone threat for the
will need some time to develop.**: They may takeTitans, allowing him to accumulate some touchdowns
over as the starter halfway through the season.much like Brandon Jacobs did last year for the Giants.
Overall, they really won't make that much of anHe'll also see some action besides the red zone,
impact.*: They will see limited playing time, or will notthough.Wide ReceiversImportant Statistic for WR's:
perform well enough to put up anything worthy of aThis year's receiving class was considered "not very
fantasy point.QuarterbacksFirst off, let it be knowngood". Last year, Braylon Edwards led rookie
that it is too difficult to project if a quarterback willreceivers with 512 yards, leaving tons of other
even have the chance to do well for your team.receivers ahead of him.Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh
More times than not, a rookie quarterback either hasSteelers **
an average-at-best first year in learning the system,The Steelers leading receiver is typically Hines Ward,
or they sit behind the starting quarterback for mostand next they look for the running threat. Holmes
of the year. One note of advice: do not take awon't jump into the league with big numbers, but will
rookie quarterback within the first ten rounds of thebe smooth as an average receiver in his first
draft: it won't be worth it.Important Statistic for QB's:year.Chad Jackson, New England Patriots **
27 non-rookie quarterbacks threw for more yardsAlthough the Patriots are starting to use Deion
last year than Kyle Orton, who led rookie QB's withBranch a little more, they like to give their receivers
1,869 yards thrown.Vince Young, Tennessee Titansequal playing time. The Patriots need another receiver
***to produce in the absence of David Givens.Sinorice
The Titans just released Steve McNair, narrowingMoss, New York Giants *
the competition to Volek and Young. Young won't sitThe Giants already have several receiving threats,
the entire season, but when he does get in, he'll haveso Moss will not see a whole lot of snaps. He may
to learn that he can't run as freely as he did infind himself on the receiving end of the deep ball
college. He has the most potential this year of all theoccasionally, though.Tight Ends
rookie quarterbacks.Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals **Please note: A four-star rating for a tight end would
Kurt Warner will be the man for the Cardinals, andbe different than a four-star rating for a wide
Leinart's playing time could end up like what Elireceiver. If a rookie tight end records 700 yards, that
Manning saw two years ago under the Giants. Hewould be an outstanding season as a tight end, but
won't do you any good until late in the season.Jaymediocre for a receiver.Vernon Davis, San Francisco
Cutler, Denver Broncos *49ers ****
With Jake Plummer coming off a career year, CutlerDavis will have an incredible rookie year as a tight
won't even see the field. Do not even think aboutend, coming close to some of the elite tight ends.
taking Cutler, because there is no sense in itAlex Smith needs a go-to-guy, and that will develop
whatsoever.Running BacksImportant Statistic forinto Davis.Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars *
RB's: 12 running backs finished ahead of CarnellLewis will see some touches, but it won't nearly be
Williams, the leading rusher among rookies lastenough to become a consistent threat for your
year.Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints ***team.Conclusion
Of all the players from the draft, Bush certainly hasOverall, it should be known that rookies rarely make
the potential to become a 5-star player. However,a worthy impact for your fantasy team. The players
he's playing on a team that was not very good lastwith the most potential this year are Reggie Bush,
year, and will be splitting time with another talentedVernon Davis, and possibly Vince Young if he's
running back in Deuce McAllister.Laurence Maroney,named the starter. The biggest sleeper without
New England Patriots **question will be Joseph Addai, but even he should not
Corey Dillon will still be the go-to-guy for thebe taken higher than necessary.