woodbuck27
05-09-2007, 06:07 PM
http://www.nfl.com/fantasy/story/10170560
Fantasy rankings: Top 20 rookies
By Michael Fabiano
NFL.com Fantasy Expert
(May 7, 2007) -- The statistical success of Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Maurice Jones-Drew and Marques Colston last season proved that even while most rookies don't make an immediate impact, there are some youngsters who can become productive options for fantasy football owners in seasonal formats.
To find the most valuable rookies for next season, it's important to scout the personnel of all 32 teams and determine where potential on-the-field opportunities can turn into statistical success. In an effort to unearth the next Young or Jones-Drew, here's our list of the top 20 rookies based on a combination of talent and their chances to utilize that talent in a prominent fashion in 2007.
1. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo: The first rookie taken in most seasonal drafts will be Lynch, a versatile runner out of California with terrific hands who will be the favorite to open the regular season as the Bills' featured tailback. With skill sets similar to those of Joseph Addai, Lynch will be well worth a third- to fourth-round selection as a No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner in most formats.
Adrian Peterson will likely have to compete for carries in Minnesota.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota: Peterson has the skills and abilities to be a solid No. 1 back in the world of fantasy football, but the fact that he'll share carries with incumbent starter Chester Taylor in his first season hurts his value. Still, the former Oklahoma standout will remain a viable No. 3 fantasy runner for owners if he doesn't need a surgical procedure on his injured collarbone.
3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit: Considered the most prized athlete in this class, Johnson is a physical specimen who will become an absolute nightmare for defensive backs across the NFL. Most wideouts do need a season or two under their belts before the true statistical success arrives, but the Georgia Tech product should still be considered an attractive No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
4. Chris Henry, RB, Tennessee: Henry didn't see much action in his collegiate career at Arizona, but his stock soared to new heights after impressive workouts at the Combine. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher feels Henry has first-round talent, so he will no doubt be allowed a chance to start ahead of LenDale White and is worth a middle-round selection as a No. 4 fantasy runner.
5. Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay: A favorite of NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, Jackson is a bit raw but possesses the speed to break long runs and decent skills as a receiver out of the backfield. While injuries are a concern (he has had two shoulder surgeries in two years), Jackson will compete with Vernand Morency for carries and could see a large portion of the workload.
6. Michael Bush, RB, Oakland: Bush would have been a first-round selection had it not been for an injured leg, so the Raiders might have landed one of the best bargains in the draft. If he is back at 100 percent (reports indicate he could return for training camp), Bush could compete for carries with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes in an offense that will utilize multiple runners.
7. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina: Jarrett, who possesses the same sort of skill sets as the man he will replace (Keyshawn Johnson), is now considered the favorite to start with Steve Smith. An athletic wideout, Jarrett also has immense size at 6-foot-5, 213 pounds and will be a nice red-zone option for Jake Delhomme. He'll be worth a late-round flier as a No. 5 fantasy wide receiver.
8. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City: The Chiefs haven't had a legitimate and consistent threat in the pass attack outside of Tony Gonzalez in what seems like forever, so the team hopes Bowe can make a difference. He should have a chance to compete with Samie Parker for a prominent role as a rookie and could be worth a late-round flier in those leagues with 12-plus teams.
9. Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans: Considered the best wide receiver to come out of Tennessee since Carl Pickens, Meachem has the speed and skills to make some noise in a prolific Saints offense. He'll be worth little more than a late-round flier in drafts, but Meachem should still have some decent stat lines and could put a dent into Devery Henderson's opportunities.
10. Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota: Rice has terrific hands and should have a chance to start as a rookie in a Vikings offense with no legitimate threats at the wide receiver position, so he will be one to watch. He could be worth a late-round flier in drafts, but Rice will be available on the waiver wire in most cases and could be a useful reserve if he wins a prominent role on offense.
11. Ted Ginn, WR, Miami: Ginn possesses incredible speed and potential, but his status is in doubt due to an injured foot that has been diagnosed as a Lisfranc sprain. The Dolphins hope he can compete with Marty Booker and become a starter, but that might be put on hold for now.
12. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis: A perfect fit for the Colts on offense, Gonzalez is expected to replace Brandon Stokley as the team's new slot receiver. He isn't an exceptional threat in the red zone, but Gonzalez is a sure-handed wideout and could be worth a late-round selection.
13. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland: Russell might not be the Raiders' No. 1 quarterback when the regular season opens, but chances are he'll land in that role sooner than later. He won't be drafted in most seasonal formats, but Russell could have some value for owners down the line.
Greg Olsen could become a reliable target for Rex Grossman in Chicago.
14. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago: Olsen could open the regular season behind incumbent Desmond Clark, but he's a terrific underneath receiver and should join the likes of Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow as solid tight ends to come out of the University of Miami.
15. Lorenzo Booker, RB, Miami: Booker's quickness and elusiveness should make him a nice change-of-pace back for new head coach Cam Cameron, and he could become nice late-round insurance for Ronnie Brown if the Dolphins decide not to retain the services of Ricky Williams.
16. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland: Miller will have an opportunity to pass Randall Williams and Courtney Anderson on the depth chart, but he still won't have much draft value in most cases.
17. Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland: Charlie Frye is expected to open the regular season as the Browns' No. 1 quarterback, but it won't be long before Quinn takes over the reins of the offense.
18. Kenny Irons, RB, Cincinnati: Chris Perry has been riddled with injuries since he came out of college, so Irons could become viable late-round insurance for owners who land Rudi Johnson.
19. Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston: Jones is considered a bit raw, but the Texans are short on wide receivers after Andre Johnson and some scouts believe he can be productive at the NFL level.
20. Mason Crosby, K, Green Bay: Dave Rayner did show flashes of potential last season, but Crosby has incredible leg strength and is considered the favorite to start for the Packers in 2007.
Other notables: John Beck, QB, Miami; Tony Hunt, RB, Philadelphia; Dwayne Wright, RB, Buffalo; Garrett Wolfe, RB, Chicago; Craig Davis, WR, San Diego; Jason Hill, WR, San Francisco; Steve Smith, WR, N.Y. Giants; Paul Williams, WR, Tennessee; Justin Medlock, K, Kansas City.
Fantasy rankings: Top 20 rookies
By Michael Fabiano
NFL.com Fantasy Expert
(May 7, 2007) -- The statistical success of Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Maurice Jones-Drew and Marques Colston last season proved that even while most rookies don't make an immediate impact, there are some youngsters who can become productive options for fantasy football owners in seasonal formats.
To find the most valuable rookies for next season, it's important to scout the personnel of all 32 teams and determine where potential on-the-field opportunities can turn into statistical success. In an effort to unearth the next Young or Jones-Drew, here's our list of the top 20 rookies based on a combination of talent and their chances to utilize that talent in a prominent fashion in 2007.
1. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo: The first rookie taken in most seasonal drafts will be Lynch, a versatile runner out of California with terrific hands who will be the favorite to open the regular season as the Bills' featured tailback. With skill sets similar to those of Joseph Addai, Lynch will be well worth a third- to fourth-round selection as a No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner in most formats.
Adrian Peterson will likely have to compete for carries in Minnesota.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota: Peterson has the skills and abilities to be a solid No. 1 back in the world of fantasy football, but the fact that he'll share carries with incumbent starter Chester Taylor in his first season hurts his value. Still, the former Oklahoma standout will remain a viable No. 3 fantasy runner for owners if he doesn't need a surgical procedure on his injured collarbone.
3. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit: Considered the most prized athlete in this class, Johnson is a physical specimen who will become an absolute nightmare for defensive backs across the NFL. Most wideouts do need a season or two under their belts before the true statistical success arrives, but the Georgia Tech product should still be considered an attractive No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
4. Chris Henry, RB, Tennessee: Henry didn't see much action in his collegiate career at Arizona, but his stock soared to new heights after impressive workouts at the Combine. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher feels Henry has first-round talent, so he will no doubt be allowed a chance to start ahead of LenDale White and is worth a middle-round selection as a No. 4 fantasy runner.
5. Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay: A favorite of NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, Jackson is a bit raw but possesses the speed to break long runs and decent skills as a receiver out of the backfield. While injuries are a concern (he has had two shoulder surgeries in two years), Jackson will compete with Vernand Morency for carries and could see a large portion of the workload.
6. Michael Bush, RB, Oakland: Bush would have been a first-round selection had it not been for an injured leg, so the Raiders might have landed one of the best bargains in the draft. If he is back at 100 percent (reports indicate he could return for training camp), Bush could compete for carries with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes in an offense that will utilize multiple runners.
7. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina: Jarrett, who possesses the same sort of skill sets as the man he will replace (Keyshawn Johnson), is now considered the favorite to start with Steve Smith. An athletic wideout, Jarrett also has immense size at 6-foot-5, 213 pounds and will be a nice red-zone option for Jake Delhomme. He'll be worth a late-round flier as a No. 5 fantasy wide receiver.
8. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City: The Chiefs haven't had a legitimate and consistent threat in the pass attack outside of Tony Gonzalez in what seems like forever, so the team hopes Bowe can make a difference. He should have a chance to compete with Samie Parker for a prominent role as a rookie and could be worth a late-round flier in those leagues with 12-plus teams.
9. Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans: Considered the best wide receiver to come out of Tennessee since Carl Pickens, Meachem has the speed and skills to make some noise in a prolific Saints offense. He'll be worth little more than a late-round flier in drafts, but Meachem should still have some decent stat lines and could put a dent into Devery Henderson's opportunities.
10. Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota: Rice has terrific hands and should have a chance to start as a rookie in a Vikings offense with no legitimate threats at the wide receiver position, so he will be one to watch. He could be worth a late-round flier in drafts, but Rice will be available on the waiver wire in most cases and could be a useful reserve if he wins a prominent role on offense.
11. Ted Ginn, WR, Miami: Ginn possesses incredible speed and potential, but his status is in doubt due to an injured foot that has been diagnosed as a Lisfranc sprain. The Dolphins hope he can compete with Marty Booker and become a starter, but that might be put on hold for now.
12. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis: A perfect fit for the Colts on offense, Gonzalez is expected to replace Brandon Stokley as the team's new slot receiver. He isn't an exceptional threat in the red zone, but Gonzalez is a sure-handed wideout and could be worth a late-round selection.
13. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland: Russell might not be the Raiders' No. 1 quarterback when the regular season opens, but chances are he'll land in that role sooner than later. He won't be drafted in most seasonal formats, but Russell could have some value for owners down the line.
Greg Olsen could become a reliable target for Rex Grossman in Chicago.
14. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago: Olsen could open the regular season behind incumbent Desmond Clark, but he's a terrific underneath receiver and should join the likes of Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow as solid tight ends to come out of the University of Miami.
15. Lorenzo Booker, RB, Miami: Booker's quickness and elusiveness should make him a nice change-of-pace back for new head coach Cam Cameron, and he could become nice late-round insurance for Ronnie Brown if the Dolphins decide not to retain the services of Ricky Williams.
16. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland: Miller will have an opportunity to pass Randall Williams and Courtney Anderson on the depth chart, but he still won't have much draft value in most cases.
17. Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland: Charlie Frye is expected to open the regular season as the Browns' No. 1 quarterback, but it won't be long before Quinn takes over the reins of the offense.
18. Kenny Irons, RB, Cincinnati: Chris Perry has been riddled with injuries since he came out of college, so Irons could become viable late-round insurance for owners who land Rudi Johnson.
19. Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston: Jones is considered a bit raw, but the Texans are short on wide receivers after Andre Johnson and some scouts believe he can be productive at the NFL level.
20. Mason Crosby, K, Green Bay: Dave Rayner did show flashes of potential last season, but Crosby has incredible leg strength and is considered the favorite to start for the Packers in 2007.
Other notables: John Beck, QB, Miami; Tony Hunt, RB, Philadelphia; Dwayne Wright, RB, Buffalo; Garrett Wolfe, RB, Chicago; Craig Davis, WR, San Diego; Jason Hill, WR, San Francisco; Steve Smith, WR, N.Y. Giants; Paul Williams, WR, Tennessee; Justin Medlock, K, Kansas City.