Fanasty Football Impact Rookies

by, James McPartlin, Vice President- Editor

Fantasy rookies are the perfect sleeper candidates. Rookie running backs are the only position worth taking in drafts as quarterbacks and wide receivers need time and experience to acclimate to the NFL level.

1. Darren McFadden RB Oakland Raiders- Despite being in a time share with Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden is far too explosive to not be the number one rookie this year. Early reports from Raiders’ training camp stated that McFadden’s carries would be limited but I think McFadden will put up fantasy numbers regardless what the Raiders’ plans for him are.

2. Kevin Smith RB Detroit Lions – This might come as a surprise to people, but Smith is in a good situation. The Lions still have a good offense with receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson leading the way. In addition, RB Tatum Bell is no threat to take the goal line or away from Smith’s fantasy value. Kevin Smith is the future back for Detroit, Tatum Bell is a failed Mike Shanahan experiment.

3. Steve Slaton RB Houston Texans – I loved when the Texans took this kid last April because I knew he would be an absolute steal in fantasy drafts. The Texans’ backfield is so bad that Slaton had a golden opportunity to receive the majority of the carries back in April. To increase his value even more, the injured Chris Brown (who wasn’t a fantasy force in Tennessee – why would he be in Houston?) might not even make the 53 man roster and Ahman Green is 31 and washed up. Slaton’s upside is insane and is an absolute steal in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.

4. Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears – Forte was higher on this list but the Bears acquisition of ex-Lion Kevin Jones is a threat to his fantasy value. Jones snaked a lot of goal line work in 2007. If Forte can keep Jones at bay for the season he can solidify his role as the only Chicago Bear worth taking. Unless you’re league gives points for returners – then Devin Hester is a force.

5. Jonathan Stewart RB Carolina Panthers – Stewart should have more fantasy value than McFadden in a Carolina run game that is trying to get back to its roots. However, Stewart’s presence in Carolina has lit a fire under third year back DeAngelo Williams, who is now running with more conviction than ever. Williams has the desire to be the starter and will compete with Stewart. This time share should result in Williams getting a few more yards than Stewart but Stewart being awarded goal line due to his size.

6. Rashard Mendenhall RB Pittsburgh Steelers – Last year Willie Parker recorded his third straight season with at least 1200 yards. But unlike in previous seasons, Willie Parker only managed to reach pay dirt twice. Cue Mendenhall. Rashard will allow the Steelers to not have to throw the ball so much in the red zone and in particularly on the goal line. As such, this 224 lb, first round pick out of Illinois should get goal line duty and put up decent fantasy numbers.

7. Tim Hightower RB Arizona Cardinals – Eddergin James is 30 years old entering the season – the magic age where running backs tend to feel the wear and tear of their job – and Edge has a lot of mileage on him now after his time in Indianapolis and two seasons in Arizona. Edge managed to record his fifth straight season with 1000 yard rushing at what would have been a perfect 9 year streak had he not fallen to injury in 2001 and 2002. Though an 1000 yard rushing season sound encouraging, Edge’s average yards per carry have been under 4 ypc since he has been in Arizona and now he’s a relatively old man. Hightower, on the other hand, has climbed up the depth chart behind James and is now threatening for goal line work. Like Slaton, Hightower is just a fantasy gold mine for value. Hightower, for now, is a no name guy that you can get late in your draft because odds are I’m not in your league taking back up rookies that I expect to start at some point this year.

8. Ray Rice RB Baltimore Ravens- Willis McGahee is hurt and Rice has been impressing in his stead. Rice doesn’t really threaten McGahee and the Ravens offense is so bad that Rice’s upside has more of a tangible roof than Slaton and Hightower. If McGahee remains unhealthy longer than expected Rice could move up on this list.

9. Chris Johnson RB Tennessee Titans- The Titans are a running team and should improve and remain a running team behind Chris Johnson. Johnson was the only player faster than Darren McFadden in the NFL combine and should split carries with Lendale White – a nice one-two punch because of their contrast in styles.

10 DeSean Jackson WR Philadelphia Eagles – I know I said running backs were the only rookies worth selection, but there are exceptions – and Jackson will be that exception. DeSean Jackson was only going to make a name as a return man this year but after injuries to Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, Jackson looks like McNabb’s best option. Jason Avant, Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, and TE L.J. Smith are McNabb’s other options, but none of them possess the potential and skill of DeSean Jackson.