Fantasy Focus: Rookie Rankings Post-Draft
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL draft has come and gone and even in a down year in offensive skill player talent there are still rookies that were drafted into the right situation that will be on your fantasy roster come September. If you’re in dynasty leagues and in a league of football freaks like me, we have already started our rookie draft so here is a snapshot at the rookie fantasy rankings post-draft.
Running Backs
1. Eddie Lacy, Packers- I’m pretty sure he’s not special or the best prospect the Packers drafted, but he will have the a great chance in the best situation.
2. Le’Veon Bell, Steelers- The Steelers are a passing team, but Bell should get a very good shot at RB1 in Pittsburgh.
3. Giovani Bernard, Bengals- I like this pick by the Bengals who should be in running back by committee early on with The Law Firm.
4. Montee Ball, Denver- He still will have to fight with Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman for playing time but he could be a long term pick in dynasty leagues.
5. Jonathan Franklin, Green Bay- A lot of people actually think Franklin on the Packers is scarier than Lacy.
6. Marcus Lattimore, 49ers- If he ever can get back to his ability pre-ACL injury, Lattimore is the steal of the draft that will go late in your draft.
Wide Receivers
1. Tavon Austin St Louis- If you’re talking about landing spots and best chance to perform then Austin is the first rookie pick. Everyone picks running backs first so he’s great value at #5 or later in your rookie draft.
2. Cordarelle Patterson, Minnesota- The Vikings gave up a lot to get him and he will have Greg Jennings on the other side so Patterson will have a great opportunity to shine.
3. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston- Hopkins can step right in as the starting receiver opposite of Andre Johnson. Another great value late in the first round.
4. Justin Hunter, Tennessee- Kenny Britt is a mess and Nate Washington isn’t getting younger so this will be a great chance for Hunter.
5. Aaron Dobson, New England- Long range dynasty pick but someone has to eventually be a good young wide receiver in New England.
6. Allen Keenan, San Diego- The Chargers and Phillip Rivers missed Vincent Jackson last season so someone will need to step in.
Tight Ends
1. Tyler Eifert, Bengals- Thought for sure he was coming to Chicago. This wasn’t the best landing spot for Eifort but still best tight end prospect.
2. Zach Ertz, Eagles- He has a lot of competition but it’s a new staff and they didn’t draft him just for fun.
3. Jordan Reed, Washington- Like Ertz he has to move up the roster but could be a very late rookie draft steal.
Which rookies do you like for the 2013 season?