Rookies With Fantasy Impact in 2021: NFC Edition

These rookies, though raw and inexperienced, are going to be high impact players in not only dynasty but redraft leagues as well in 2021.

Rondale Moore WR, Cardinals: Yes Moore is joining the Cardinals WR corps with the likes of DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, and Christian Kirk, but Green is a shadow of his former self and the powerful Moore had the highest Sparq rating in the country and displayed it on the field – 71% of his yards came after the catch. Arizona QB Kyler Murray likes to get the ball to his WRs and let them create, and Moore will fit right into the mix.

Kyle Pitts TE, Falcons: TEs usually take a few years to become fantasy relevant in the NFL, but Pitts is a rare breed. With sticky hands(0 drops on 66 targets in 2020) and 4.44 speed as a 6’6″, 245 lbs specimen, Pitts is primed for success as the Falcons starting TE under Matt Ryan. Ryan is known for utilizing his TEs and Pitts will be no exception. His 88 3’8″ wingspan makes him an immediate red-zone threat, even though he’s competing with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley for targets.

Terrace Marshall WR, Panthers: TD machine Marshall could have easily been drafted in the first round, if not for injury concerns, and he’s reunited with OC Joe Brady who helmed LSU’s historic 2019 offense, of which Marshall was an integral part of. He’ll start in 3-wide sets immediately, but the caveat is that he’s tied to the success of wild-card QB Sam Darnold. The upside is there though.

Amari Rodgers WR, Packers: Who knows if Aaron Rodgers will be his QB or not, but Amari has little competition playing behind DaVante Adams. His value will be tied to the QB situation, but Rodgers should see considerable targets despite who’s under center for the Packers.

Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, Lions: Brown isn’t necessarily a homerun hitter, but he’ll get plenty of volume as the likely starting slot-receiver in a Jared Goff led offense. He also has retreads Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams on the outside, so he could quickly become the go-to receiver in the Lions’ offense. He’s going to be most useful in PPR formats.

Justin Fields QB, Bears: First round pick Fields may sit the first couple of games behind Andy Dalton, but don’t expect Big Red to hold off Fields for long. The Bears need to win now, and the dual-threat out of Ohio State gives them the best chance to do that. We advocate taking QBs late anyway here at RosterWatch, so taking the promising Fields in the latter rounds of redrafts isn’t a reach.

DeVonta Smith WR, Eagles: Smith is undersized, but so was DeSean Jackson when he started for the Eagles as a rookie. The uber-talented former Heisman winner Smith will be a PPR beast as the odds on favorite target for young QB Jalen Hurts, who is still learning the game at a pro-level and will need a safety blanket who can make his own plays, a la Smith.

Trey Lance QB, 49ers: Most NFL pundits believe Lance to be the smartest and most “NFL ready” QB in the draft, and we’ll find out if that’s the case sooner than later with Lance landing in San Fran. Current starter Jimmy Garoppolo will likely find himself on another team by the time the season starts, leaving Lance to run plays for the 49ers. He’s not the most accurate downfield thrower, but Lance can run, and if the success of Lamar Jackson is any indicator, the sky is the limit for Lance’s fantasy potential. Lance is a little raw, but he controlled the protections at the line in college, a display of his high football intelligence.