NFL Rookies with Immediate Fantasy Impact Potential
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo By Alex Dunlap
 

It’s always scary to draft an untried rookie anywhere near the top of your fantasy draft in redraft leagues, but if properly picked, a first year player can carry you to victory. These are the freshmen who are sure bets to make an early impact on the field and your fantasy team.

 

DeAndre Hopkins WR, Houston Texans: It looks like the Texans may finally have the 1,2 combo they’ve longed for at receiver with Andre Johnson and the rookie Hopkins. Drawing comparisons to Roddy White, Hopkins isn’t a particularly fast player, but he has sticky hands and is a solid route runner. He has some competition on his heels with Keshawn Martin, Devier Posey, and Lestar Jean all vying for action as well, but Hopkins should be the second option for Matt Schaub for the foreseeable future.

Mychal Rivera TE, Oakland Raiders: Rivera left a lot to be desired after his disappointing Combine showing, but according to recent reports out of the Raiders camp, he is projected to be the starting tight end going into week one of the NFL season. He was a RosterWatch favorite at the Senior Bowl. While his potential for a significant fantasy impact is somewhat dubious, Rivera is one of the only rookie tight ends who stands a chance at producing from the get go.

Eddie Lacy RB, Green Bay Packers: Lacy may have fallen in the draft but it was right into the arms of a Green Bay Packers team that was sorely in need of a decent running back. With Green Bay touting a receiving arsenal that most defenses will see as top priority to stifle, Lacy should have plenty of room to run should he stay healthy. His fused big toe, and work ethic concerns kept teams away from him in the draft, but hopefully they don’t arise as issues from this point forward. He could very well chart in RB1 territory this season if he manages to hold off UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin who was also taken by the Pack.

Tavon Austin WR, St. Louis Rams: The Rams have plans to implement the versatile Austin like a Percy Harvin or Randall Cobb, which means he’s going to get loads of action from day one. He will even get snaps out of the backfield according to team sources, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Austin gets the most targets of any Rams player this year. Keep him high on your radar, especially in PPR leagues.

Robert Woods WR, Buffalo Bills: Fleet-footed Woods is great a short and intermediate route runner, not unlike his fellow USC alumnus Steve Smith. He’ll play outside, with Stevie Johnson moving to the slot, and should factor into fantasy consideration sooner than later. I’d have much more confidence in his chances of making a splash though, if Kevin Kolb isn’t under center. E.J. Manuel’s game suits Woods’ style much better in a Nathaniel Hackett offense.

Aaron Dobson WR, New England Patriots: Tom Brady could make a All-Pro receiver out of a one-handed rodeo clown, so unless Dobson lacks a pulse he should fare pretty well in the Pats’ offense. He didn’t have spectacular stats at Marshall, but who are we kidding? It’s a Tom Brady offense, and Dobson is the starting outside receiver. Dobson was another favorite of RosterWatch at the Senior Bowl.

Le’Veon Bell RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: This is the guy that Steelers liked over Eddie Lacy, so I guess we can expect big things out of Bell. OC Todd Haley loves him as a three-down back, and plans on using him in the passing game as well. A big and powerful runner, it’s about time the Steelers had a running back they can rely on consistently. Bell could be a huge-impact fantasy boon.

Montee Ball RB, Denver Broncos: Hopefully, Ball’s NCAA record breaking, 83 all-purpose scores rub off on his NFL potential. He’s certainly set up to succeed in a Peyton Manning led offense one year removed from the AFC championship. Ronnie Hillman won’t pose the threat some might think he will, and will be used mainly as a change of pace back.