The Top 10 Fantasy Football Rookies For 2008

wide right · May 3, 2008

The top 10 fantasy rookies for 2008
Source: Michael Fabiano, NFL.com

The 2008 NFL Draft is complete.

Now it's time to break down which players have the most fantasy football relevance, and which ones will die a slow statistical death in their rookie season. So without further adieu, let's take a look at the top 10 rookies from the 2008 clbutt. We've projected their overall rookie numbers and draft position based on NFL.com's standard scoring system.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland: McFadden landed in a crowded backfield this weekend, but it shrunk with the release of Dominic Rhodes and could continue to shrink if the team cuts LaMont Jordan. Justin Fargas is still in the mix for carries, but don't overrate him based on his 1,009-yard, four-touchdown season in 2007. Fargas has been a reserve for most of his time at the NFL level, so McFadden should pass him on the depth chart sooner than later. The rookie should be seen as a high-end No. 2 fantasy back and worth a second- or third-round selection in all seasonal formats.

Projections: 1,250 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 17 receptions, 160 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 5 fumbles lost (179 fantasy points)

2. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina: Despite the fact that he underwent a surgical procedure on his toe in the offseason, Stewart was still the second runner selected in the first round. One of the quickest backs in the 2008 class, Stewart should overtake DeAngelo Williams on the depth chart and see most of the goal-line work for head coach John Fox. Stewart will also find himself behind an improved offensive line after the addition of fellow rookie OT Jeff Otah, so consider the Oregon product a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner in leagues with 12-plus teams.

Projections: 980 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 26 receptions, 145 receiving yards, 1 TD, 2 fumbles lost (144 fantasy points)

3. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago: Fantasy football owners who want a sleeper out of the draft should look no further than Forte. He is in a tremendous situation in Chicago's run-based offense and should compete with incumbent starter Cedric Benson for the top spot on the depth chart. GM Jerry Angelo called Forte a "three-down back," which is rare in the current NFL, so the Tulane product should see his share of opportunities. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock to see Forte develop into a prominent back both between the white lines and in the world of fantasy football.

Projections: 710 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 22 receptions, 180 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble lost (117 fantasy points)

4. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit: Smith was a productive runner at Central Florida and has added value in fantasy football based on the lack of competition on the Lions roster. Tatum Bell, who was inactive for most of last season, and the oft-injured Brian Calhoun are the lone backs in the mix for carries, so Smith had a definite chance to start for head coach Rod Marinelli. The Lions plan to run the football much more often under new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto, so Smith has some definite sleeper value. He should be considered in the middle rounds.

Projections: 635 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 19 receptions, 145 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 1 fumble lost (101 fantasy points)

5. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh: Mendenhall was considered the second-best running back in the 2008 class, but his value suffered when the Steelers landed him in the first round. Unless Willie Parker has a setback in his return from a broken fibula, Mendenhall will find himself second on the depth chart and in a potential backfield committee. This situation hurts the value of both backs, but Mendenhall could have been a fantasy starter had he been taken by a team like Detroit or Houston. In Pittsburgh, he's a handcuff for owners who draft Parker.

Projections: 550 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 17 receptions, 140 receiving yards, 1 TD, 0 fumbles lost (99 fantasy points)

6. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas: The Cowboys could have landed Mendenhall, but owner (and Arkansas native) Jerry Jones took Jones instead. Jones rushed for close to 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in a backfield committee with McFadden, and he'll be a tremendous complement for incumbent starter Marion Barber. He should see 10-15 carries a contest and has the sort of speed that makes him a threat to score each time he touches the football. Unless MB3 holds out due to contractual issues, Jones should be seen as middle-round insurance for owners who take Barber.

Projections: 655 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 11 receptions, 100 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 0 fumbles lost (99 fantasy points)
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7. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee: The selection of Johnson, who has drawn comparisons to Reggie Bush, is a sign that the Titans don't have faith in Chris Henry as their No. 2 back. The East Carolina running back has the speed and skills as a receiver to serve as a nice complement for White in the backfield. Johnson, who recorded a ridiculous 4.2 40-yard dash at the combine, should emerge past Henry and serve as the second backs on the depth chart. He should also be considered a nice handcuff for fantasy footballers who land White in the earlier rounds.

Projections: 510 rushing yards, 3 TDs, 22 receptions, 185 receiving yards, 0 TDs, 0 fumbles lost (87 fantasy points)

8. James Hardy, WR, Buffalo: Hardy's combination of size (6-foot-6, 200 pounds) and potential red-zone prowess makes him the most attractive rookie wideout in fantasy football. With little competition on the Bills roster, Hardy should be considered the favorite to start opposite Lee Evans. However, based on the historical trend that shows a large percentage of receivers fail to make an impact in their first NFL season, owners should be certain to temper their statistical expectations. The Indiana product will be worth no more than a late-round selection.

Projections: 57 receptions, 680 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 0 fumbles lost (89 fantasy points)

9. Devin Thomas, WR, Washington: The Redskins landed Thomas and Malcom Kelly (both were projected in the first round in countless mock drafts) in the second round and allow Jason Campbell two more options in what was a mediocre pass attack. Thomas will have a chance to start with Santana Moss if the team decides to move Antwaan Randle El back into the slot, but again, rookie wideouts rarely post consistent numbers. The Michigan State standout also needs to prove to fantasy owners that he wasn't a one-season wonder at the collegiate level.

Projections: 47 receptions, 545 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 0 fumbles lost (72 fantasy points)

10. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia: Jackson has drawn comparisons to Carolina's Steve Smith because of size (6-foot-0, 178 pounds) and skills as an explosive playmaker, but he won't have close to Smith's value in fantasy football drafts next season. The California product could develop into a deep threat in the Eagles vertical pass attack, but he won't pass Kevin Curtis or Reggie Brown on the depth chart and will be hard pressed to produce consistent numbers for owners. In a best-case scenario, Jackson should be seen as a potential late-round flier in leagues with 12-plus teams.

Projections: 33 receptions, 420 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 0 fumbles lost (56 fantasy points)
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Weezy · May 3, 2008

all RBs and WRs where is the love for the lineman :dontknow:

lol but it is sorta suprising that ryan isnt on the list

BeatEmWithOurWillie · May 3, 2008

I think Johnathan Stewart will have one of the better rookie seasons.Him and James Hardy

86WARD · May 3, 2008

I actually think Forte or Smith have the best opportunity to rate at the top of this list. Each could win that RB battle in Chicago and Detroit, respectively and be the #1 guy. The rest of the RB's on this list will be sharing time with a current starter. Forte could beat Benson outright and get the nod. Smith...it's pretty much his to lose.

falcon_91 · May 3, 2008

Weezy said: ↑

lol but it is sorta suprising that ryan isnt on the list
Click to expand...

Not really he wont start til week 8 at best - for him - and will struggle regardless probably doing worse than cutler did in his rookie year.

86WARD · May 3, 2008

Yeah...Ryan shouldn't be on the list.

wide right · May 4, 2008

Rookie QBs and WRs generally don't do crap for FF. They'll have a game or two where they shine and show their future potential but their not worth a starting roster spot. A bye week fill in at best.
RBs are a different story. They can get you points from the start.
I'd rank them:
1-Forte
2-Stewart
3-McFadden
4-Mendenhall
5-Smith

Ridin Burgundy · May 4, 2008

I think Kelly has the better chance to step in and contribute more from the start for the 'Skins.

Crunkbuc4d1 · May 4, 2008

I think Felix Jones or Mendenhall have the best chances. Solid QBs & o-lines.

Saintsfan1972 · May 4, 2008

Robert Meachem-WR-Saints

oh...wait......nevermind :icon_cheesygrin:

86WARD · May 4, 2008

wide right said: ↑

Rookie QBs and WRs generally don't do crap for FF. They'll have a game or two where they shine and show their future potential but their not worth a starting roster spot. A bye week fill in at best.
RBs are a different story. They can get you points from the start.
I'd rank them:
1-Forte
2-Stewart
3-McFadden
4-Mendenhall
5-Smith
Click to expand...

QB's yes, but some WR's nowadays, since Randy Moss are starting to buck that trend. It used to take a WR about three years on the learning curve to step up in a system. They're doing it faster now. But from Day One and of those 3 positions, RB is by far #1.

nlsmike · May 8, 2008

86WARD said: ↑

QB's yes, but some WR's nowadays, since Randy Moss are starting to buck that trend. It used to take a WR about three years on the learning curve to step up in a system. They're doing it faster now. But from Day One and of those 3 positions, RB is by far #1.
Click to expand...

I tend to disagree that the trend is stopping because its really not. I wrote an article on this for a magazine last year will have to dig it up. I want to see if I am wrong though so would you care to tell me who the WR's since Randy Moss have been good or worth starting on a fantasy league?

I really like Chris Johnson and Stewart this season Mcfadden I can not trust since he went to the Raiders. Mendenhall next season will be killer. Hardy probably the best WR to get some love in this draft.

We have an IDP/regular mock draft running right now at NLS if anyof you guys want to check out.

IDP Rookie Draft 5 Rounds

Regular Rookie Draft 2 Rounds

mike oxlong · May 8, 2008

this guy took zero risk on his list and anyone could have put this list together.

K Train · May 9, 2008

all top players at the position....lol

wheres donnie avery? lol

SuperBeast · May 19, 2008

Ray Rice is the biggest sleeper out there imo

Hypocycloids · May 19, 2008

Do you guys hold leagues on GIF?

Jammin Jaguar · May 19, 2008

I'm surprised Felix Jones is that far down on the list, I thought he'd be #2 or #3.

falcon_91 · May 19, 2008

Why people like Smith are going to be the #1 guy, Stewart will "share" but imo get easily more than 50% of the carries in CAR, Jones is the #2 RB behind Marion Barber.

nlsmike · May 20, 2008

Depends falcon on what Jerry Jones has in store he wanted the kid in the draft and if he wants him to play he may push Barber for some playing time.

Ray Rice makes Dave Meggett look like Andre the Giant. (a bit sarcastic I know) but Ray Rice will be at best a 3rd down running back. Mcgahee is the guy in Baltimore

SuperBeast · May 21, 2008

nlsmike said: ↑

Depends falcon on what Jerry Jones has in store he wanted the kid in the draft and if he wants him to play he may push Barber for some playing time.

Ray Rice makes Dave Meggett look like Andre the Giant. (a bit sarcastic I know) but Ray Rice will be at best a 3rd down running back. Mcgahee is the guy in Baltimore
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The Top 10 Fantasy Football Rookies For 2008

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The Top 10 Fantasy Football Rookies For 2008

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Weezy Ice Cold

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