The 2014 NFL Draft is just around the corner and with that brings thoughts of which rookies could have an impact in fantasy football this fall. A lot will depend on what team takes a certain player but there are just some of the players who will get drafted that could have a bigger impact than others. Several of these players will get taken in the first two or three rounds and even in the top ten which makes the possibility of them being fantasy starters in 2014 a strong chance. Here are ten rookies that fantasy owners must keep an eye on for fantasy football purposes moving forward this year.
Johnny Manziel- No one will dispute what Manziel can do on the field with his athletic ability. The key will be how his game translates to the pro level. If he ends up on the right team that shapes their offense around him, Manziel could be a player worth drafting as a backup quarterback to use during a starter’s bye week or even better later on.
Eric Ebron- There is few tight ends in this draft like Ebron, who is likely going to get taken in the first round. If a team like the New England Patriots were to get their hands on him to put as their second tight end that catches tons of passes, Ebron is someone whose fantasy draft stock goes sky high. Keep a close eye on which team drafts him.
Carlos Hyde- A bruiser at six foot and 242 pounds, Hyde will make defenses hurt for days after dealing with him. A likely destination for him would be with the Cleveland Browns who could start him from day one and anytime you can get a starting running back on your team even if it is one of the worst teams, you take him.
Sammy Watkins- The most dynamic wide receiver in the draft. He can stretch the field and catches everything thrown his way. He had 101 catches this past season at Clemson and is likely going to turn into some team’s No. 1 target in 2014. It may be risky but he is someone who has No. 2 or 3 WR potential right now for fantasy.
Teddy Bridgewater- There has been high praise thrown upon Bridgewater and he could go as high as the No. 1 pick in the draft. He has the ability to be someone who comes into the league and dominates from day one but there is some risk there. He could easily turn into a bye week replacement depending on a team’s roster.
Tre Mason- There will be questions about whether or not Mason will be a starting running back right away. The key here is the system he ends up in. He also needs to work on his receiving ability as he didn’t catch a lot of passes at Auburn with their system. He has a chance to be a PPR superstar sooner than later. It may be worth a flier late in the draft.
Kelvin Benjamin- Anytime you get a 6-5 receiver on the field, quarterbacks are going to be looking for him in jump ball situations. Benjamin averaged nearly 20 yards per catch this season at Florida State and easily could be a player to plug into a flex spot this coming year.
Jace Amaro- Tight ends that catch 106 passes in a season don’t happen much. Amaro did that in 2013 at Texas Tech. He is going to go in the first round and like Ebron, the system is very important. A team like the Patriots or Green Bay Packers would be great for his fantasy outlook in 2014.
Jimmy Garoppolo- The Eastern Illinois product has seen his NFL draft stock go sky high and if he were to land with the right team, he could be starting right away in 2014. He is someone that will likely be available with a final pick in a fantasy draft. If you have the room to work with, take him.
Mike Evans- The main target for Manziel at Texas A&M, Evans caught 69 passes for 1,394 yards last season. He is 6-5 and would fit well with many teams as their No. 2 receiver. He is a player to draft in a dynasty or keeper league for sure and could have a major impact as a flex option this year.