Heres an interesting read on the Top ten Rookies:
1. Ronnie Brown, RB Miami - As the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Brown was brought in for one reason; to start. With little standing in his way, he should be a starter from day one, and his diverse skills should allow him to rack up fantasy points as a ball carrier and a receiver. He might be worth considering as early as the third round.
2. Cedric Benson, RB Chicago - Benson may not be as big of a lock to start as Brown, but I’d be shocked if he isn’t the feature back by week three. He faces competition from veteran Thomas Jones, but his ability to run between the tackles makes him a much better fit in the Bears' run-control offense. The downside is that Benson will likely be spelled by Jones, who possesses good receiving skills, in passing situations, giving Benson less opportunities as a receiver. But his lack of threat in the passing game is offset somewhat by his ability to get into the end zone. He’s another guy worth looking at early in your draft.
3. Carnell Williams, RB Tampa Bay - Jon Gruden’s offense relies heavily on a back who has the versatility to catch the ball out of the backfield, so Williams’ skills appear to fit nicely. Michael Pittman has never proven he can carry the load, so Williams will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. Like Brown, he can score points for your fantasy team on the ground and through the air. He isn’t quite as attractive in my eyes as Brown or Benson, but definitely worth a fourth-round selection.
4. J.J. Arrington, Arizona - With Marcel Shipp and Troy Hambrick as his main competition, Arrington will probably be the opening day starter. Head coach Dennis Green now has the weapons in place to open up the Cardinals offense, which could inflate Arrington’s fantasy numbers. A selection in the fourth or fifth round would not be out of the question.
5. Braylon Edwards, WR Cleveland - The Browns lack a true No. 1 receiver, a role the athletic Edwards was drafted to fill. And even though Trent Dilfer will never be confused with Johnny Unitas, he’s a smart veteran who can get the ball into the hands of his playmakers.
6. Troy Williamson, WR Minnesota - Williamson’s speed is a great fit for the Vikings offense, and he will be used much in the same way Randy Moss was used to stretch defenses. If nothing else, he should emerge as a deep-play threat, which should make him worth a mid-round pick.
7. Mark Clayton, WR Baltimore - There are questions as to whether quarterback Kyle Boller will be able to get him the ball, but Clayton is the most polished rookie receiver, and he makes things happen after the catch. He’s probably worth a mid to late-round selection.
8. Mike Williams, WR Detroit - There will be a lot of competition at the wide receiver position, so at this time, it’s not clear what Williams’ role will be. Look for him to become an early favorite of quarterback Joey Harrington because of his size and great hands. Those skills could also make him a fine red-zone threat. However, with three top draft picks in the receiving corps, his scoring opportunities might be limited, especially in his first season.
9. Reggie Brown, WR Philadelphia - If the Eagles and Terrell Owens can iron out their differences, Brown could face a lot of single coverage as teams roll coverage to Owens’ side of the field. He might be worth a look late in the draft.
10. Heath Miller, TE Pittsburgh - Miller’s athletic ability and good hands are worth taking a shot at in a backup roll late in the draft. In a best-case scenario, he could emerge as a top producer at a bargain-basement price. In the worst case, he should be able to fill in for your starter on a bye week. |