2009 Features Deep Rookie Class
May 10, 2009 at 10:37 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
Smart fantasy owners don’t just look at the first round of the NFL Draft to assess rookie talent and the potential impact the first year players could have on the stat column. Recent examples of players drafted in the second round or later to have an immediate fantasy impact include Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, Broncos WR Eddie Royal, Texans RB Steve Slaton, Lions RB Kevin Smith, Bears RB Matt Forte and Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew.While plenty of this year’s first round picks have serious fantasy potential, owners shouldn’t overlook the following guys taken in the mid to late rounds.
Shonn Greene, Jets RB – The Jets traded up to acquire the first pick in the third round and select the bruising power back from Iowa. At 5’11”, 227 lbs., Greene is the ideal size for an NFL featured back, and despite the current presence of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington on the depth chart, he may be closer to playing than many fantasy owners anticipate. Even though Jones is coming off of a career year, he’s 31 years old and unhappy with his contract situation. We’ve heard that the Jets not only love Greene’s downhill banging running style, but see him as an eventual replacement for the disgruntled veteran. If Jones keeps up his antics, and Greene has a good full summer of work, we won’t be surprised to see him in fantasy starting line-ups in 2009.
James Davis, Browns RB – The Browns surprised many by not addressing the running back position until the sixth round. However, they did select Davis, who was projected as a first or second rounder in the 2008 draft, but decided to return for one more season. His draft stock dropped, but many feel he still has the skill set to succeed at the pro level. We’ve heard that Browns GM George Kokinis isn’t ready to give up on Jamal Lewis just yet, but Davis is currently second in line – making him very worth following carefully leading up to September.
Rashad Jennings, Jaguars RB – We were extremely high on Jennings – a Brandon Jacobs type runner – prior to the draft. Then, he quietly landed in Jacksonville in the seventh round, which is an absolutely perfect fit. The 6’1”, 231 lb. back replaces Fred Taylor as the power compliment to Maurice Jones-Drew, and if he seizes the opportunity, could make an impact as a rookie in short yardage situations. Mojo will see a ton of work as the featured back, but Jennings should absolutely get an opportunity to play. We see him being the Tim Hightower of 2009, and don’t forget that Hightower scored 10 TDs last year people.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles RB – Of all the offensive rookie skill position players drafted after the first round, McCoy is the one we’re most confident will make an impact in 2009 and beyond. There’s no doubt that the 5’10”, 198 lb. back is the Eagles’ future at the position. Taken with the 53rd overall pick, the Eagles saw a first round caliber player fall to them that fits their offense perfectly. He’s a shifty playmaker and receiver out of the backfield, just like Brian Westbrook. The team has said that he needs to improve his blocking, but other than that, could be ready to make an immediate impact. Westy has never played a full 16 game season, and at the age of 30, his body is breaking down rapidly – especially at the knees. Don’t be surprised if McCoy sees serious playing time by Week 7.
Gartrell Johnson, Chargers RB – Like Jennings, Johnson was a player we liked before the draft. Then after the Chargers selected him in the fourth round, our eyebrows raised big time. He’s a powerful interior runner, who played at Colorado State after a junior college career. Obviously, the Chargers see something they like in him, which shouldn’t go ignored, as LaDainian Tomlinson nears the end of his career, and Darren Sproles is essentially on a one-year contract. Unlike Jennings – who should fit into a complimentary short yardage role in Jacksonville long-term – Johnson has the potential to eventually earn a larger role in San Diego if he takes advantage of his opportunities. Don’t expect much in 2009, but keeper and dynasty owners may want to stash him away.
Javarris Williams, Chiefs RB – Admittedly, Williams is definitely the biggest long shot on this list, but like Greene, Davis, McCoy and Johnson, he plays for a franchise with a much older running back as the current starter. He was very productive as a two year starter at Tennessee State University, and has great size (5’10”, 223 lbs.). What makes him intriguing is that neither Larry Johnson, Kolby Smith nor Jamaal Charles are convincing enough to weapons to be considered the Chiefs’ featured back. But what makes him a risk is that he could end up playing fullback. Regardless, he’s worth mentioning at this point as someone worth watching.
Brian Robiskie, Browns WR – Considered by many to be the most polished receiver in the draft, Robiskie – whose father, Terry, is the receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons – saw his draft stock rise steadily leading up to the end of April. The Browns ended up grabbing him with the 36th overall pick, and feel confident that he can earn a starting role opposite Braylon Edwards in 2009. The 6’3” wide out from Ohio State could be just what the Browns offense needs to turn around their woeful attack. The big, possession target should be able to utilize his physicality to get open consistently at the pro level. He could transcend points per reception and TD only formats, and become a legit WR3 in all leagues prior to the end of 2009.
Ramses Barden, Giants WR – There’s no question that the 6’6” beast from Cal Poly is more of a project that the other receivers on this list, but since the Giants released Plaxico Burress – who is also 6’6” – he’s worth watching. The third round pick tweaked his hammy in early rookie mini-camps, but should be fine by the time real OTAs roll around in July. Don’t forget, the Giants also released Amani Toomer this off-season, so even though Hakeem Nicks was snagged in the first round, there are technically two open WR spots up for grabs in New York, and Domenik Hixon is definitely not guaranteed either of them.
Austin Collie, Colts WR – For those of you who thought Indy didn’t draft a WR this year, look again. The 6’1” Collie reminds us a lot of Jordy Nelson, except that he fell to the fourth round. The Colts released Marvin Harrison, and plan on replacing him with Anthony Gonzalez, but it’s always been clear that there’s room for more than two fantasy worthy wide outs in Tom Moore’s offense. Enter Collie, a physical go-getter who will fight defensive backs for the rock, and you’ve got yourself one intriguing deep sleeper.
Juaquin Iglesias, Bears WR – Iglesias was a phenomenal pick for Chicago in the third round. They needed a weapon, but didn’t have a first or second round pick to grab one with. On a team with mediocre wide receivers, he’ll actually have a chance to play right away, and after playing on college football’s most explosive offense a season ago, he’ll enter with perhaps the NFL’s most explosive young signal caller tossing him the rock. Monitor the connection he builds off the bat with Jay Cutler, and if he’s strong, we promise you’ll want to follow Iglesias closely leading up to your drafts.
Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns WR – A second round investment in the 6’2”, 210 lb. Massaquoi tells us that the Browns like him a lot, but with Edwards and Robiskie on the roster, he could have problems climbing the depth chart. Still, his ability to make tough catches and fearlessness over the middle, combined with his draft status, puts him on a legit watch list.
Patrick Turner, Dolphins WR – The Dolphins were hoping Barden would fall to them in round three, but were stuck with Turner 87th overall when the Giants snatched Barden two picks earlier. Still, Turner not only fits the same mold at 6’5”, 225 lbs., but he actually had a much more accomplished college career than Barden. The USC product needs to beat the bust wrap set forth by former Trojans WRs Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett, but could be a serious weapon in the Dolphins red zone and possession offense.
Mike Thomas, Jaguars WR (pictured) – At 5’8”, 185 lbs., it’s easy to overlook the Jags’ fourth round pick out of Arizona. However, he had 259 receptions in college, and is a great slot receiver. We could seriously see him becoming a phenomenal weapon in points per reception leagues, in a Wes Welker type role. He’ll be a lot like Royal and Jackson were as rookies – contributing as a returner and receiver from day one. Seasonal owners should lock him up in the last round of their drafts, while dynasty owners should look to snag him late in round three.
Cornelius Ingram, Eagles TE – Many believe that the Eagles found the gem of the draft in round five with their selection of Ingram. The former hoops star and QB has morphed into a modern day tight end, and at 6’4”, 245 lbs., has intimidating size and great hands. However, he’s coming off an ACL injury, so he may have to redshirt in 2009 – a la Michael Bush in 2007. Still, expect big things from Ingram when he makes it on the field, as the starting TE position on one of the league’s top offenses will be handed to him when he’s ready.
Shawn Nelson, Bills TE – The 6’5”, 240 lb. Nelson is definitely a pass catching weapon and not much of a blocker – but that’s just what the Bills’ needed. With Robert Royal in Cleveland, Nelson will be the front-runner to start for an offense that badly needs an over-the-middle receiving threat. We really wouldn’t be surprised to see him post some solid digits in 2009.
Chase Coffman, Bengals TE – At 6’6”, 244 lbs., Coffman is an elite pass catcher, but can’t block a lick – exactly what fantasy football owners like in their tight ends. Cincy has long been a team which owners have anticipated a quality receiver emerging from the TE position, but Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht haven’t delivered. If Coffman – who suffered a foot injury that prevented him from being drafted higher – stays healthy, and equally as important – if Carson Palmer is healthy – he will break that trend and become a sought after weapon in points per reception leagues.
Now that the NFL Draft is over, start preparing for your 2009 drafts by checking out our updated Dynasty Rookie BIg Board, as well as updated 2009 fantasy football player rankings on our Ultimate Strategist Package forums.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
Related posts
Loading ...
