So different this year when it comes to accessing how rookies will impact their new NFL teams. You see typically an NFL team by this time of year has pretty much all their players in place that should make the roster. OTA’s with the rookies has just been completed and some second tier free agents might be peppered in here and there. However, this year is screwed up with no free agency (if any) in place or in sight for that matter.
That’s what makes it so difficult to predict this early rookies that could have a fantasy impact in early 2011. Perfect example- one could say Ryan Williams is in the perfect situation, having Cardinal fans tired of Chris Well’s being so below average, that they would welcome Williams with open arms. Only problem is two fold: 1) fans don’t mean a damn and 2) No one knows what type of QB play the Cards will have to see if teams only need to worry about stuffing the run (see all of 2010) and take their chances with crappy QB play.
That said there will be allot scrutiny about my early 2011 fantasy football rookie cheat sheets- so let the banter begin:
1) Daniel Thomas, RB Dolphins- He has the best opportunity to earn early reps especially with the turnover that is anticipated coming from aging elders Ronnie Brown and Ricky “don’t touch that number” Williams.
2) Mark Ingram, RB Saints – If there was a better fit for this kid- show me. He’s got Pierre and Reggie to mentor him and while he’s learning they loose all the reps and leverage. This is the one position where “father time” grabs a hold of you early in your RB career.
3) Julio Jones, WR Falcons- No surprise there will be a ton of pressure on this kid to produce early, however, he must remember that learning how to learn will be the first and most important priority. The WR position takes time 2-3 years before you master it and thats with an outstanding work ethic. Patience is needed.
4) Lance Kendricks, TE Rams – Hate this pick because its so good. That’s right I am a 49er fan and hate the fact that this kid will go up against my favorite time twice a year. Solid pick and Bradford is a solid trigger man who will learn how to incorporate this kids strengths early and often.
5) Kendall Hunter, RB 49ers- Love this pick and will have allot of fun following him. He’s going to beat out Dixon as Gores backup (Dixon dances too much with the ball) and thats going to allow the 9ers to have someone to hit the outside edge, when they are not grinding Gore.
6) Mikel Leshoure, RB Lions- Going to give J. Best a run for his money and could very well end up outperforming everyone else on this list. That said, look for the Lions to find ways to get this guy on the field.
7) Randall Cobb, WR Packers- Any WR that gets drafted by the Packers has a chance to be a top 10 rookie pick. C0uple that with some movement with the Packers current WR corp and you have a kid arriving at the right place and time (see Ingram earlier post) to be awfully successful.
