When looking at prospects in the NFL Draft, it is known that there are some players that will be able to step in and contribute right away while there are other guys that might need a little extra time to develop before they can compete at the next level. As we come closer to the draft, it is time to start thinking about what rookies and going to have the most immediate impacts on the field and for your fantasy team.
5 Rookie Prospects Who Can Help Your Fantasy Football Team
5. Christian McCaffrey, Running Back
A 6’0″, 200 pound running back that can also play receiver is match-up nightmare for a defense. He is not the fastest guy but he is quick and shifty enough to make people miss in the open field. He can run the ball between the tackles, but he excels when in space. McCaffrey also shown great punt return skills. His skillset could carry over into the NFL as an immediate passing down back and provide a lot of fantasy upside in PPR formats.
Upside: RB2/FLEX in PPR
4. O.J. Howard, Tight End
This is said to be the best tight end class in a long time, but O.J. Howard stands out as the head of that class. The 6’6” 250 pound tight end is surprisingly fast for his size, and is the most balanced tight end in this draft. He is a good blocker as well as a strong receiver. His versatility should get him an immediate starting role for whatever team drafts him. While he may have been underutilized at Alabama, he has shown his ability make plays anywhere on the field and could make him a big part of his offense, especially in the red zone.
Upside: TE1
3. Dalvin Cook, Running Back
Dalvin Cook very well may be the most versatile and well-rounded running back in this draft class. While he isn’t the biggest back, at 5’11” and 205 pounds, he showed the ability to play an every down role at Florida State. He plays much bigger than his size as he can run up the middle and break tackles, get to the outside and make people miss, as well as make plays catching the ball. Not to mention, he has an amazing breakaway speed to create big runs. He is a player that could see 15-25 touches per game, in the right situation.
Upside: RB1
2. John Ross, Wide Reciever
The current 40-yard dash record holder will be the true meaning of the word weapon for whatever team he ends up with. He is obviously very fast, but also has the quickness, and agility to make people miss in the open field. Ross can stretch the field with a deep route or take a reverse to the house. He has also shown his playmaking ability as a return man in Washington. Whenever he is on the field, it is a big play waiting to happen.
Upside: WR2
1. Leonard Fournette, Running Back
Leonard Fournette may be the best running back LSU has ever had. he should continue to have a lot of success running the football at the next level. He is 6’1” and about 230 pounds, but is just as fast as someone 25 pounds lighter. He has great vision when carrying the ball. When the play breaks down he has the ability to create something out of nothing. His strength helps him run through people, making it very hard to tackle him, especially at the goal line. Though he is not typically asked to catch passes, he has shown that he is ability to do so. A lot of touchdowns are in the future for this running back.
Upside: RB1
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