Top Five Most Exciting Fantasy Football Rookie RBs

No position is primed to jump into the fantasy football world like the running back position. Each year, several rookies contribute...and knowing which to invest in can take you a long way towards a fantasy football championship.

It is important to remember that a player's draft position in the NFL Draft does not necessarily guarantee that player success in the NFL. It is also unusual for the draft order to predict the most fantasy value for a given year.

You need look no further than last year's poster child for fantasy football sleepers: LeGarrette Blount of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Without further delay, let's jump into this year's crop of exciting rookies 

5. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detoit Lions

There is a lot to like about Mikel Leshoure from a fantasy football perspective. He is a bruising, North-South runner who will take over the short yardage duties for the Lions immediately. Should Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson stay healthy, the Lions will have a potent offensive attack that should generate at least a handful of touchdown opportunities for the young runner. At worst, Leshoure becomes the touchdown vulture in Detroit. But let's not limit him to that role just yet. In his senior season at Illinois, Leshoure rushed for 1,697 yards on 281 carries with 17 touchdowns. He has the makings of a premier back if he gets the chance.

• Worst-case scenario: Handcuff to Jahvid Best
• Best-case scenario: Takes over the starting role in Detroit
• Likely scenario: 30% of the hand-offs, and short yardage work

  

4. Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots shocked many when they tabbed Shane Vereen with the No. 56 overall selection. Instantly, the Boston media began labeling Vereen as the heir-apparent to the aging Kevin Faulk. In addition, he was labeled the new third-down back. Discounting Shane Vereen as purely a pass catcher, and a third down back is a mistake. What's more, I don't believe the Patriots believe this is the case. Vereen is a powerful, explosive runner who can make plays in space and is a strong fit for the spread offense that the Patriots like to run. While the entire world loves Danny Woodhead's story from 2010, Vereen is a superior talent and will steal the starting job pretty quickly in 2011. That said, the Patriots love to swap RBs during the game so even a starting role in New England will only be good for 20 to 25 snaps per game.
• Worst-case scenario: Part-time player who picks up more time as the season goes on.
• Best-case scenario: Becomes the starter and plays for 25 snaps per game.
• Likely scenario: Pushes the aging RBs out of the way, but shares time with several other backs.

  

3. Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals

There are many NFL Mock Draft sites that had predicted Ryan Williams to get drafted in the lower portion of the first round,based not on the needs of the teams picking there, but rather because Ryan Williams represented a solid value between picks 25-32. His speed and vision are impressive, and he has the talent to be a game changer at the NFL level. The Cardinals were not happy with the results of their ground attack last year - and many believe that Arizona's management has begun to sour on previous high-round selection Chris "Beanie" Wells. In fact, rumors have sprung up that the Cardinals have dangled Wells in deals, including a potential deal that would bring Kevin Kolb to Arizona.
• Worst-case scenario: Ryan Williams becomes part of a three-headed monster at the RB position in Arizona
• Best-case scenario: Williams becomes the lightning in a thunder-and-lightning attack, and chews up some impressive yardage.
• Likely scenario: Williams splits time, but finishes the season as the Cardinals top RB for total yardage in 2011.
  Continued on the next page
   
   
  Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  Page 1   2

About this article

Article Author: Matt DiAntonio

Matt DiAntonio's author page — Author's Blog

Article Tags

fantasy football, fantasy football rookies,

Share:

Add your comment, speak your mind