The Top 5 Fantasy Football Rookies: My Fantasy Football Guide, Part I
5. Vince Young, Tennessee Titans, QB
Vince Young would be higher, and he still might be, but as of now it looks like Billy Volek will begin the season as the Titans starting quarterback. With that said, Young is a definite must in terms of a late round, draft day gamble. As soon as you’ve met all your needs and have all your starters in place, you should think about taking a shot at Young. His talent is undeniable and while the jury is still out on whether his skills will translate on the NFL level, Young has an intangible quality that doesn’t come around too often.
4. Lawrence Maroney, New England Patriots, RB
I’ve been in a lot of arguments over what rookie running back is going to have the biggest fantasy impact this season. For my money, the guy with the biggest upside in terms of pure ability is Lawrence Maroney. He’ll start the year as Corey Dillon’s backup, but if Dillon gets the injury bug like he did last year, look for Maroney to step up huge. I watched several of Maroney’s game while he was at Minnesota and the only word that comes to mind is dominating. He is a big physical back and he’s going to do fine behind the Patriots big and physical offensive line, if and when he gets the chance. In a stacked draft, Maroney was the second running back pick, and he fell all the way to #21. Don’t let this fool you; Maroney could be an awesome fantasy football find.
3.Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts, RB
The only reason that Addai is ahead of Maroney is because, at this moment and time, it looks like Addai will have more of his team’s workload. I have no faith in Dominick Rhodes, and believe me, the Colts will desperately need someone to plug the gaping hole created by the loss of Edgerrin James. Although I’m not sure how he’ll do in the long run, Joseph Addai should get a lot of carries early in the season, making him a mid round draft pick at the very least. You can never have too many running backs who are guaranteed a lot of carries.
2.Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers, WR
The only wide receiver on this list was also the first and only round receiver selected in the draft. Pittsburgh traded up to get Santonio Holmes, the underclass product of Ohio St., and there are several reasons why I feel he’ll have a big year. For starters, the loss of Antoine Randal El was huge, and along with the departure of the Bus, the maturation of Big Ben, and the fact that Hines Ward isn’t getting any younger, there could be a lot of opportunity for Santonio Holmes, a speedster with some serious athletic ability. Holmes could wind us as a quality #3 receiver on your fantasy roster.
1.Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints, RB
To no one’s surprise the number one rookie fantasy pick has got to be Reggie Bush. Nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen with Reggie, or precisely how’ll be used alongside Deuce McAllister, but he’s Reggie Bush. On name recognition alone, he should be the first rookie taken and a potential first or second round fantasy pick. (This, of course, is all under the pretense that the Saints get him under contract in a, somewhat, timely fashion. Reggie Bush or not, history is shown that rookies who miss camp don’t put up numbers.)
HONORABLE MENTION (The following are a few rookies who might not be prominent features in their first season, but could be worth a last round look):
QB: Matt Lienart, Jay Cutler
RB: DeAngelo Williams, LenDale White, Maurice Drew, Brian Calhoun
WR: Chad Jackson, Sinorice Moss, Devin Hester, Greg Jennings
