Fbkid's Fantasy Football Top Ten Rookies

Last year was a very good year for rookies in fantasy football. Running backs such as Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and Jonathan Stewart all had big impacts on people’s teams last year. That's not even mentioning the receivers such as DeSean Jackson and Eddie Royal along with Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco at the quarterback position. While this rookie class isn't as deep, there are some players who could have big impacts on your fantasy teams this upcoming season. Here are my top ten fantasy football rookies who could help you win your league next year.


1. Knowshon Moreno RB Broncos: The Broncos had a very good passing attack last year but with the Jay Cutler trade, that will take a hit. Moreno is a very durable back which the Broncos desperately need considering they went through seven last year. Running backs usually have the biggest impact on fantasy football right out of the gate and Moreno should be no different as the Broncos focus on improving their running game this year. Expect around 1300 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

2. Mark Sanchez QB Jets: Other than last year, rookie quarterbacks don't usually put up very good fantasy numbers. Sanchez though has the potential to pick up where Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco left off. Most rookie quarterbacks are thrown into the fire right away with a poor offensive line and are sacked 60 times. That won't be the case for Sanchez as he is protected by one of the league's best offensive lines. Sanchez is already the toast of New York but it won't be long before fantasy owners feel the same way. Expect around 3200 yards 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

3. Michael Crabtree WR 49ers: After seeing the numbers he put up in the pass happy Texas Tech offense, fantasy owners were salivating at the chance to take Crabtree. Crabtree should be very effective in the NFL but rookie receivers don't usually put up big fantasy numbers. Plus, the quarterback situation in San Francisco isn't settled as Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are battling for the starting job. Crabtree should be effective this year but he should really start putting up numbers in year two. Expect around 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.

4. Chris Wells RB Cardinals: Wells has a combination of size and speed that can make him a very effective fantasy back. He has the speed to run away from defenders and the size to score on the goal line. The only problems are that he isn't very durable and the Cardinals offensive line has struggled in run blocking. Wells has all the potential to be a top fantasy back in the Cardinals offense but don't forget that four years ago everybody was expecting JJ Arrington to have a huge rookie season. Expect around 900 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

5. Donald Brown RB Colts: Brown may not be the starting back for the Colts, but he has the potential to have a big time fantasy football impact in his rookie season. Brown doesn't have any "wow" factors in his running style but he is a very good all around back who catches the ball out of the backfield well. Brown is an interesting player to watch in rookie leagues as he will start off as a compliment to Joseph Addai but later on could become an elite fantasy back. Expect around 800 total yards and 6 touchdowns.

6. Jeremy Maclin WR Eagles: Maclin could end up being a bigger impact in fantasy football then Crabtree due to the fact that the Eagles have stability at the quarterback position. Maclin has excellent speed and he and DeSean Jackson will form one of the fastest receiver tandems in the league. If you get extra points in your league for return yards and special team’s touchdowns, Maclin could end up being a very good value in the middle rounds. Expect around 1500 total yards and 5 touchdowns.

7. Percy Harvin WR Vikings: There isn't really a true position for Harvin as he is more of a receiver/running back hybrid. But with all of that being said, he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball at Florida. He is a very raw receiver but the Vikings already said they will use him in similar ways that Urban Meyer did at Florida. He won't ever be a number one fantasy receiver but he could put up very similar numbers to what Reggie Bush put up his rookie season. Expect around 1300 total yards and 6 touchdowns.

8. Shonn Greene RB Jets: With both Thomas Jones and Leon Washington wanting new contracts, Greene could have a very big role in the Jets offense this year. He isn't a threat to score every time he touches the ball but has good size and could be a touchdown vulture around the goal line. He is worth keeping an eye on in keeper league as he could very well be the Jets feature running back next year. Expect around 800 total yards and 5 touchdowns.

9. LeSean McCoy RB Eagles: Since Brian Westbrook isn't very durable, McCoy could have a bigger impact on fantasy leagues then you would expect. Like Westbrook, McCoy is a very good receiver and he is also a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Look for McCoy to have a big impact as a complimentary back this year. Expect around 900 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

10. Rashad Jennings RB Jaguars: Jennings was the top small school running back in the draft this year and it was a shock to many that he fell to the Jaguars in the 7th round. Like Maurice Jones-Drew did three years ago, Jennings has the potential to burst on the fantasy scene right away. The Jaguars are looking to run the ball again and Jones-Drew who is now the feature back started to breakdown towards the end of the year as he was getting the ball almost 40 times a game. Keep an eye on Jennings in the preseason and the first few weeks of the season before it's too late. Expect around 800 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Next Joe Flacco?

At this time a few years ago, Joe Flacco was an unknown name to the casual football fan. That is hardly the case now. Flacco came in as a rookie from Delaware which is hardly a football factory and led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game. Now there is another quarterback waiting in the wings at Delaware who is similar in many ways to Flacco. His name is Pat Devlin.

Even though he is now playing for Delaware, Devlin isn't a completely unknown name. He was widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the country coming out of high school and was the backup quarterback last year at Penn State. Devlin originally committed to Miami out of high school but had a change of heart.

Devlin did get some playing time at Penn State last year as he completed 25 of 47 passes for 459 yards four touchdowns and no interceptions. So one thing that may come to mind is why is he transferring? Penn State is looking to install a new spread offense and that doesn't fit Devlin's abilities as he has all the qualities of a drop back quarterback.

One thing that set Flacco apart from other quarterbacks was his size. At 6'6 230, Flacco is one of if not the tallest quarterback in the league. He also has a rocket arm that helps him complete throws most quarterbacks can only dream of making. Devlin has both of those qualities. He is 6'4 222 pounds and has a very strong arm even though it may be a notch lower then Flacco's.

Even though Devlin hasn't really played, the road has already been paved for him to get to the next level. Just like Flacco he has a very good chance of flying up draft boards due to impressive showings in workouts. It wouldn't be surprising with his drop back tools if he works himself into the 1st or 2nd round whatever year he comes out.

Fbkid's Pre Preseason Power Rankings

In a few months, training camp will start so it is time for me to unveil my first power rankings of the year. Every team has made lots of changes this offseason so it should once again be a great NFL season. Here are my pre preseason power rankings.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: They are the defending champs and until they lose, they are number one.

2. New England Patriots: With Tom Brady coming back, the Patriots should be fully loaded this year. They will be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

3. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles had an excellent offseason adding Jason Peters at left tackle and adding players such as Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy through the draft. Don't be surprised if we see a rematch of Super Bowl 39 in February.

4. Indianapolis Colts: As long as Peyton Manning is under center, the Colts will be contenders. The defense needs to get healthy and Jim Caldwell will have a tough job replacing Tony Dungy.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance the Cardinals improved this offseason adding Bryant McFadden and Chris Wells in the draft. They should win the NFC West again but they won't be flying under the radar this year.

6. New York Giants: The Giants will be very strong on defense once again and if Hakeem Nicks fills the void left by the Plaxico Burress they will be explosive on offense as well. They should be one of the last teams standing come January.

7. Baltimore Ravens: Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Ravens. This year if Joe Flacco and the passing game improve, they could make the Super Bowl. Don't forget that Ben Roethlisberger won the Super Bowl in his second year.

8. Atlanta Falcons: It's hard to imagine based on where he was picked but Matt Ryan exceeded expectations last year. With the addition of Tony Gonzalez to an already explosive offense, don't be surprised if they are even better this year.

9. Tennessee Titans: With their strong defense, as long as the Titans can run the football they will be in every game. If Kerry Collins plays like he did last year, they could be just as good. The main question is what they will end up doing with Vince Young.

10. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers are a very deep team and should easily win the AFC West. The defense should also get better as Shawne Merriman is returning from injury.

11. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers should be strong again with a very good rushing attack and a stingy defense. Jake Delhomme is the key here as it's going to be a long year if he frequently plays like he did against the Cardinals last January.

12. New Orleans Saints: The Saints have really improved on defense this offseason and with an explosive offense could be ready to take it to the next level in the tough NFC South.

13. Houston Texans: The Texans have lots of talent and this could finally be the year they make the playoffs. Matt Schuab has had a hard time staying healthy and with the loss of Sage Rosenfels, it will be hard for the team to compete if he isn't.

14. Minnesota Vikings: Even without a quarterback, the Vikings are the most well rounded team in the NFC North. The division is a three team race but as long as they get solid play from Sage Rosenfels the Vikings have the talent to take it.

15. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks may have struggled last year, but they are built to win right away. Don't be surprised if in an easy NFC West if they got 8 or 9 wins this year.

16. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler gives the Bears the franchise quarterback they have been looking for since Jim McMahon. The defense is still strong but other than Devin Hester who does Cutler have to throw to?

17. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys still need another receiver to start across Roy Williams but the running game should really improve this year with Felix Jones healthy. The defense is solid but it all comes down to Tony Romo winning when it matters.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Could they be this year's Cardinals? Carson Palmer is finally healthy and they are coming off an excellent draft. The defense is improving but in a tough AFC North they are probably still a year or two away.

19. Green Bay Packers: The offense isn't a problem for the Packers. The defense on the other hand had a hard time stopping anyone next year. If the defense improves in their new 3-4 alignment and Aaron Rodgers plays well again, they could make a push for the division title.

20. Buffalo Bills: The Bills have enough talent to be a playoff team but it all comes down to how Trent Edwards plays.

21. New York Jets: If they choose to start him right away, Mark Sanchez is in a great situation. With a very strong supporting cast. Sanchez could lead the team to a season like the Falcons had last year.

22. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins made huge strides last year but they could be this year's version of the Browns. They will be tough this year but in 2010 look for them to emerge into an elite team in the AFC.

23. Washington Redskins: Considering they are clearly the 4th place team in the division, it will be hard for the Redskins to compete in the NFC East. In any other division they could be a 9-10 win team.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars were a trendy Super Bowl pick last year but are still rebuilding. If they keep drafting the way they did this year, it won't be long until they are back in that conversation.

25. Kansas City Chiefs: After trading for Matt Cassel the Chiefs are now settled at the quarterback position. Scott Pioli needs to get another draft of his players in the system but until then, they will be fun to watch.

26. Oakland Raiders: If JaMarcus Russell plays like he did at the end of last season, the Raiders could surprise some people. The defense is solid and more will be expected of Darren McFadden in his second year.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This is a rebuilding year for the Bucs as the defense isn't as deep as it has been in recent years. Byron Leftwich should be a solid one year option but Josh Freeman is clearly the future. Look for the Bucs to contend in another year or two.

28. Denver Broncos: The only thing dumber than trading your franchise quarterback is trading a 1st round pick which is quickly shaping into a top 10 pick for a second rounder in Alphonso Smith. Smith is a very good player, but that's a huge price to pay for him. It has the makings of a long year for the Broncos.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Singeltary will make sure this team gives it their all every week. If Shaun Hill steps up this team could surprise a lot of people.

30. Cleveland Browns: It's going to be a rough year for the Browns. They are switching coaches and can't decide on a quarterback. Look for them to in the thick of the AFC North in a couple of years.

31. St.Louis Rams: The Rams have some talent but were terrible last year. If Marc Bulger and the defense play better they could contend in a weak NFC West next year.

32. Detroit Lions: Even though Jim Schwartz will have this team ready to play, it's hard to put them any higher coming off a year where they didn't win a game.