ESPN Top 25 FFL Rookies - VD #4

[SeattleNiner]

Haven't seen this anywhere - hope it's not a repost!

GRADING KEY
1. Immediate impact player who should start in fantasy leagues in his first NFL season.
2. Should play well enough to become a standout early in his career. Top keeper and dynasty league prospect.
3. Might post quality numbers in his first pro season if he gets the opportunity. Very promising in keeper and dynasty leagues.
4. Long shot to make a major impact in his first year, but should eventually become a quality fantasy starter.
5. Should only be drafted in keeper and dynasty leagues.

THE TOP 25

1. Reggie Bush (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7751), RB, Saints (1): Will make a fine early third-round pick in keeper leagues. His receiving skills could be the best we have ever seen from a running back in a long time, and will make him an instant fantasy star even if he shares some playing time with Deuce McAllister (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5470).
2. DeAngelo Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7776), RB, Panthers (2): He'll finally stabilize Carolina's running game. Great vision and natural instincts. Could be a terrific value in the fourth round of yearly leagues.
3. Joseph Addai (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7779), RB, Colts (2): A versatile performer who should quickly become a valuable part of an explosive offense. Addai could become a very dependable and sometimes outstanding fantasy starter very early in his pro career.
4. Vernon Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7755), TE, 49ers (2): Won't be an immediate superstar, as he'll take some time to adjust to the pro game, but should still produce well enough early in his career to make him one of the better players at his position. Great receiving fundamentals could make him the best TE in fantasy by his third season.
5. Laurence Maroney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7770), RB. Patriots (3): Will operate as a relief option for Corey Dillon (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3914) initially, but could impress if Dillon gets hurt. By his third year, he could be ready to shine as a fantasy starter.
6. LenDale White (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7794), RB, Titans (3): Could get pressed into needed service as a rookie but unlikely to become a reliable option in 2006. Eventually, he could be a super source of TD production.
7. Brian Calhoun (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7823), RB, Lions (4): Kevin Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6789) is still the main option for the Lions, but Calhoun will be a good alternative if Jones can't stay healthy. Calhoun has some promise as a pass catcher and now gives Detroit a viable future alternative if Jones continues to disappoint.
8. Marcedes Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7777), TE, Jaguars (4): Much of the hype focused on Davis, but Lewis should become a top-level tight end no later than his third year. He might be the biggest sleeper in the rookie class.
9. Santonio Holmes (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7774), WR, Steelers (4): Should instantly become a challenge for defenses because of his big-play promise, but you might not see him produce up to his potential until at least his second year.
10. Chad Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7785), WR, Patriots (4): He'll excite Patriots fans with some flashes of big-play skills in his first year. But Tom Brady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5228) spreads the ball around too much and might not throw it to him often enough as a rookie.
11. Sinorice Moss (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7793), WR, Giants (4): He'll catch some big gainers in his first year, as he works with a QB who won't hesitate to get him the ball downfield on passing downs. Should eventually become a regular playmaker for Eli Manning (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6760) and a fine No. 2 fantasy receiver even if his statistical production is sporadic early in his career.
12. Matt Leinart (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7759), QB, Cardinals (4): Could be forced to start as a rookie if Kurt Warner (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4541) gets injured, but won't be recommended for fantasy use. Should develop into a fine game manager who should post occasionally outstanding stats in his prime.
13. Stephen Gostkowski (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7867), K, Patriots (4): He's not known for his leg strength, but he was reliable in college and could get a lot of opportunities to score if he can beat out veteran Martin Gramatica (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4730). He'll either become an immediate fantasy option or drop out of sight.
14. Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7760), QB, Broncos (5): While he doesn't figure to have any value as a rookie, Cutler could end up being one of the best fantasy players in this year's class and the top fantasy QB of the group. Great confidence, and will shine once he makes some needed adjustments.
15. Vince Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7752), QB, Titans (5): A future standout who will need a lot of time to become comfortable at the NFL level. He'll find that defenders are faster and smarter in the NFL, and Young will have to become a more complete QB before he starts for Tennessee.
16. Leonard Pope (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7821), TE, Arizona (5): He might not make much noise in his first year, but Pope is a natural receiver who will become a fantasy mainstay by his third or fourth pro season.
17. Maurice Stovall (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7839), WR, Tampa Bay (5): An impressive package of size and speed, he makes picturesque grabs and should eventually become a fine No. 2 fantasy receiver.
18. Greg Jennings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7801), WR, Green Bay (5): A smart, tough receiver, Jennings has the quickness and natural instincts to become a star receiver for the Packers by his third pro season, if not a bit sooner. Any wideout who plays with Brett Favre (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=1025) early in his career does have sleeper potential.
19. Tony Scheffler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7810), TE, Denver (5): Could fit in well with the Denver offense because of his impressive speed and athleticism. Scheffler has some promise and could start to show off his skills often by his second year.
20. Derek Hagan (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7831), WR, Miami (5): A solid possession prospect who could eventually become the perfect complement to Chris Chambers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5499). Smart dynasty league owners won't overlook Hagan.
21. Travis Wilson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7827), WR, Cleveland (5): If any wideout might emerge as a steal for dynasty and keeper league owners, it could be Wilson. He is regarded as an underrated package of size, toughness and surprising quickness.
22. Jason Avant (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7858), WR, Philadelphia (5): He could get a chance to play quickly for the receiving-starved Eagles. But he doesn't have huge upside and should only become a reliable, but not outstanding fantasy player.
23. Kellen Clemens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7798), QB, New York Jets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nyj) (5): He's a natural leader who could be a bargain in keeper and dynasty leagues if he recovers from last year's broken ankle. Clemens has the necessary intangibles to become at least a solid pro QB.
24. Brodie Croyle (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7834), QB Kansas City (5): Appears to be a natural successor to Trent Green (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2547). Croyle is smart and has the arm strength to put the ball wherever he wants it.
25. Demetrius Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7860), WR, Baltimore (5): He has the potential to become a big-play man for the Ravens. The Ravens have long hungered for a vertical threat, and here's one they can mold.

[NinerCubBoiler]

sounds good to me

[Ace Matherton]

My bet is with Addai having the best fantasy year of them all, I wouldnt take any of the rookies before round 4-5 though, too much other quality young proven talent before those rounds.

[jerry rice]

My bet is with Addai having the best fantasy year of them all, I wouldnt take any of the rookies before round 4-5 though, too much other quality young proven talent before those rounds.

I agree Addai could be the best amoungst the rookie pool of RBs. But unless Dominick Rhodes or him is the undisputed # 1, it's hard to tell who it's gonna be for the Colts. But whoever the starting RB is, he definitely will blow up in that offense. Hopefully it won't be a committee approach...

It's still early tho, we'll know a little more by preseason.

Someone's gonna be this year's Cadillac (Especially in the beginning of last season). WHo will it be?

I personally like DeAngelo... The presence of Foster could scare off some owners. Foster shows flashes, but always gets injured. So D williams could be a good pick up. My rankings usually change daily when the date gets closer... But right now I'd say if you could get this guy as your 3rd RB in the 5th or later, it might be a good pick up.

I remember last year, everyone was talkin up JJ Arrington. I think he went in atleast the third round of every draft in my money leagues. Those owners got jacked. I even bought into some of the hype, luckily I wasn't in position to draft him.

The sexy pick would be Bush in or around the 3rd round. Looks like he'll be gone by the 4th if not much earlier. But I'm not sure I would use a 3rd on him with some top tier WRs available at that point. I guess it depends on how the draft goes.

Vernon Davis is definitely on my short list of TEs! There's nothing better than rooting for a player on your favorite team!

After Gates/ Shockey/ Gonzo

Right now, I'd put the Duke near the top in the category of 2nd tier TEs... with Cooley, Heap, Witten and Crumpler. But he has the potential to be better than any of those guys. .. and he will eventually....

I can't wait......... Every off-season is like torture....

[49ers Ephon]

i'd put vince young ahead of lienart. unlike lienart, young will be able to get points from his ability to run, which i think makes him more valuable. plus he has a stronger arm.

[jerry rice]

i'd put vince young ahead of lienart. unlike lienart, young will be able to get points from his ability to run, which i think makes him more valuable. plus he has a stronger arm.

Plus it looks like Lienhart is gonna sit. So unless Warner gets hurt (Which is a possibility) Vince will still probably be a better choice (For this year).

It also looks like the Titans are gonna unload Mcnair, so Vince could be in good position to get some playing time this year.

[49ers Ephon]

Plus it looks like Lienhart is gonna sit. So unless Warner gets hurt (Which is a possibility) Vince will still probably be a better choice (For this year).

It also looks like the Titans are gonna unload Mcnair, so Vince could be in good position to get some playing time this year.


for this year young should be ranked at number 12 behind moss. like you said young will get the chance to start and put up numbers while cutler and leinart will be benched, and the fact that they have a kicker who will probably be a back-up at number 13 on there list is simply amazing.

[SeattleNiner]

cutler and leinart will be benched, and the fact that they have a kicker who will probably be a back-up at number 13 on there list is simply amazing.

They stated "could get a lot of opportunities to score if he can beat out veteran Martin Gramatica (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4730). He'll either become an immediate fantasy option or drop out of sight"

Considering that most rokies don't have much fantasy impact in their first year, a kicker on a good team coud step right in and produce.

Makes perfect sense to me.

[NinerCubBoiler]

i've always wondered how they come to this assessment on any player. It just seems odd that one player has this as part of their assessment but the majority of the rest do not.

its because they are "experts"... duh

[49ers Ephon]

They stated "could get a lot of opportunities to score if he can beat out veteran Martin Gramatica (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4730). He'll either become an immediate fantasy option or drop out of sight"

Considering that most rokies don't have much fantasy impact in their first year, a kicker on a good team coud step right in and produce.

Makes perfect sense to me.

i'm just not high on kickers in fantasy leagues. maybe if he was asssured the starting position in NE i'd rank him higher, but in a draft i'd pick VY or even Leinart before the kicker.