What Rookies Should I Consider In My 2008 Fantasy Football Draft?

The NFL Draft has just concluded. Lots of analysts take time out at this time of the year (usually because other than the Arena League, there just isn't any football to talk about!) to give grades to each team based on their drafts. However, for us fantasy enthusiasts, we really don't care about how well each team drafted. We want to know what's important: who can help me win my fantasy football league championship next year?

Therefore, I've gone through all the draft picks, team-by-team, to bring you the draft worthy players for next year. If you're a serious fantasy football player, you probably won't be drafting any defenses too early, nor will you be taking any tight ends too early, so I won't focus on either of those. Below are a list of the noteworthy offensive skill players who were drafted who could have an impact on your quest for a championship next season.

Grades:
A - This is a player that should DEFINITELY be drafted in every fantasy league
B - This is a potential late round gamble or early season free agent pickup
C - This is a player who should make his way onto a fantasy roster before season's end

If I don't list 'em, you shouldn't consider 'em. There's always the chance that we'll see some late round draft choice or free agent player come out of nowhere in training camp or get an opportunity due to injury, but for my money, these are the players who should be relevant next year. (listed in alphabetical order)

Quarterbacks (remember, guys: these are 1st year QBs, so don't expect much):

1. Erik Ainge (NY Jets): 6'6", 225. Coming out of Tennessee, Ainge has great size and skills, and received excellent coaching. He also lands in a city that really doesn't have a true established #1 QB. Ainge could emerge as the best of the Jets' bunch before the end of the season. Grade: C+
2. John David Booty (Minnesota): 6'3", 213. Booty (gotta love the name) was simply a winner, although you might argue that he was surrounded with the best talent in the game over his college career. He heads to Minnesota where the incumbent (Tavarius Jackson) is not only incompetent, but injury prone. Great opportunity here that could shake out early in the season if Booty is a quick learner. Grade: C+
3. Brian Brohm (Green Bay): 6'3", 227. Brohm was rated as the #1 can't miss QB prospect before last season, then it all came crumbling down. He didn't play the best against top competition, but this guy has size and skills. If Aaron Rogers doesn't do his best Brett Favre impersonation, Brohm could be waiting in the wings before season's end to take his place. Grade: C
4. Joe Flacco (Baltimore): 6'7", 236. Tallest QB in the group, and though he went to a small school (Delaware), the guy can flat out play. Not the most athletic QB, but how athletic does he have to be to beat out Kyle Boller? Exactly. This battle may not last past training camp, as the Ravens are going no where this season and have little to lose. Grade: C+
5. Chad Henne (Miami): 6'2", 225. This is a Parcels pick. A smart guy with good skills who can manage a game. Great arm, which is good because he'll need to be getting rid of the ball quickly in Miami. Great chance that he'll be under center before year's end, but who knows how good he can be on this team next year. Might be worth a late season spot start. Grade: C
6. Matt Ryan (Atlanta): 6'5", 224. I watched this guy play at BC, and just wasn't too impressed. Looks like he could be the next David Carr to me. However, he'll get the chance to prove he belongs in the league while exorcising the ghosts of Michael Vick in Atlanta. Too bad he doesn't have much of a line or receiving core to throw to. He may get the most snaps next year under center of all the guys listed here, so if you're looking for quantity, he's your guy. As for quality . . . don't expect much. Should be decent at best. Grade: C+

Running Backs (uh oh . . . more platoons are on the way!):

1. Matt Forte (Chicago): 6'2", 222. Thanks, Mr. Benson. We hardly knew you. Matt Forte was built to play in Chicago, and Benson will have a tough time keeping him off the field next year. Smart money is on Forte at least forcing a platoon before mid-season, and possibly taking Benson's job for good before the end of the year. Grade: B+
2. Chris Johnson (Tennessee): 5'11", 197. Johnson will now form the ultimate "thunder and lightning" backfield with LenDale White in Tennessee. Johnson has speed to burn, and should get a chance to be a legit home-run threat in the Titans backfield. Grade: C
3. Felix Jones (Dallas): 6'0", 200. Jones is the perfect compliment to Marion Barber in the Cowboys backfield. He had a tremendous yards per carry average in college, and is lightning quick in the open field. He'll spell Barber for at least 10-12 carries a game, and should have some exciting fantasy games this year. Grade: B+
4. Darren McFadden (Oakland): 6'2", 210. Is there any doubt that this guy won't produce this year? He has only Justin Fargas to beat out (sorry Lamont Jordon, but your time in Oaktown is done), and he's a high 1st round pick. He is being compared to Adrian Peterson in terms of skill level, and should not disappoint next year. Grade: A+
5. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh): 5'11", 210. Move over, Fast Willie! Here comes another running back split! With Parker nursing injuries over the offseason, he may find himself looking at the supporting role instead of the lead when he returns. Many rated Mendenhall as the best of the draft, and he has the talent and the opportunity to make an impact next year in Pittsburgh. Grade: A
6. Ray Rice (Baltimore): 5'8", 199. If you saw any Scarlet Knight games, you'd know that this guy can flat out play. Willis McGahee is always just an injury away from giving this kid a huge opportunity, and he, too, may turn this backfield into yet another committee. Should see at least 10-12 carries a game as a change of pace, and could become fantasy worthy later in the year. Grade: C+
7. Steve Slaton (Houston): 5'9", 197. Who knows how much better that OL will be in Houston, but someone has to emerge in that backfield, so Slaton will get his chance. He's too small to be an every down back, but should get his chances before the season is over. Grade: C-
8. Kevin Smith (Detroit): 6'1", 217. Perfect situation for Kevin Smith, where the offensive will become more traditional with the absence of Mike Martz, and no real competition, since Tatum Bell has proven he's more of a change of pace guy. Not sure about that sieve of an OL, but Smith could surprise next year. Grade: B+
9. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina): 5'11", 235. This guy is a load, and is perfect for what Carolina wants to do: pound the football. Just when you thought (again) that DeAngelo Williams would be fantasy relevant, you get yet another running back committee. Expect Stewart to get the bulk of the carries and be a serviceable #2 back next year in this offense that has to be better with a healthy Delhomme back. Grade: A
10. These guys are only fantasy worthy next year as handcuffs to your studs: Jamal Charles (Kansas City - Larry Johnson), Tashard Choice (Dallas - Marion Barber), Marcus Thomas (San Diego - LaDainian Tomlinson), & Mike Hart (Indianapolis - Joseph Addai) Grades: C

Wide Receivers (like with 1st year QBs, temper your expectations with this class . . . greatly!):

1. Earl Bennett (Chicago): 6'0", 209. The sure-handed former Commadore landed in a great position in Chi-town, where they are desperate for guys who can catch the ball. Great opportunity for fantasy production here (for a 1st year receiver, that is). Grade: C+
2. Early Doucet (Arizona): 6'0", 212. Doucet flashed big-time skills at LSU, and should get at least limited opportunities to make Leinert or Warner look good. Grade: C-
3. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia): 6'0", 178. Mind you, Jackson HIMSELF said he is UP TO 178 pounds! Everyone knows that for some reason, receivers go to Philadelphia to die, but Jackson is a burner, and if he can just avoid getting hit, he might be able to excel in the slot. He doesn't have much competition ahead of him, so he might produce next year. Grade: C-
4. Malcolm Kelly (Washington): 6'4", 218. Big, talented guy with issues, which is why he fell to the 2nd round. He has a great opportunity in Washington to stand out where they desperately need a receiver, and has the size to be a great red-zone threat. Toss up between he and Devin Thomas as to who the best receiver with the best opportunity might be next year. Grade: B+
5. Mario Manningham (NY Giants): 6'0", 181. Another skilled guy with issues, which also caused his stock to drop on draft day. If he gets his head on right, he could excel opposite Plaxico Burress in NY. Grade: C
6. Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh): 6'4, 212. Love this guy (Hook 'em Horns!). He has size, speed, and great hands. Doesn't always have the best concentration, and time will tell what sort of chemistry he develops with Roethlisberger, but he could end up being the best out of this class. Just not next year. Grade: B-
7. Devin Thomas (Washington): 6'2", 215. Another big, productive guy out of Michigan. #1 rated receiver in the draft, and he has a great opportunity to produce in Washington (with Kelly). One of these guys may break out next year in a big way for a 1st year receiver (just not sure which). Grade: B

Man, is it time for training camps yet? Make sure you watch how these guys perform in training camp, as some of them will either win or lose positions outright and make your draft decisions a lot easier.

See you in the winner's circle.

EJ