Fantasy Corner: Impact Rookies

Running Backs

Ryan Matthews, San Diego Chargers
With the departure of LT coach Norv Turner is basically turning over the offense to the rookie out of Fresno State. Turner stated recently that Ryan Matthews will get 250 carries and 40 catches. I like the sound of that. Matthews has the size to bang inside and the speed to hit the corner and run outside. Darren Sproles will still be a part of the game plan but look for Matthews to finish with around 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.


Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions
While everyone is drooling in the draft room about landing Matthews I will sit back and snag Best in the 4th or 5th. With Kevin Smith returning from an ACL injury Jahvid will be the starter for the beginning of the season likely. Worst case scenario......there is a 50/50 split with Smith returns. I think Best will be a PPR machine and averages 40 yard in the air, 60 yards on the ground, and 4 or 5 catches a game.

Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns
Jerome Harrison finished 2009 with a bang. So why did the Browns draft a running back??? Great question. Obviously the Browns don't think Harrison is the guy for the job. It's also obvious that the Browns offense is horrible. I wouldn't touch either of these guys until the situation plays itself out. Alot of people are going to reach for Harrison. Don't be that guy.

Ben Tate, Houston Texans
Ok so last year Steve Slaton was horrible. No other way to say it. In April the Texans spent a second round pick on Tate who they feel fits their offense much better. Basically a guy who doesn't fumble every other play. Seriously tough Ben Tate is tough to tackle but still has the burst and cutting speed that you want in a running back. I like him more than Slaton in Houston this season.

C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
Before the draft I thought Spiller had the chance to have the best season of all rookie running backs. After being drafted by the Bills those thoughts quickly went out the window. In a crowded backfield with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson carries might be hard to come by for the Clemson alum. I see him being a bigger part of the return game in his first season.

Wide Receivers

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
The only rookie wide receiver I feel will be a major factor in 2010 is Dez Bryant, who the Cowboys took with the 24th pick in April's draft. He has the potential and size to be a Randy Moss type factor in Dallas' passing attack. Miles Austin is the clear #1 in Big D and Roy Williams will get his catches (only because owner Jerry Jones won't admit he made a mistake trading for him) but Bryant should finish the season with 50-60 catches and 5-7 touchdowns.


Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks
If he can avoid stealing donuts I think Tate will be a decent addition the the Seahawks offense. T.J. Houzmanzada was inconsistent last season and their other receivers were never really factors. Look for the former Golden Domer to be a factor in the slot and register 30-40 catches. Probably will only be useful in deeper leagues but look out for him in 2011.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
With Brandon Marshall shipped to Miami during the offseason the role of #1 receiver is in limbo in the Mile High City. I really like Jabar Gaffney in that role for 2010 (don't laugh) but beyond and possibly later in 2010 look for the Georgia Tech product to show off his size and speed. Hopefully Tebow is still on the bench at that point.

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I'm going to be honest.....I have already decided I will not be drafting any Bucs in 2010. However, I think it's Williams, not 1st rounder Arrelious Benn, who could be a factor later in the season.

Jordan Shipley, Cinncinnatti Bengals

If Shipley can win the 3rd receiver role in training camp he could be dangerous in the slot. Similar to Wes Welker in New England, Shipley is undersized but had amazing hands and is tough as nails. Definitely a sleeper in deeper leagues.







Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs
A running back in college, the Chiefs took McCluster in the 3rd round and have converted him to receiver. According to their website Kansas City has plans to make the former Ole Miss Rebel a huge part of their offense. They plan on using him at five different positions. I see him being very valuable in a PPR league, possibly in a Percy Harvin type role. Great name too by the way.

Brandon Lafell, Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith has a broken arm.
I love Kim Kardashian.
Dwayne Jarrett sucks (just being honest).
Armani Edwards was a quarterback in college.

Three of these four are reasons why Lafell could be a valuable late round pick in your fantasy draft. He's reportedly looked great in OTA's and could even win the starting spot opposite the original Steve Smith. Matt Moore isn't the greatest but the Panthers will be losing most games and they will need to pass to catch up. Take Lafell in Round 14 and watch the trade proposals roll in once he posts a 100 yard 2 touchdown performance.