2014 Fantasy Football: 10 Rookies Who Could Be Relevant
It seems like some college players are just built for the pros, and NFL rookies are making a bigger fantasy football impact than ever before. The success of a rookie player greatly depends on his circumstances, but some first-year players will have great opportunities for fantasy relevance this season.
Here are 10 NFL rookies who could be fantasy relevant in 2014.
10. Johnny Manziel: QB, Cleveland Browns
10. Johnny Manziel: QB, Cleveland Browns
Brian Hoyer is better than people give him credit for, but Manziel could lead the team by Week 6 if Hoyer isn't productive and the boo birds come out in Cleveland. He doesn't have many targets for his passing attack outside of Jordan Cameron, but Manziel's fantasy value is in his dual-threat ability. Similar to Tim Tebow, Johnny Football could rack up solid points from his rushing skills.
9. Sammy Watkins: WR, Buffalo Bills
9. Sammy Watkins: WR, Buffalo Bills
Even though he is considered the best wide receiver in his draft class, Sammy Watkins will be limited by how well E.J. Manuel performs. The Bills' organization seems to have faith in its quarterback, but the NFL community hasn't seen enough of Manuel to finalize an opinion. Watkins could also be limited by a potential run-heavy offense, but he could still build a nice rapport with his quarterback and become the go-to guy in the passing attack.
8. Derek Carr: QB, Oakland Raiders
8. Derek Carr: QB, Oakland Raiders
Out of all the rookie quarterbacks entering the NFL in 2014, Derek Carr has one of the best chances to start. If he can become the owner of a better preseason than Matt Schaub, it will be hard for the Oakland Raiders to sit Carr. He will have a cluster of receivers with various skill sets surrounding him, and his arm strength could help him find fantasy relevance in the right matchups.
7. Mike Evans: WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Mike Evans: WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wide receiver Mike Evans finds himself in a nice situation as a complement to Vincent Jackson. Evans is a well-rounded player, and he could quickly become one of Josh McCown's favorite targets.
6. Kelvin Benjamin: WR, Carolina Panthers
6. Kelvin Benjamin: WR, Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton has to throw the ball to someone, and at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Kelvin Benjamin is a solid target. Benjamin caught 15 touchdowns in his final season with FSU, and he could easily become fantasy relevant as a rookie.
5. Bishop Sankey: RB, Tennessee Titans
5. Bishop Sankey: RB, Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson is now a member of the New York Jets, and a new era for the Titans' rushing attack is now in effect. The main competition for rookie Bishop Sankey is inconsistent and injury-prone Shonn Greene. Johnson ran the ball 279 times last season, so Sankey has a strong opportunity to become a consistent fantasy option.
4. Brandin Cooks: WR, New Orleans Saints
4. Brandin Cooks: WR, New Orleans Saints
Even though he is a wide receiver, the New Orleans Saints are hoping that Brandin Cooks can replicate the playmaking-ability of Darren Sproles. He is on a very powerful offense, and it doesn't get much better than catching passes from Drew Brees. I think Cooks will either be at the bottom of the top-20 receivers this season or he will fall just outside, but he will find relevance in certain matchups throughout the year.
3. Terrance West: RB, Cleveland Browns
3. Terrance West: RB, Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns will focus on the rushing attack due to the suspension to receiver Josh Gordon, and rookie Terrance West will have a chance to make some noise. He will have to share the ball with Ben Tate to start the season, but the Browns will give more touches to the back who is most productive.
2. Charles Sims: RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. Charles Sims: RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to use a committee in 2014, and despite the presence of Doug Martin, rookie Charles Sims was a third-round pick. There isn't much to knock on Sims' game, as he is a strong runner, has great hands and excellent field vision. Martin could quickly lose his starting role, and Sims should be on your radar.
1. Eric Ebron: TE, Detroit Lions
1. Eric Ebron: TE, Detroit Lions
Rookie tight ends aren't known for fantasy production, but Eric Ebron has been called the next Jimmy Graham. He has one of the easiest schedules for tight ends, and being on a pass-happy offense doesn't hurt. Ebron could quickly make his mark as a fantasy stud.