15 Incoming NFL Rookies Who Could Be Fantasy Stars in 2015
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The 2014-15 college football season will conclude on Jan. 12 with the National Championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Three days later, eligible players must declare for the NFL Draft and this is an exciting time for fantasy football players already looking ahead to next season. Let's take a look at the top 15 potential rookies that could be fantasy stars for the 2015-16 NFL season.
15. Duke Johnson - RB - University of Miami
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15. Duke Johnson - RB - University of Miami
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Currently projected as a second-round pick, Duke Johnson's playing style resembles another former second-round pick in LeSean McCoy. This isn't to say Johnson will become an All-Pro like the Eagles' star RB. However, he does possess the same light feet, shiftiness and cutting ability. He also catches well out of the backfield, and that is a valuable attribute in the NFL for RBs. He could end up being a deep sleeper fantasy star in the flex spot.
14. T.J. Yeldon - RB - University of Alabama
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14. T.J. Yeldon - RB - University of Alabama
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Yeldon will look to continue the run of talented RBs being produced by the University of Alabama. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 221 pounds, he has a taller and leaner frame than most backs. This helps him be more deceptive with his speed and agility than defenders would think. He reminds scouts of a bigger DeAngelo Williams with the hopes that he will be just as productive. He has featured back upside and could be 2015's Jeremy Hill.
13. Ty Montgomery - WR - Stanford University
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13. Ty Montgomery - WR - Stanford University
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Ty Montgomery's numbers were down this year when compared to 2013, but this doesn't mean his ability regressed. A major reason for Montgomery's down year had to do with QB Kevin Hogan's issues with getting the ball down the field. He still remains a multi-position threat as a WR, sometimes an RB and as a returner. He will be able to contribute to any NFL team right away and that helps his potential for being a breakout fantasy star for 2015.
12. Ameer Abdullah - RB - University of Nebraska
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12. Ameer Abdullah - RB - University of Nebraska
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With an exceptional blend of vision, agility and acceleration, Ameer Abdullah is clearly the best senior RB entering the 2015 NFL Draft. He runs with very active feet and combines that with extremely flexible ankles to force defenders to take poor angles against him during pursuits. He catches well and projects to be an Andre Ellington type of player. The only thing that will keep him off the field is his deficiency at pass protection.
11. Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State University
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11. Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State University
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Devin Smith's draft stock is rising as sudden as his explosive moves on the football field. While his statistics may not indicate it, Smith has an athletic skill set comparable to Antonio Brown. However, an important element that he'll need to prove as improved is his catching reliability due to some easy drops this season. Regardless, he has all the ability to be the steal of the real draft and all fantasy drafts.
10. Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana University
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10. Tevin Coleman - RB - Indiana University
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Standing at six feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, Tevin Coleman has prototypical size and bulk for his position while possessing good top-end speed to burst through holes. He finished the 2014-15 season with 2,036 rushing yards and 15 TDs even though opposing defenses knew he was getting the ball. His talent will remind many of a hybrid between Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray. Depending on the team, he can easily be a fantasy stud for 2015.
9. Jaelen Strong - WR - Arizona State University
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9. Jaelen Strong - WR - Arizona State University
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Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Jaelen Strong has elite NFL size for a WR prospect. He uses his big frame to post up defenders and will make an ideal red-zone target in the NFL. Additionally, he accelerates well off the line and has excellent leaping ability to rope in spectacular catches if the situation calls for it. He is still a bit raw and needs to improve his route running, but he has a strong chance to be 2015's Mike Evans.
8. Todd Gurley - RB - University of Georgia
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8. Todd Gurley - RB - University of Georgia
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If it weren't for an unfortunate ACL tear this season, Todd Gurley would appear higher on this list. When healthy, he will immediately remind you of Marshawn Lynch as he displayed a tendency to bowl defenders over with his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame. Additionally, he is surprisingly light on his feet for his level of bulk and displays good vision. If he recovers at 100 percent, he could provide excellent fantasy value in deeper leagues for 2015.
7. Devin Funchess - WR - University of Michigan
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7. Devin Funchess - WR - University of Michigan
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Standing close to 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Devin Funchess possesses a large frame and catch radius due to his long arms. While he doesn't have great top-end speed, he has enough speed and quickness to get separation from defenders on most occasions. His route running is adequate for now, but he will need to improve that at the next level. Funchess has a great chance to be 2015's Kelvin Benjamin, depending on who drafts him.
6. Kevin White - WR - West Virginia University
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6. Kevin White - WR - West Virginia University
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Kevin White caught the attention of all NFL scouts after an incredible season with 109 receptions, 1447 receiving yards and 10 TDs. He has good height for the position standing at 6-foot-3 and possesses good body control to make tough catches. He also has above average speed and long strides that creates good separation, especially on vertical routes. White has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald and has a great shot at being a fantasy gem.
5. Melvin Gordon - RB - University of Wisconsin
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5. Melvin Gordon - RB - University of Wisconsin
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Melvin Gordon had a season for the ages as he finished with an astounding 2,587 rushing yards and 29 TDs. This included a game where he broke LaDainian Tomlinson's 15-year single-game rushing record of 406 by running for 408 in only three quarters. He possesses excellent top-end speed, agility and vision reminiscent of Jamaal Charles. Gordon could end up becoming a player of that caliber. He should contribute as a fantasy star immediately.
4. DeVante Parker - WR - University of Louisville
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4. DeVante Parker - WR - University of Louisville
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With his lean 6-foot-3, 208-pound frame, DeVante Parker will remind those unfamiliar with him of NFL star WR A.J. Green. Parker may currently lack the overall polish of Green, but he possesses the same great level of speed, separation skills and competitiveness that make Green so great. If Parker can decrease his number of trap catches and refine his routes, then he could be a fantasy rookie of the year candidate for 2015.
3. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University
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3. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University
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Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect what Jameis Winston brings to the table from a purely athletic standpoint. He has the prototypical size for an elite NFL QB at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. Additionally, he has great zip on his passes, pocket mobility and above average top-end speed. His decision making on and off the field are less than desirable, but he still projects to be a breakout fantasy star in 2015 as a rookie.
2. Marcus Mariota - QB - University of Oregon
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2. Marcus Mariota - QB - University of Oregon
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Dual-threat QBs can be fantasy gold and the 2014-15 Heisman Trophy winner, Marcus Mariota, is the cream of the crop for the 2015 rookie class. He has ideal size at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, with elite top-end speed for his position. He is not only dangerous running the ball, but also with throwing on the run as well. With improving pocket mechanics, Mariota could be the top fantasy rookie for next season as a potential Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
1. Amari Cooper - WR - University of Alabama
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1. Amari Cooper - WR - University of Alabama
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As the top WR prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft, Amari Cooper will provide an immediate impact for whichever team drafts him from day one. It is incredibly difficult to find any holes in his game since he has great speed, hands, route running, separation skills and deep ball competitiveness to become an elite WR. As a currently projected pick of the New York Jets, Cooper could have an Odell Beckham, Jr.-like impact for them and in the fantasy game.
Rojé Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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