Fantasy Football: 5 Rookies To Target

Since the start of the NFL season is just 10 days away, most fantasy football players are gearing up for a big season. Part of the fun is doing your homework and drafting that hidden gem that could help you win your league title. Here are 5 rookies that might not be the most drafted players, but could definitely help separate your team from the rest of the competition:

1. Russell Wilson – QB Seattle Seahawks

Most fantasy football players will draft Andrew Luck or RG III to help them at quarterback, but this Russell Wilson has made the most of his opportunity. The knock against Wilson is his size; he is only 5’10. However, his arm strength and quarterback skills are off the charts. The former Wisconsin stud threw for two touchdowns last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. I know it’s just the Chiefs, but Wilson has done nothing but impress his coaches and teammates. Seattle invested a lot of money into free agent Matt Flynn, but Wilson could turn into a bargain for Seahawks fans and fantasy football players.

2. David Wilson – RB New York Giants

When the Giants lost Brandon Jacobs  in free agency, many wondered which running back would assume his role. New York already has Ahmad Bradshaw as the starter, and veteran D.J. Ware has also produced in the backfield. Enter David Wilson, a rookie from Virginia Tech. Despite being just 5’9, Wilson runs with plenty of power as well as speed. Bradshaw’s injury history makes Wilson an excellent bet to get plenty of work in the Giants’ backfield. Grab him if he’s available in the middle rounds of your draft.

3. Kendall Wright – WR Tennessee Titans

This rookie from Baylor was one of the RG III’s favorite targets. Now he will quickly become  the impact receiver that the Titans need. Kendall Wright doesn’t have much size, but his breakaway speed will make him a productive playmaker in fantasy leagues. Remember, Kenny Britt has knee and legal troubles that could keep him out of action for the first few weeks of the season. Wright is in the best spot to the make the most of the opportunity.

4. Alshon Jeffery – WR Chicago Bears

If there is one player that is not highly touted to produce as a fantasy football rookie, but has a huge ceiling it’s Alshon Jeffery. The former South Carolina Gamecock had a miserable junior season, plagued by weight gain and a bad attitude. However, Jeffery still posseses great size, hands, and athletic ability.  Jay Cutler will thrive with Brandon Marshall as his top receiver, and Jeffery still has an excellent chance to become the #2 receiver in Chicago. If he puts it all together, look out.

5. Coby Fleener – TE Indianapolis Colts

Coby Fleener was Andrew Luck’s security blanket at Stanford and now will assume the same role in Indianapolis. Generally, rookie tight ends do not produce much in terms of fantasy stats, but Fleener has a chance to become one of the better pass-catching rookies this season.