With the NFL Draft now behind us, the next draft season is just around the corner. The fantasy football draft season, of course.
It’s easy to see that Ezekiel Elliott has monster potential playing behind the Dallas offensive line, or that Corey Coleman will be relied upon right away in an otherwise weak Browns offense.
But plenty of other rookies are worth keeping an eye on for fantasy purposes. So let’s take an early look at five rookies that were selected outside the first round of the NFL draft that are worth putting on your fantasy draft board:
Ravens RB Kenneth Dixon
The Ravens’ starter at the moment is Justin Forsett, a 30-year-old back coming off an injury that cost him six games last season. He was replaced by Buck Allen, who was not exceptional and had a slightly negative DVOA, per Football Outsiders, meaning he was slightly below replacement level on a per play basis. Enter Dixon, a fourth-rounder with promise, who could swoop in for some carries given the question marks the Ravens have with their other two backs.
Broncos RB Devontae Booker
C.J. Anderson was a major first-round fantasy bust last season, even though he finished the season with two productive games in a row. He’ll still be the favorite to get the most carries to start the year, but Ronnie Hillman and Devontae Booker will be waiting in the wings. Booker, a fourth-round pick out of Utah, averaged 5.0 yards per carry over two season playing two seasons with the Utes.
Giants WR Sterling Shepard
Victor Cruz says he’ll be ready by training camp, but he ought to forgive fantasy owners for considering his health with some skepticism. Shepard has been compared as a similar receiver to Cruz, so there clearly is a lot of potential for him in the Giants’ offense. Shepard should get some action even if he’s the No. 3, and would be a valuable bench player to hold on to in case one of the Giants starters isn’t healthy.
Titans RB Derrick Henry
In many ways this was a disappointing place for Henry to land because he’ll definitely be splitting work with DeMarco Murray, who the Titans traded for this offseason. That means a little less of seeing Henry rumble at defenders, but he’ll still certainly have fantasy value. Even if he’s getting slightly less work than Murray, who do you think they are going to turn to at the goal line? My money is on the big fella.
Seahawks RB C.J. Prosise
What makes Prosise attractive is not necessarily related to opportunity — Thomas Rawls shined running the ball last season — but more about his skill. The Seahawks have already worked Prosise at running back and wide receiver, the latter of which is a place he’s had experience with as he started his career at Notre Dame as a wideout, catching 29 passes in 2014.
That means even though he won’t be the starter, the Seahawks can get him the ball in a variety of ways.
