Football season is around the corner which means that fantasy drafts are almost here. Every year a couple rookies have big years. Last year Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson and Dwayne Bowe all had great rookie seasons. Lynch and Peterson were both drafted in all leagues. But Bowe unlike them wasn't and ended up starting on most fantasy teams by the end of the season. Here are my top 10 fantasy rookies which could help win you your league if you draft one of these guys or steal them off the waiver wire.
1.Jonathan Stewart RB Panthers: Running backs are always among the highest scoring players in fantasy football. That is the case on this list as Stewart has a great chance to start right away. DeAngelo Williams has been productive the last two years for the Panthers but he isn't the every down back that Stewart is. If he recovers from his toe injury soon Stewart could be starting by week one and could become a very good number two back. Expect around 1200 total yards and 9 touchdowns.
2.Kevin Smith RB Lions: Smith like Stewart has a very good chance of starting week one for the Lions. Tatum Bell hasn't done anything yet in Detroit and Smith brings a bruising style that would help out the passing game. Be careful drafting Smith in dynasty leagues though as he had 450 carries last year at UCF and his body could start breaking down in a few years. But this year expect around 1300 total yards and 8 touchdowns.
3.Darren McFadden RB Raiders: I know people won't like that McFadden is this low on the list but until the Raiders show they have a passing game it will be hard for McFadden to run this year. You make an arguement saying the Vikings don't have a passing game either and how Adrian Peterson did but the Raiders don't have Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson on the offensive line. McFadden should make an impact right away though as early on he could be used as a decoy and start getting lots of carries around the middle of the season. To start the year off he would be a good option as a number three back. Expect around 1000 total yards and 7 touchdowns.
4.Matt Forte RB Bears: This is my sleeper of the group as even though Lovie Smith says the job is Cedric Benson's to lose, he hasn't done anything yet. Forte brings a bruising running style to the Bears and could be a very good option around the goal line. Forte could be a very good late round pick that could pay off in a big way. Expect around 900 total yards and 7 touchdowns.
5.James Hardy WR Bills: Hardy should start opposite Lee Evans right away for the Bills this year. Hardy needs to work on his route running but is a great red zone threat for the Bills and that is where he will make fantasy football owners love him. Expect around 700 yards and 8 touchdowns.
6. Malcolm Kelly WR Redskins: Kelly has a great chance of starting right away for the Redskins as he is a red zone threat that they didn't have last year. Kelly could have the most immediate impact out of all the rookie receivers and would be a good nunber four receiver until he proves himself. Expect around 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.
7.Felix Jones RB Cowboys: Jones should make a great tandem with Marion Barber as they compliment each others styles as running backs. Jones now brings an element to the Cowboys as he can score anytime he touches the ball. He might be best off trying to acquire on the waiver wire but that could be dangerous. If he has one big game, everyone will be rushing to get him. Expect around 700 total yards and 5 touchdowns.
8.Rashard Mendenhall RB Steelers: Many people would have expected to see Mendenhall higher on the list but with Willie Parker and the Steelers throwing the ball more, he won't get as many carries as people would think. Mendenhall should get around 100 to 150 carries so don't expect all world numbers. He is a great 1st round pick in a rookie league. Expect around 700 total yards and 4 touchdowns.
9. Mario Manningham WR Giants: Manningham could have an immediate impact on the Giants this year as a slot receiver but he should be starting in the next few years. Sinorice Moss hasn't done much yet so it's Manningham's job to lose. With teammates in Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress he won't have to worry about much pressure from defenses. He would be a very good 2nd round pick in rookie leagues. Expect around 600 yards and 3 touchdowns.
10. Steve Slaton RB Texans: This is my 2nd big sleeper as Slaton has a very good chance of getting immediate playing time for the Texans. Ahman Green is injury prone and didn't do much last year and Chris Brown is injury prone as well. Slaton could also make a big impact in the return game as well. Expect around 900 total yards and 3 touchdowns.
