Fantasy Football 2012: Late-Round Rookies Who Will Make an Impact

By (Featured Columnist) on July 28, 2012

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It's no secret that fantasy football has taken over the world. It's no longer just a hobby. It's an obsession, a career, an addiction.

And everyone is trying to find the edge.

Fantasy football players have the early picks from the 2012 NFL draft locked down. Trent Richardson, Doug Martin and Kendall Wright aren't slipping through any cracks.

The guys picked in the later rounds are an entirely different story.

Marvin McNutt, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

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Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Currently, Marvin McNutt is locked in competition with Riley Cooper for the Eagles' No. 4 wide receiver spot. McNutt seems likely to come out on top, but he'll get playing time either way.

Just one injury leaves McNutt on the field for the majority of plays, and with Philadelphia's slender receivers, that isn't an unlikely scenario.

Chris Rainey, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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While Rashard Mendenhall recovers from a torn ACL, Isaac Redman will start at running back. Chris Rainey has a legitimate shot at being the team's No. 2.

Rainey is simply dynamic. He's explosive, fast and shifty. Teams try to get players like that on the field, and Rainey could make an impact on the ground and through the air.

Juron Criner, WR, Oakland Raiders

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Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

With Louis Murphy now a Carolina Panther, Juron Criner has a shot at some serious playing time. Only Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey are definitely ahead of him on the depth chart.

Criner has impressed with not only his hands but also his ability to get open. He could make a serious impact in his rookie season.

Terrance Ganaway, RB, New York Jets

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Jim O'Connor-US PRESSWIRE

As of now, Terrance Ganaway is only the Jets' backup running back. However, Joe McKnight is not guaranteed to stay healthy or produce. And even if he does, Ganaway could get some playing time.

New York is pursuing options behind Shonn Greene, and Ganaway could benefit from this. Don't expect serious fantasy points, but an injury or two could leave to Ganaway producing.

Bryce Brown, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

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Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

With LeSean McCoy in town, there's no chance at Bryce Brown starting. He does, however, have a shot at the Eagles' backup job.

Dion Lewis is the favorite, but he's not proven or unsurpassable. Brown has impressed with his ability thus far, and he has a legitimate shot at seeing some playing time, especially if McCoy or Lewis goes down with an injury.

Randy Bullock, K, Houston Texans

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US PRESSWIRE

A fifth-round pick, Randy Bullock is starting for the Texans, a rather explosive offensive team. A kicker being on a good offense is crucial in fantasy, and Bullock certainly is.

Bullock was the highest-drafted kicker in 2012, and he's a talented player. There is some upside here, albeit at kicker.

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