NFL Rookies That Can Win Your Fantasy Football League

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Heading into a fantasy football draft in 2011, no one considered drafting Cam Newton or A.J. Green in the early rounds.

By the end of the 2011 season, every fantasy owner had these two guys as some of the best players at their positions.

With fantasy football drafts under way for the 2012 NFL season, here are five rookies who could help you win your fantasy football league.

Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams, WR

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Though Brian Quick was not one of the highest rated wide receivers in this past draft class, he is definitely in the best position out of all rookie receivers.

Quick was taken in the second round by the St. Louis Rams and could very easily become the Rams go-to receiver. His main competition is Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. That is not saying much considering the two of those receivers have only combined for eight touchdowns in their three-year careers.

If Quick wins the starting receiving job, it is not like he does not have a quarterback that can throw the ball. Although he struggled last season, Sam Bradford has shown flashes of becoming an adequate starting quarterback in the NFL. Just two seasons ago, Bradford was on pace to make wide receiver Mark Clayton a fantasy stud.

If a receiver like Clayton could put up big numbers with Bradford throwing him the ball, then Quick should have no problem either.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, RB

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With positive reports coming out of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp about Doug Martin, it looks like Martin will be at least a No. 3 fantasy back in his rookie season.

Not only is Martin expected to be the starting running back for the Buccaneers, but he also has great value in PPR leagues with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

As long as LeGarette Blount does not take any of his carries, which is looking more likely, Martin should see a significant amount of touches in the Buccaneers offense.

Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts, TE

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When Coby Fleener was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft, his fantasy stock shot through the roof.

Teaming up Fleener with his college quarterback Andrew Luck could not have made fantasy owners happier. Not only do the two have great chemistry (Fleener caught 10 touchdown passes his senior year), but he is going to be one of Luck’s very few receiving targets. Besides Fleener, the only other legit receiver on the Colts is veteran Reggie Wayne.

Do not be surprised if Fleener is a top-10 fantasy tight end by the end of his rookie season.

Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears, WR

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After having one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL for the past few seasons, the Chicago Bears now boast one of the deepest receiving cores. Not only did they trade for Brandon Marshall, but they also drafted Alshon Jeffery.

With his terrific size and tremendous ball skills, Jeffery should see a significant amount of throws coming his way when the Bears are in the red zone.

If Jeffery can win the No. 2 receiver job his rookie season, then he should provide great depth to any fantasy teams receiving corp. 

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns, RB

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Trent Richardson will be the first rookie drafted in every fantasy football league in 2012 and he has every right to be.

The Cleveland Browns have no quarterback and no wide receivers, so how else are they going to move the ball on offense if it is not through Richardson?

Richardson is by far their best offensive weapon, whether he is running the ball or catching it out of the backfield.

Since he will get at least 20 touches a game, Richardson should make a solid No. 2 fantasy back and should be off the draft board by the end of fourth round.