Eddie G’s 2008 NFL Fantasy Top 10 Impact Rookies

Yesterday, I gave my take on who my fantasy top 10 for the 2008 NFL season. Today, I give a fantasy top 10 again, but this time around it’s all about the rookies.

There are a lot of rookies that could make a difference for their teams, and for your fantasy team, this season, and these are the guys that I think will come up with the biggest payoff.

1. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit: The Lions skipped on Rashard Mendenhall in the first round, waiting until the third round to take Smith, who led the nation in rushing in 2007 with 2,567 yards for Conference USA champion Central Florida.

Smith has an excellent chance to start immediately, with only Tatum Bell (only 44 carries in 2007) in his way. He could push for a 1,000 yard season, and he’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield, so he could be a valuable option as a #2 running back on your fantasy team.

2. Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago: The Bears are pretty thin at receiver after letting Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammad go, and the SEC’s all-time receptions leader (in only three seasons, at that) could be a prime target for Rex Grossman/Kyle Orton right out of the gate. He’s not flashy, but he flat-out produces.

3. Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis: With Isaac Bruce gone, the speedy Avery could step in and quickly be Marc Bulger’s #2 receiver, along with factoring in as a kick returner. If Bulger can stay healthy, it’s all the better for Avery’s potential to put up big numbers early. He and Bennett could wind up leading all rookie receivers in catches, yards, and touchdowns.

4. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland: I know, Justin Fargas ran for 1,000 yards last season, but in a time where having two running backs in your offense is more of a luxury than it is a quandary, we know McFadden will factor in the Raiders’ offense from the start.

5. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee: Taking Johnson in the first round was a curious pick by the Titans when receiver was clearly a huge need, but Johnson’s blazing speed and versatility will make him a key part of the Titans’ plans early on. He’ll have a fair shot at being LenDale White’s backup, and he’ll also be a weapon in the passing game (37 catches, six touchdowns as a senior at East Carolina) and a kick returner. He has a great chance to lead all rookies in all-purpose yards and touchdowns.

6. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas: Marion Barber may be the starter in Big D now, but he’s not going to hog all of the carries. Jones will be the lightning to Barber’s thunder, and will immediately be a pivotal part of an already-potent offense. He should also factor in as a kick and punt returner, and with Tony Romo regularly slinging it around, he’ll get some catches as well.

7. Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati: With Chris Henry out of the picture (that’s more good than bad), the Bengals addressed receiver in the draft by taking Coastal Carolina’s Simpson in the second and Florida’s Andre Caldwell in the third.

I think Simpson will likely end up Carson Palmer’s third option behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, with his blend of size, speed, and amazing athleticism. In an offense where the QB has 4,000+ yard, 30+ TD potential, and there are already two Pro Bowlers at receiver who will be the focus of defenses, the #3 receiver can reap a lot of benefits.

8. James Hardy, WR, Buffalo: The Bills needed an athletic receiver to complement Lee Evans and to help the up-and-coming Trent Edwards, and they got one in Hardy, who could be a key to Buffalo’s continued push towards being a playoff team.

9. Devin Thomas, WR, Washington: Thomas may be a better option for those who play in leagues in which all-purpose yards are rewarded, as he’ll likely be one of the Redskins’ primary kick returners. If he can emerge as Jason Campbell’s #3 option behind Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, then he’ll be worth using as a #2 receiver.

10. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Tennessee: The Titans did finally pick up a receiver in the 4th round, in Cal’s ‘other’ receiver. Vince Young needs reliable receivers, and Hawkins, along with Johnson, could be the key to Young’s statistical improvement in the passing game, and in Tennessee being able to make it past the wild-card round in the playoffs.

Quick question - can you name any of the Titans’ other receivers? Can Jeff Fisher?

Who else do you think will be an impact rookie for your fantasy team this season? There are some guys I left out, like DeSean Jackson, Matt Forte, and others who will surely factor in for their teams, and will wind up being good fantasy options, but they ranked just outside of my top 10.