Fantasy Football Preview: 5 rookies with the potential to make an impact

With the 2010 NFL draft right around the corner, here are a few soon to be rookies that have the potential to make an immediate impact on your fantasy team next season. Keep your eye them in the late rounds of your draft when you're torn between taking your first kicker or your second tight end--they could pay dividends.

Jonathan Dwyer (RB) Georgia Tech

2009 season stats

6'1'' 235 lbs.
235 carries--1395 yards--5.9 yards/carry--14 TDs

Projected 2010 team (Mel Kiper): San Diego Chargers

Dwyer is a big, bruising back but don't let his size fool you, he definitely has the ability to break for big plays. Dywer seems like an especially good fit for the Charges now that LT is in New York. If Dwyer ends up in sunny Sand Diego there's a good chance that he'll take carries away from Darren Sproles and earn enough carries and playing time to be worthy of your attention come draft day.

Dez Bryant (WR) Oklahoma State

2009 season stats

6'2'' 215 lbs.
17 receptions--323 yards--4 TDs
*played only 3 games due to suspension

Projected 2010 team (Mel Kiper): Denver Broncos

Although we haven't had a chance to see much of Bryant since 2008--he was suspended for all but three games in 2009--the fact remains that he's an explosive player with the potential to be a home run hitter in the NFL. Bryant has drawn some comparisons to Brandon Marshall lately, and with Marshall's departure to Miami, Bryant may be attempting to fill the former pro bowler's shoes. Bryant's value will largely depend on the performances of offensive players such as Kyle Orten, Eddie Royal, Knowshawn Moreno, and Tony Scheffler should her be drafted by the Broncos.

C.J. Spiller (RB) Clemson

2009 season stats

5'11'' 195 lbs.
216 carries--1,212 yards--5.6 yards/carry--12 TDs

Projected 2010 team (Mel Kiper): Seattle Seahawks

During his days at Clemson, Spiller was one of the most explosive, powerful, and talented ball carriers in the ACC and the nation. If he's not the most well-rounded and complete back in this draft class than he's very, very close. There's a strong chance Spiller will be selected with the 14th pick by the Seahawks and should that happen look for Spiller to be a serious contender for the starting job in Seattle.

Dexter McCluster (RB) Ole Miss

2009 season stats

5'8'' 165 lbs.
181 carries--1,169 yards--11.8 yards/carry--3 TDs

Projected 2010 team (Mel Kiper): Not Available

There hasn't been a lot of hype around McCluster leading up to the draft but don't be suprised if his NFL team team finds some ways to get him the ball next year. If you haven't seen him play you've missed out. He's got scary speed and he has to be accounted for coming out out of the backfield in the passing game and he has great upside and potential in the screen game.

He reminds me of an undersized version of another Florida native playing running back in the NFL--Chris Johnson. Unless you have an Ole Miss fan in you league than McCluster probably won't be taken during you leagues draft. You may not want to take a chance on him with a late round draft pick, but keep an eye on him a few weeks into the season when the waiver wire starts to heat up.

Jermaine Gresham (TE) Oklahoma

2008 season stats

66 receptions--950 yards--14 TDs
*sat out 2009 season due to injury

Projected 2010 team (Mel Kiper): Baltimore Ravens

Jermaine Gresham is a big, physical tight end with a knack for finding the end zone. Gresham comes into this years draft without a lot of discussion surrounding him after sitting out the 2009 season due to injury. Gresham seems like a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens with the 25th pick in the draft.

Todd Heap isn't getting any younger and Gresham could be another nice addition to the Raven's offensive arsenal which already included Ray Rice and Joe Flacco and added Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth this offseason.