5 Rookies Who Can Help Your Fantasy Football Team in 2011

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Every year Fantasy owners always try and work through all the rookies and see who can add to their team's success.  Last year Mike Williams on Tampa Bay was a boost for owners that picked him up and Jahvid Best had few big games before getting hurt.  Well I am here to try and give you some rookies that could have similar results this year and help you win your league. 

1. Greg Little, Wide Receiver Cleveland Browns.

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Greg Little was a big play receiver from North Carolina, his draft status dropped some because of his off the field issues while missing senior year there but should be a value pick up where you could get him in fantasy drafts.  Little's ability to add to a fantasy team is based on two things, first his physical talent is off the charts and second Cleveland has few receiver options so he should get many chances to get on the field.  Granted he doesn't have a elite quarterback but Colt McCoy is good enough to get him the ball and once he gets it in his hands he should make plays.  Obviously you're not going to grab this guy too early in the draft but for the last few bench spots he is definitely worth a look if you need a WR.  If you run a keeper league this guy is definitely a player to look out for though I see big things in the future from him.   

2. Daniel Thomas, Running Back Miami Dolphins.

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Daniel Thomas is in the perfect situation for a rookie running back to put up numbers for fantasy owners.  He is on a team that is run heavy, not much competition at the position and has a good change of pace back to compliment him.  The Reggie Bush trade was a big boost for Thomas since he isn't an every down back so Thomas will not lose carries and Bush's explosiveness with compliment Thomas's power very well.  Thomas put up massive numbers in college and the fantasy numbers put up by Miami running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams past few years hints that he should have no trouble at least being a solid Flex or second running back by middle or late in the season.  So I would try and grab this guy, have him on the bench till he starts producing and then plug him in and reap the benefits.  

3. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver Atlanta Falcons.

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The Falcons are hoping their big draft day move helps them get over the hump in the NFC playoffs.  Fantasy owners he becomes a stud like he was in college and gets them over the hump in their playoffs.  With such a veteran team around him including a pro bowl receiver in Roddy White and a pro bowl quarterback in Matt Ryan, Jones is ready to hit the ground running.  Julio should be the uncontested 2nd option at wide receiver and with Roddy demanding double teams should get many chances in the passing game.  Jones will be a good 2nd option at wide receiver and a good option at flex this year and should garner around 700 yards and 5-7 touchdowns.  

4. AJ Green, Wide Receiver Cincinnati Bengals.

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Aj Green is the real deal and is the biggest lock for a number 1 receiver coming out of college since Calvin Johnson in my opinion.  The only downside is that he will have a rookie quarterback throwing him the ball, which will be good for developmental purposes but for your fantasy team not so much.  If Carson Palmer would have came back Aj would be a lock for top fantasy rookie in my projections but with that being said he is still a good option and is already the Bengals top wideout.  This team should also be playing catch up a number of times this season so Andy Dalton will be airing it out to Green on a consistent basis.  I think he will get anywhere from 800-1,000 yards but am worried the tds may be stolen by running game a bit so only 4-5 touchdowns.  Still that is good for a solid flex and if your in a keeper league should be a big pick up this year.   

5. Mark Ingram, Running Back New Orleans Saints.

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Ingram is my top pick for fantasy rookie of the year.  He walks into a great situation with a elite quarterback to make defenses stay honest, a creative and offensive minded coach and last a team that will be ahead in many games so he will get extra runs each game.  Ingram is a hard nosed runner who should garner many goal line carries which, hopefully, should translate into touchdowns.  He will be a good second option at running back or at flex and in keeper leagues will be a player for years to come.