2012 NFL Season: Predicting the Top Fantasy Football Rookies

The 2012 NFL rookie class will bring with it a bounty of NFL ready talent, especially compared to recent years.

Two highly regarded quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will undoubtedly move right into starting positions.

There are also four or five guys each at running back and wide receiver who immediately stand out as potential fantasy impact players in 2012.

Trent Richardson, Alshon Jeffery, Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd, for example, are a few rookies who are worth a late flyer or waiver wire consideration.

Predicting the top fantasy rookies is usually a crapshoot, but here are my predictions for the best of the rookie class.

1. Andrew Luck, QB

Andrew Luck has been called the next Peyton Manning and will almost certainly take over for the future Hall of Famer with the Indianapolis Colts.

Luck has proven through his years at Stanford and his off-season workouts that he should be able to come in and play at a high level right away.

The Colts had a rough 2011-2012 season, but have made some serious moves to rebuild a team that almost went winless.

Perhaps most importantly, the Colts have re-signed Reggie Wayne, Manning's favorite receiver and a talented deep threat when healthy.

Wayne will be able to provide a consistent deep target for Luck, potentially allowing him to thrive in his rookie year. Although he may require a short adjustment period, it's worth stashing him on your bench in case he's this year's Cam Newton.

Luck has what it takes to be the top fantasy rookie in 2012. He has the starting role from day one, a solid and experienced receiver in Reggie Wayne, and the skill set to perform well in the NFL.

2. Trent Richardson, RB

After Luck it's a toss-up for the number two spot, but Alabama running back Trent Richardson seems the most likely candidate. He was nearly the entire offense for National Champion Alabama and his game translates well to the NFL.

After Peyton Hillis left the Cleveland Browns, the starting role opened up for Richardson in a run-heavy offense. The question mark at quarterback will allow Richardson to get plenty of carries the whole season, giving him much-prized feature back status.

If Richardson is drafted by Cleveland then he's worth fantasy consideration. After dominating games in the SEC last year, he's definitely ready for the next level.

Richardson will be the best rookie fantasy running back in the NFL.

3. Justin Blackmon, WR

Justin Blackmon is by far the best wide receiver of the rookie class and will be drafted early by a team desperate for someone to throw to. Blackmon's speed makes him an instant touchdown threat and points machine.

Blackmon's destination remains uncertain, but the receiver will most likely see significant playing time and has the potential to put up solid numbers as a rookie.

Blackmon should be the best rookie fantasy wide receiver.

4. Robert Griffin III, QB

Heisman winner Robert Griffin III will have very little problem transforming into an NFL quarterback. His greatest asset—his accuracy—is perhaps the most important skill for an NFL quarterback. Think Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.

Assuming Andrew Luck goes to the Colts, the Redskins will draft Griffin to be the franchise quarterback they've needed for years.

He'll be coming into a run heavy system with three capable running backs that will take on the majority of the offensive load. This ability to run the ball is what drops Griffin to fourth on our list.

But Washington's offensive scheme isn't without its benefits for the rookie quarterback. Establishing the running game will give Griffin the freedom to throw to single covered receivers.

His intelligence on the field won him the Heisman trophy and will stand him in good stead in the NFL. Griffin should have a great rookie season.

5. Michael Floyd, WR

Michael Floyd has great hands and the ability to work underneath as a possession receiver in addition to stretching the field as a deep threat. He's been a late riser in the draft and B/R's most recent mock has him going to the Buffalo Bills at pick number 10.

The Bills would be a great fit for Floyd, who would compliment (and benefit from) Stevie Johnson. He should see quite a few red-zone targets from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

If drafted to the Bills he'll be getting receptions right away, making him a good option in PPR leagues. Expect him to be the No. 5 fantasy rookie.

6. Lamar Miller, RB

After Trent Richardson, the draft consists of complimentary backs who aren't capable of playing three downs. Most teams don't mind, of course, as they employ a running back by committee approach anyway.

Lamar Miller will offer excellent speed and respectable strength to his new NFL team.

His role will most likely be similar to Mark Ingram's last year with the Saints. Miller should get carries if he plays well, but other backs are going to get theirs as well.

He won't be worth a fantasy draft pick but keep Miller on waiver watch—if he breaks out you'll have to be quick to snatch him up. He'll be among the top rookies this year, but don't expect enough points to warrant a starting spot.

7. Marvin McNutt, WR

Marvin McNutt has stealthy speed and was a huge riser after a good senior season at Iowa. McNutt showed off a multitude of skills this season and went over 1000 yards on the year.

He's projected to go in the second round, but could see snaps this year with an impressive preseason.

McNutt could make an impact on a number of teams. The Kansas City Chiefs have drafted an Iowa player the previous two years and the Indianapolis Colts will be looking for new receivers for Andrew Luck.

McNutt's fantasy outlook is completely dependent on the team that drafts him. He'll most likely go to a team that already has some talent but needs to deepen their receiving corps. Don't spend a fantasy draft pick but keep McNutt on waiver watch.