Fantasy Football 2012: 5 Rookies That Will Exceed Expectations This Season

NFL rookies are hard to predict. Especially when it comes to drafting your fantasy football team. Sometimes it is hard to decide which rookies will help your team and which ones will be a bust.

Many fantasy owners have been trying to get their hands on Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, but there are a couple sleepers out there that should exceed expectations.

Last year Cam Newton was probably the most valuable fantasy football rookie.

He, along with A.J. Green and Julio Jones, was the most impact rookies in fantasy football last year.

This year, there could be a few surprises that fantasy owners should look to get on their team before it is too late.

David Wilson, RB, Giants

The defending Super Bowl champions have added a great rookie running back to their lineup in David Wilson.

With Ahmad Bradshaw’s injured hand and the struggling running game of the Giants, expect Wilson to get a lot of carries this year.

The Giants finished last overall in rushing last season, so Wilson will get a fair chance to make himself noticed once the regular season starts.

Wilson is third among rookie running backs in total rushing yards so far this preseason. He is an explosive running back that will have to prove himself against some good defensive teams in the NFC East.

Trent Richardson, RB, Browns

Trent Richardson could be a big pickup in fantasy leagues considering his value has decreased since his recent injury.

Richardson is still expected to start in Week 1 though, according to Adam Schefter via ESPN.com. He should be a big help to the struggling running game of the Browns, who only recorded four rushing touchdowns last season.

Richardson has yet to play in a preseason game this year, but the rookie out of Alabama will be ready by Week 1 against the Eagles.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been doing pretty well this preseason, a lot of their success has been thanks to rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

Blackmon has already received a lot of praise from coach Mike Mularkey.

Any player that gets praise from a coach only three games into being on a team will most likely be a valuable fantasy asset.

Blackmon had four receptions for 72 yards in a 48-17 loss to Baltimore, which actually says a lot considering how good the Ravens defense is.

If Blackmon remains healthy, he will be a target for Blaine Gabbert all season long.

Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins

Alfred Morris’ fantasy stock rose in preseason Week 3 against the Colts, as it should have (14 Att, 107 Yds, 1 TD).

With Roy Helu and Evan Royster facing injuries, Morris will get a chance to prove himself to the Redskins and head coach Mike Shanahan.

Since the Redskins' running back position has been up for grabs, it may be risky to have hopes set high for Morris, but if you have room on your roster, he is definitely a good pickup.

He will also be playing with rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, who already has high expectations, so the combo of the two in the backfield will be great for the Redskins.

Colby Fleener, TE, Colts

Colby Fleener was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round and was ecstatic to be reunited with his college quarterback, Andrew Luck.

The two posted great numbers together at Stanford, so expect the combo to adjust quickly to the NFL. Luck and Fleener’s chemistry will most likely mean that Luck will throw to Fleener a lot during the season.

Fleener is ranked the No. 1 rookie tight end this year according to RotoProfessor.com, he should live up to the hype.

His career at Stanford ended well; Fleener caught 10 TDs and totaled for 667 yards during his senior year.

If he is around in your fantasy league for a low price, go out and get him before his stock rises too much.