Fantasy Football 2015: 7 Rookies to Watch in 2015

There are always risks associated with NFL rookies, but sometimes there are more rewards than risks when selecting a rookie for your fantasy football team.

This list comprises of some of the most dynamic playmakers in this year's NFL draft class. These players weren't selected for this list to be automatic starting-caliber players for fantasy football, but rather players to keep in mind when drafting in your respective leagues.

Here are seven rookies you should consider drafting for your fantasy football team as draft season quickly approaches.

DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins

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DeVante Parker enters his rookie season as the Dolphins’ No. 1 receiver for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Parker's unique skill set makes him a viable option in fantasy football.

The No. 14 overall draft pick at this year’s NFL draft has the opportunity to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Parker demonstrated his big-play ability with Louisville from 2011-14 with 33 career touchdowns and 2,775 career receiving yards.

A nagging foot injury may keep Parker sidelined through a majority of training camp. However, his tremendous upside makes him a highly coveted target in fantasy drafts.

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

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Melvin Gordon was a touchdown machine with the Wisconsin Badgers. The 2014 Heisman Trophy runner-up recorded 29 touchdowns and 2,587 rushing yards, and he averaged 7.5 yards per carry last season.

The Chargers’ first-round draft pick will fill a major hole in the team’s offense. San Diego had the 30th-ranked rushing offense last season and struggled to take pressure off of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers will rely heavily on Gordon this season to find balance on offense. The former Wisconsin standout should be a highly regarded fantasy football draft pick due to his physical running style and ability to consistently score touchdowns.

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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If he can avoid any off-the-field issues in 2015, Jameis Winston could be a fantasy football steal this season.

The former Heisman Trophy winner brings clarity to the Buccaneers’ quarterback situation after the team dealt with struggling quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Josh McCown last season. Winston threw 65 passing touchdowns combined over two seasons at Florida State and led the Seminoles to a national championship in 2013.

The Bessemer, Alabama, native joins a Tampa Bay offense that has a lot of talent at wide receiver. Standout receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson will make Winston’s rookie season easier than most rookie quarterbacks, which makes his fantasy football draft stock extremely high entering 2015.

Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

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The Eagles needed a big-time talent at wide receiver after former wideout Jeremy Maclin left the team in free agency this offseason. Philadelphia selected former USC standout Nelson Agholor at this year’s NFL draft in hopes that he can be an impact player in 2015.

Agholor was a star on offense and special teams with the Trojans in 2014. He recorded 1,313 receiving yards, caught 12 touchdowns and returned two punts for touchdowns last season. The 22-year-old also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014.

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is known to be creative with wide receivers in his uptempo offense. Agholor is a versatile playmaker who will be a key part of the Eagles offense right away.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

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T.J. Yeldon was an impressive running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2012-14. After the Jaguars selected him in the second round of this year’s NFL draft, the former Alabama standout may be the team’s running back of the future.

Yeldon split time with Alabama running back Derrick Henry last season but still recorded solid numbers. The 21-year-old accumulated 979 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns and averaged 5.0 yards per carry despite limited playing time. He also made an impact in the passing game by recording 12.0 yards per catch last season.

Yeldon joins a Jaguars offense that still needs additional playmakers for franchise quarterback Blake Bortles. The team ranked 24th in the NFL last season with just nine rushing touchdowns and will need Yeldon to step up and produce immediately.

Devin Smith, WR, New York Jets

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Devin Smith was one of the main catalysts for the Ohio State Buckeyes during the team’s national championship run in 2014. The Jets’ second-round pick will make an instant impact for a team in dire need of a vertical threat at wide receiver.

Smith was one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football last season. The 23-year-old recorded 12 receiving touchdowns and averaged an astounding 28.2 yards per catch in 2014. Smith dominated one-on-one matchups, as demonstrated by his performance in the 2014 Big Ten Championship Game.

The OSU standout is ready for the big stage and will be a key target for Jets quarterback Geno Smith. He will be an excellent fantasy football draft pick for owners in need of a deep-ball threat.

Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore Ravens

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Maxx Williams was highly regarded as the best tight end prospect of this year’s NFL draft class. The 6’4”, 250-pound phenom could be a steal in fantasy football drafts in 2015.

Williams was the main receiving weapon for a run-first Minnesota Golden Gophers offense in 2014. The Waconia, Minnesota, native recorded a 4.78 40-yard dash this offseason, which is impressive for a player his size. Williams made big plays early and often in averaging 15.8 yards per reception.

The Ravens’ second-round draft pick will aim to add stability to the team’s tight end position. With the absence of former tight end Owen Daniels and the uncertain future of tight end Dennis Pitta, Williams could be one of Joe Flacco’s main receiving targets in 2015.

All stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.