NFL Draft 2011: 5 Players That Will Make a Fantasy Impact in 2011
The strength in this year’s draft is defense, but there are still a few offensive playmakers in the first few rounds that can contribute to your fantasy team. Since Andrew Luck decided to return to Stanford, no quarterbacks will be worth adding to your roster.
The following list consists only of skill players whose success depends greatly on where they are drafted. Regardless, they’ll all make some noise in 2011.
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
1 of 5
He’s the highest regarded WR prospect since Calvin Johnson. He’s been projected by some as the No.1 overall pick and could immediately make an impact as part of the right system. Listed at 6’4”, 210 pounds, he has excellent size.
However, his awareness is what makes him such an exciting NFL prospect. He knows how to get open and always fights for the extra yard. He has solid experience under his belt coming out of the SEC. His statistics could falter slightly if he’s forced to play with a sub-par QB, but he’s a play-maker. If the ball is thrown in his general direction he should come down with it.
He’s been working ridiculously hard this off-season and no matter where he goes he has the potential to be a top 20 receiver.
Projected Stats: 50 Receptions, 800 yards, 8 TDs
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
2 of 5
Green could be the next Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones is the next best thing.
The two are extremely similar receivers due to their size, hands and experience in pro style offenses. Jones’ physicality could frustrate even the more elite NFL corners and he does an excellent job at tracking down questionable passes.
Getting drafted behind Green should actually benefit Jones as he’ll likely fall to a more developed offense. The Rams are extremely interested in the Alabama receiver. If they trade up then he and Bradford could put up excellent numbers for years to come.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he had an even better rookie year then Green, but it depends heavily on where they go.
Projected Stats: 40 Receptions, 700 yards, 6 TDs
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
3 of 5
Scouts are concerned about his size and the health of his knee, but Mark Ingram is the safest pick at RB in the draft.
His 2010 performance certainly didn’t match his 2009 Heisman performance, but he still managed 5.5 yards per carry for the Crimson Tide.
He could be a great fit with the Dolphins at 15. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams simply don’t have the durability to remain featured backs. If he can get his touches, he’s a viable option at Flex in 2011.
Projected Stats: 150 Rushes, 700 yards 4 TDs, 10 Receptions, 100 yards TD
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Randall Cobb, WR/RB/KR, Kentucky
4 of 5
Cobb is arguably the most versatile offensive player on the board. He’ll spend most of his time at receiver, but he can also return kicks, run and pass out of the wildcat formation.
He makes plays in the open field and is climbing up draft boards due to an excellent combine where he posted a 45 40 and benched 225 pounds 16 times. He’ll likely go early in the second round and should figure in as a return and Wildcat specialist immediately.
His ceiling isn’t all that high but he should put up in all-purpose yards.
Projected Stats: 25 Rushes, 200 yards 2 TDs, 20 Receptions, 300 yards TD, 100 Passing Yards TD, 1 Return TD
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
5 of 5
He missed a lot of time due to a season ending hamstring injury but Rudolph is the best TE prospect in the draft. At 6’6” 265 pounds, he’d be a great target for any QB in the league. He has excellent athleticism for a Tight End and could even slip into the first round. Rudolph has great hands and scouts love his strength in the middle of the field. Any team that needs a TE will look Rudolph’s way.
Projected Stats: 30 Receptions, 400 yards 4 TDs
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
