2011 NFL Draft Results: A Preview of the Top 5 Rookies to Watch for in Fantasy

The first round of the 2011 NFL draft is in the books, but how will it impact your fantasy football drafts in the summer and the fall?

I'll take a look at some of the top picks on offense from the first round and give my take on how much of an impact they'll have in their rookie year.

Let's get right to it.

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5. AJ Green, WR Cincinnati Bengals

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner ROger Goodell poses for a photo with A.J. Green, #4 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals, as Green holds up a jersey during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Phot

If only A.J. Green had come out one year earlier, he'd have Carson Palmer throwing him the football. As it is, he has no one throwing him the football. What a difference a year makes.

Although Green is a highly-talented player, he may not have landed in the greatest situation for instant success. The Bengals will need to find him a quarterback to throw the ball, but that pick could be forthcoming as early as tonight in rounds 2 and 3.

4. Christian Ponder, QB Minnesota Vikings

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Quarterback Christian Ponder of Florida State looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Will Ponder even start in his rookie year? That's something to ponder.

Here's something else to think about. Ponder comes into a great situation for a rookie quarterback. He has a franchise running back to hand off to, as well as some talented weapons in the passing game in Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe.

They have some work to do on their offensive line, but there are many pieces there for Ponder to have quick success in the NFL.

3. Onathan Baldwin, WR Kansas City Chiefs

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Chiefs' offense may have been one explosive playmaker away from being a very high-octane attack. With Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles and Matt Cassel already in the fold, adding Jonathan Baldwin makes the offense that much more potent.

In terms of a deep threat, Baldwin doesn't add much to the offense. What he brings, however, is a great vertical target in the red zone that Cassel can throw the ball up to and have him climb the ladder to go get it. Remember the quick success Cassel had with Randy Moss back in New England? Expect a similar early rapport between he and Baldwin.

2. Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Julio Jones, #6 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

The Falcons are quickly becoming the Colts of the next generation. Despite some pressing needs on defense, they decided to give Matt Ryan another weapon at the expense of a whole heap of draft picks.

Still, Julio Jones comes into a great situation to succeed quickly. He has a veteran mentor in Roddy White, a franchise caliber quarterback in Ryan, and a solid running game to force defenders into the box. Wide receivers don't often have slam-dunk rookie seasons, but Jones could be the exception.

1. Mark Ingram, RB New Orleans Saints

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Mark Ingram, #28 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Typically speaking, running backs have the easiest transition to the NFL. Some of the nuances in their schemes may be different, and they may have a few different responsibilities, but the meat of the job remains the same: Find the hole, hit the hole.

Mark Ingram couldn't have landed in a better spot. He won't have a great deal of responsibility, splitting time with Reggie Bush, and will have a great deal of talent around him to help him succeed. The Saints really got a good deal with Ingram, and he could produce quickly.