Fantasy Football Sleepers: 16 Late-Round Rookie Point Machines

This year is going to be a little different than usual for the incoming rookie class. Without the mini-camps and OTAs that fell victim to the NFL lockout, it will take them some time to establish themselves and make a mark at this level.

Of course, some players like Julio Jones (pictured) could catch on sooner, but t some point in the season though, these 16 rookies could make an impact. 

Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Baldwin will likely take some time to get adjusted to the NFL, but he could improve as the season wears on. 

Delone Carter, RB, Indianapolis Colts

How long can Joseph Addai keep it up? Donald Brown has had enough chances to prove his worth. Carter could quietly end up being one of the top running backs in this class.

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Dalton could be one of the few rookie quarterbacks to start the bulk of the games this year. He has some weapons, but he likely won't take too many chances.

Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins

Helu has the makings of a solid running back choice in the Redskins option, but Tim Hightower's presence, along with Mike Shanahan's quirkiness, slows the enthusiasm train.

Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars

Gabbert could get his shot late in the season if Jacksonville struggles, or earlier if David Garrard does (or gets injured). 

Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Hunter is part of a crowded backfield in San Francisco, but he has the explosiveness to make an impact if he gets a significant amount of carries.

Greg Little, WR, Cleveland Browns

Little has not had a good preseason, but like Baldwin, he could improve as the season wears on. Little needs to focus on his concentration and consistency. 

DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Murray could wind up being a productive player this year, but first he'll have to earn touches away from Felix Jones.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Newton is off the charts athletically and shouldn't have too much trouble winning the job away from Jimmy Clausen. He'll make some rookie mistakes, but he'll also make some head-turning plays.

Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Donovan McNabb always seems to miss time to injury. If Ponder gets a shot and plays well, the Vikings could decide the future is now.

Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

Try not to get too carried away by his preseason performance, but Ridley could be highly productive if he can separate himself from the pack.

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones is the Falcons rookie getting the attention, but Rodgers can make a nice impact out of the Atlanta backfield. His value will be the greatest in PPR leagues.

Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

His value took a big hit when the Ravens traded for Lee Evans, but he still has the big-play ability that could be beneficial to fantasy owners.

Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans

Tate had his rookie season wiped away by a broken bone, but he hasn't been able to escape the injury bug to this point. It's going to take some bad team luck for Tate to get a shot at a significant role, but if things go in that direction, Tate could be huge.

Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots

Early injuries and a crowded backfield could cost him, but he has the ability to make an impact.

Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Beanie Wells just hasn't lived up to the hype. Both injury and ineffectiveness have been his downfalls. If Beanie struggles early and Williams plays well, he'll take over the lead-back gig in no time.

Fantasy Rankings

Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings