It’s easy to get caught up in rookie fever. The newest players entering the league always generate buzz leading up to their rookies seasons, but it’s tough to tell which players are going to make an immediate impact.
2012 Fantasy Football: Top Five Rookie Sleepers
After Cam Newton’s record setting rookie performance a year ago, fantasy owners may be jumping the gun to try and find the next big first year sensation. But the rookie pool tends to be filled with more C.J. Spillers than Cam Newtons or Adrian Petersons.
That being said, shrewd fantasy owners will find a way to maximize value on rookies and find a few diamonds in the rough. Everyone is aware of Trent Richardson, Robert Griffin and Andrew Luck. Even Doug Martin is creating a bit of buzz. But which rookies are flying under the radar?
Let’s take a look a the top five fantasy football rookie sleepers.
1. David Wilson, Running Back, New York Giants
David Wilson is a talent, game-changing type of running back. With Brandon Jacobs out of town, carries will be available in the Giants' running back by committee. Given how fragile Ahmad Bradshaw has proven to be, Wilson could see a decent workload in his rookie season. I loved watching Wilson in college. He has tons of speed and the vision to create something out of nothing.
2. Vick Ballard, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy football is all about opportunity, and with the dismal situation the Colts have at running back, Vick Ballard could emerge as a decent backup running back in fantasy leagues. He is a durable, bruising back with adequate vision and shiftiness. He deserves to start. Keep an eye on him in the preseason.
3. Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
Alshon Jeffery is in as good a position as any rookie wide receiver. The Bears have been looking for weapons on the outside for years, and Jeffery has shown the ability to start early in training camp and the preseason. He’ll also have Brandon Marshall across from him to take some attention away. He could end up being a decent wide receiver three in fantasy this year.
4. Coby Fleener, Tight End, Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck is likely to use Coby Fleener as a safety blanket all year long, due to their history with one another. Fleener is a very talented receiver at the tight end position. With the lack of depth at tight end, Fleener is worth taking a shot on.
5. Marvin Jones, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Marvin Jones was my favorite sleeper in the 2012 NFL Draft, and he's making his mark early in Bengals camp. I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually starts opposite A.J. Green, and he's polished enough to transition immediately to the NFL.
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