The 2018 NFL preseason is officially underway, and the time has come for rookies to figure out where they stand in the pecking order on their depth chart. We’re going to see some huge rookie seasons, while others might take a year or two to figure things out. And we’re guaranteed at least a handful of busts that are out of the league before the end of their rookie contract.
Top 5 rookies by position in 2018 fantasy football
We break down the top five rookies at each fantasy football position heading into 2018. Check out our full 2018 Fantasy Football Draft guide!
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to your fantasy football draft, picking rookies is always risky business — all the more so in annual redraft leagues. Keeper leagues and dynasty leagues offer the benefit of patience for your investment, but even then, you have to do your due diligence. For everyone else simply looking to capture a strong rookie performance for one season, it’s a bit more difficult. Regardless of the collegiate accolades and the draft pedigree of a player, the reality is that we’re taking a gamble on an unproven pro.
In 2018, we see a notable class of quarterbacks, but we are unlikely to see significant rookie returns at the position. It’s almost guaranteed one or more will get at least one start before the end of the season, but right now it’s a toss-up who that might be. Meanwhile, the running back position features a top ten overall draft pick, and as many as five starters in the top five. Even as the NFL becomes more of a pass-heavy league, running backs remain critical to fantasy football success.
Let’s take a look at each skill position and consider which rookies are the best poised to become fantasy assets for your roster.
Quarterbacks
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
2. Josh Rosen, Cardinals
3. Sam Darnold, Jets
4. Baker Mayfield, Browns
5. Josh Allen, Bills
Running Backs
1. Saquon Barkley, Giants
2. Derrius Guice, Washington2.
3. Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
4. Sony Michel, Patriots
5. Ronald Jones, Buccaneers
Wide Receivers
1. D.J. Moore, Panthers
2. Calvin Ridley, Falcons
3. Michael Gallup, Cowboys
4. Anthony Miller, Bears
5. Christian Kirk, Cardinals
Tight Ends
1. Mike Gesicki, Dolphins
2. Hayden Hurst, Ravens
3. Dallas Goedert, Eagles
4. Dalton Schultz, Cowboys
5. Jordan Akins, Texans
