Fantasy: Five rookies from NFL draft’s first five rounds

By Dan Davis  |   Wednesday, August 13, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

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A large part of being a successful fantasy owner depends on taking the proper risks when selecting fringe players who could ultimately decide whether your team succeeds or fails. Run-of-the-mill fantasy owners have a good knowledge of the major players to pick (Tom Brady and LaDainian Tomlinson, among others), but finding the hidden gems can be a major factor in putting your squad over the top.

Here’s a look at five rookies from the first five rounds of April's NFL draft who could be major sleeper picks for your fantasy team in 2008.

Round 1: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Naysayers are obviously going to point to the fact that veteran Willie Parker, not Mendenhall, will see the bulk of the Steelers' touches this year. Parker had an exceptional season last year in terms of yardage (1,316 in 15 games), but his meager two touchdowns raise serious fantasy concerns.

Mendenhall, meanwhile, is a physical back with a remarkable set of skills at his disposal. Though there are doubters about his breakaway speed, one look at the 2008 Rose Bowl -- when Illinois-led Mendenhall played USC -- will quickly quell those concerns, as he can be seen frequently running away from the Trojans' defense, among the fastest in the nation. Yet Mendenhall wasn’t brought to Pittsburgh to be a speed back; rather, he will be the power option who perfectly complements the ultrafast Parker. As a result, don’t be surprised to see Mendenhall deliver the type of season Jerome Bettis had in Pittsburgh’s 2005 Super Bowl run with fewer carries but more goal-line touches and scores.

Round 2, DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

It would be easy to look at a Philadelphia team coming off an 8-8 record with an oft-injured quarterback and dismiss any production from the wide receiver position. But spend 20 minutes reading Eagles practice reports and one can easily discern that the buzz surrounding Jackson extends beyond optimistic fans into the minds of the coaching staff. Andy Reid & Co. see something special in Jackson -- a former Cal star -- and despite his diminutive stature (5-foot-11, 178 pounds), he has been a playmaker at every level thus far. Jackson seems poised to continue the trend after posting five catches for 51 yards in his preseason debut, displaying great hands in traffic.

Round 3, Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans

There’s a multitude of directions you can go with players drafted in the third round this year, but Slaton seems to make the most sense. With Ahman Green and Chris Brown sitting ahead of him on the depth chart, there is obviously reason to doubt Slaton's potential rookie production. However, when you take into consideration how his slash-and-go running style perfectly complements the offense head coach Gary Kubiak has installed, it’s hard to see him left out of the fold. Although it may take a few weeks for Slaton to earn significant carries in the Texans' offense, his presence will be felt.

Round 4, Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Tennessee Titans

Hawkins won’t blow anyone out of the water with his physical skills, and he spent his Cal career overshadowed by the aforementioned Jackson; however, the 5-11, 187-pounder could prove to be valuable option on a Vince Young-helmed Titans offense desperate for playmakers on the outside.

Round 5, Ryan Torain, RB, Denver Broncos

Every year, the Broncos seem to discover another running back who delivers a big season. Entering a campaign with a bit of backfield uncertainly, Torain has shined early in training camp. At 6-1, 222 pounds, Torain has the frame of an every-down NFL back, and reports say he has adapted to the Mike Shanahan system quite quickly. Although he lacks elite breakaway speed, Torain should excel in Denver’s RB-friendly offense. With Selvin Young set to fill more of a change-of-pace role, Torain should get a large amount of carries, particularly in goal-line situations.

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About Dan Davis

I'm a 23 year professional camel trainer, well exercised in the disciplines of pass rushing and mass texting. I'm an avid fan NAIA Men's Lacrosse, and I regularly paratroop on the weekend. Any questions feel free to ...
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