Top 10 rookies you will want to draft in fantasy football

From top to bottom, the 2018 NFL Draft was loaded with talent that should make headlines this upcoming season. Here are the top 10 rookies that you will want to draft this year in fantasy football.

As most know, there are two types of scoring systems that are primarily used in each fantasy football league: standard scoring and points-per-reception (PPR) scoring. The players I will rank in this list are going to be must-haves in both scoring formats, however, their rank may differ depending upon if it is a standard or PPR league.

Meaning, running backs are probably more coveted in PPR leagues, where quarterbacks are the bread and butter for standard scoring. Regardless, this is the list you will want to have when the mid-late rounds start rolling around in your fantasy football drafts.

So, without further prolongation, let’s dive into this list.

10. James Washington WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Washington will fit nicely into the Pittsburgh Steelers already vaunted offensive attack. This big play receiver will look to get a lot of targets while opposing teams have their hands full with Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Le’Veon Bell.

Washington went off for Oklahoma State last year and his performance was headlined by his 13 receiving touchdowns and whopping receiving yards-per-reception average of 20.9. Yes, he is a home run play waiting to happen.

No, Washington probably won’t get the receptions and yards he did in college, but he will look to be a solid third option for Ben Roethlisberger when it comes to passing the football. He may be too hit or miss for some fantasy football owners, but he could be a saving grace when you’re in a pinch during a player’s bye week.

The former Oklahoma State Cowboys receiver carries a smaller, yet somewhat physical frame. This could result in quite a few red zone looks for the rookie.

Next: 9. Michael Gallup

9. Michael Gallup WR, Dallas Cowboys

Gallup was taken a round after fellow wide receiver James Washington was. The third-round pick has found himself in a pretty favorable situation with the Dallas Cowboys.

Why? Because the Cowboys really don’t have a No. 1 receiver after Dez Bryant and Jason Witten left town. So, Gallup may quietly, and quickly, become Dak Prescott’s go-to guy.

Gallup is more appealing than Washington because he doesn’t have All-Pro’s and superstars laying around like Washington does in the Steel City. Rather, he has a chance to beat out Terrance Williams and Allen Hurns for the No. 1 receiver role.

The former Colorado State Ram had over 2,600 receiving yards and finished with 21 receiving touchdowns in college. Gallup may be able to rack up a high volume of receptions, unlike Washington who is more of an all or nothing player.

Next: 8. Kerryon Johnson

8. Kerryon Johnson RB, Detroit Lions

This second-round pick is one of the more intriguing players on this list. This is the case when it comes to Johnson because he seems to be oozing with potential but has a bit of a depth-chart roadblock ahead of him.

The Detroit Lions have recently signed LeGarrette Blount to go with Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah in the backfield. However, it seems like Riddick will move to a more specialized role while the team uses Abdullah as depth.

But, Johnson still needs to win that second spot, which is why picking him and shelving him may be the best move. The multi-dynamic running back can do it all, from rushing to receiving.

The former Auburn Tiger notched 18 rushing touchdowns to go with two receiving touchdowns last year. Johnson has the potential to be a PPR beast as the season goes on.

Next: 7. Baker Mayfield

7. Baker Mayfield QB, Cleveland Browns

Here’s a scenario for you standard scoring players. Also, yes, how could I have a list of the top 10 rookies you should have in fantasy football and not have Mayfield on it?

In all seriousness, Mayfield may be the only rookie signal caller worth drafting on draft night. Depending on when your draft is, it is likely we will know who the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns will be in the next week or so.

So, draft him and stash him. I said he is more of a standard scoring guy because quarterbacks definitely have much more value and effect on the game in this format.

Touchdowns reign supreme in standard leagues, therefore getting your hands on a potential touchdown machine like Mayfield is a no-brainer. He also has many pieces around him to allow the former Oklahoma Sooner to throw up some steady points.

Next: 6. Calvin Ridley

6. Calvin Ridley WR, Atlanta Falcons

Ridley did not have his best year in his final collegiate season in 2017 with the Alabama Crimson Tide. His freshman year was his best season, however, he finds himself in a very similar situation to James Washington.

The former Alabama receiver joins one of the most dominant offenses in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons will look to have a much better offensive year then the team had last year.

Ridley will join an offense that has the likes of Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, and more. Like Washington, Ridley will look to exploit opposing defenses that are focused on stopping Jones and Freeman.

I don’t believe Ridley will get a lot of touchdowns, simply because Jones will look to have a monster year in the end zone after suffering mightily in that area last year. Look for Ridley to be a big play guy or a player who gets a decent amount of receptions and yards week in and week out.

Next: 5. Nick Chubb

5. Nick Chubb RB, Cleveland Browns

Chubb starts the stretch of running backs that will round out this list. He is a traditional ground-and-pound running back. He was rarely used in the passing game while at the University of Georgia.

This means the former Bulldog will look to wear down defenses with his physical, yet explosive style of play. He will compliment fellow Cleveland Browns running back Carlos Hyde very well when the season rolls around.

However, the window for Chubb to take the lead role is there. He didn’t light it up in his first preseason game, but he did have a solid game in his second exhibition game when he went for 53 rushing yards on 11 attempts and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Chubb falls to No. 5 because of his inability to be much of a factor through the air.

Next: 4. Rashaad Penny

4. Rashaad Penny RB, Seattle Seahawks

Penny has fallen a bit due to his injury. While it isn’t a major injury or anything that will result in him missing regular season time, Penny’s stock still takes a minor hit.

But, the former San Diego State Aztec is going to be one of the more featured rookies this year. Although, his value may be overhyped due to the lack of backfield depth that the Seattle Seahawks have.

Penny had an eye-popping season last year, which is reflected in his stats. He ran for over 2,200 rushing yards and went for 19 rushing touchdowns.

Not only should you draft Penny, but you should also feel inclined to start him every week. He is the first player on this list who should be a lock in your fantasy football starting lineup.

Next: 3. Sony Michel

3. Sony Michel RB, New England Patriots

Much to the dismay of the readers here at The Jet Press, a New England Patriots player lands high on this list. Michel is in the same boat as Penny for a couple of reasons.

First, Michel would have been a spot higher if it wasn’t for a knee procedure that has sidelined him for a while. Second, like Penny, he solidifies a position that had been somewhat of a revolving door for his team in the past.

Of course, the Pats have found running backs to make it work. But, Michel seems to be the real deal, which will allow the Patriots to look to ensure another position.

Michel split time with Nick Chubb while at Georgia and still put up numbers. Draft Michel and monitor his health because he will be one of the more sought-after rookies if healthy.

Next: 2. Ronald Jones II

2. Ronald Jones II RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Bucs went out and snagged themselves one of the more explosive running backs in the 2018 NFL Draft when the team selected Jones in the second-round. The former USC Trojan will likely be the team’s No. 1 running back this year.

One thing that Jones needs to work on in order to be even better is catching the ball. If he does that, then his stock will rise even higher.

At USC, Jones did what most of the players on this list did. That being, he had insane numbers and pretty much tormented other teams.

Jones’ physique is another plus, as he stands six feet tall. While he only weighs around 200 pounds now, he will bulk up as the season goes on. This is a player that may even go in the early-middle rounds of some fantasy drafts.

Next: 1. Saquon Barkley

1. Saquon Barkley RB, New York Giants

As if this needed to be said, but Big Blue’s new running back Barkley is undoubtedly the No. 1 rookie you should draft in fantasy football this year. Not only is this guy the No. 1 rookie, he is one of the top overall players in fantasy football.

Barkley won’t be laying around like some of the other mentioned players will be. Let’s just put it this way, don’t get your heart set on having Barkley this year in your fantasy league if you don’t have a top 5-7 pick.

The former Penn State standout was taken with the second pick in this year’s draft. While he has had some health issues in camp, he is a guy that will destroy teams on the ground and through the air.

Barkley’s value in PPR leagues will raise his stock even more, as he will look to match the rookie campaign of a player like Ezekiel Elliott. He will be the best rookie, and one of the best players in fantasy football this year.