Top NFL Fantasy Football Rookies For 2015
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The NFL regular season is fast approaching and that means we're only two weeks away from the beginning of this year's fantasy football season. The first game of 2015 is set to kick off on Thursday September 10 when the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Right now teams around the league are preparing to make their first roster cuts as the NFL preseason has passed its halfway point.
Fantasy football team owners are keeping a close eye on position battles and playing time in order to target any hidden gems that could fly under the radar of less observant members of their respective leagues.
A group of players that is always tough to read before each season begins is the new class of rookies. While there are always a handful of first-year players that are given roles prior to the season, the majority of the youngsters have to show what they can do during training camp and the preseason before coaches are comfortable designating their particular roles.
Over the past few weeks we've been posting our rankings to help get you ready for your fantasy football draft. Check out our Top 30 NFL Fantasy Football Quarterbacks, Top 50 NFL Fantasy Football Running Backs, Top 70 NFL Fantasy Football Wide Receivers, Top 30 NFL Fantasy Football Tight Ends and Top NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts.
We conclude our fantasy rankings with the Top NFL Fantasy Football Rookies for 2015.
QUARTERBACKS
Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
The number one pick in this year's draft, Winston enters his rookie season with very high expectations. He's passed the eye test so far during the preseason and is hoping to enjoy the same kind of success in Tampa that he did while playing at Florida State.
Marcus Mariota, Titans
Selected exactly one pick after Winston, Mariota may have a more difficult road to NFL success as he comes from a spread offense at Oregon and must transition to the pro football game. A limited assortment of weapons may also hinder Mariota's progress as a rookie.
Honorable mention- Bryce Petty, Jets.
RUNNING BACKS
Melvin Gordon, Chargers
All signs point to Gordon being the number one running back in San Diego this season as teams don't usually spend a first round pick on someone who doesn't become a major contributor right away. Pass protection could be where he struggles most, but he's got big-play ability that should work well in the Chargers offense.
T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars
The running back competition in Jacksonville was wide open heading into training camp and Yeldon is being given every opportunity to take the job and run with it. His main issue in college was ball protection but as long as he puts up solid numbers running the ball, fantasy owners likely won't mind a handful of fumbles.
Honorable mentions- Todd Gurley, Rams. Ameer Abdullah, Lions.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Amari Cooper, Raiders
The top receiver taken in this year's draft has a chance to come right into the league and shine with the Raiders. Cooper will be the unquestioned number one option for second-year quarterback Derek Carr, who despite playing as a rookie in Oakland with limited weapons, still excelled and impressed last season.
Nelson Agholor, Eagles
Agholor could have the best rookie season out of all the first year wideouts. He steps into a lethal offense in Philadelphia where he's expected to take over for Jeremy Maclin. So far during the preseason Agholor has looked like the real deal.
Honorable mentions- Breshad Perriman, Ravens. DeVante Parker, Dolphins.
TIGHT END
Maxx Williams, Ravens
The 2015 tight end class was pretty thin but Williams could produce right way for the Ravens, who traded up to select him in the second round. Rookie tight ends generally don't do much fantasy-wise, so temper your expectations.
Honorable mention- Clive Walford, Raiders.
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