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Grading Out Fantasy Rookies

By JOHN TUVEY,

Fanball.com

Posted: 2007-11-02 04:02:15

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, NFL

Sports Commentary

The NFL infuses itself with young talent every April, and four months later a handful of that talent makes its way onto fantasy rosters -- often with much fanfare. In many cases the promise fails to deliver, but every year a few of these rookies make an immediate impact, both on the league itself and in fantasy circles as well.

As we reach the halfway point of the NFL season, it's a perfect time for a midterm exam of how these rookies are stacking up.

Head of the Class

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Despite starting just one game, he has produced 927 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns. Officially taking over the starting job can only lead to bigger and better things. Fantasy Grade: A

Nick Folk, K, Cowboys
He took Martin Gramatica's job and delivered 19 extra points over the first four weeks of the season, and then a four-field goal Monday night vaulted him into prominence. The Cowboys' potent offense will make him one of the top fantasy kickers the rest of the way. Fantasy Grade: A

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills
Lynch consistently produced decent numbers despite a difficult schedule and musical quarterbacks. It would be nice to see him more involved in the passing game, but his numbers make him a borderline top-10 fantasy back in most formats. Fantasy Grade: B+

Mason Crosby, K, Packers
Tacking on PATs for the rejuvenated Packers offense has helped make Crosby a top-10 fantasy kicker. He's under the radar, so he may even be available in your league. Fantasy Grade: B

Satisfactory

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs
The expectations were not high, given his quarterback situation and supporting cast. But with 499 yards and three scores, he's the top-producing rookie receiver in a class that saw a half-dozen selected in the first round. Fantasy Grade: C+

James Jones, WR, Packers
Jones has taken up the mantle of providing Brett Favre with an extra weapon. The third-round pick has outpointed all other rookie pass-catchers beside Bowe, and with Favre still gunslinging, Jones' prospects for finishing as the league's top rookie receiver are strong. Fantasy Grade: C+

Story Telling Kit

Rank these impressive rookies

Dwayne Bowe
Nick Folk
Adrian Peterson
Marshawn Lynch

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
Expectations were significantly higher for the greatest talent to come out of the draft in the history of Mel Kiper's hair; in that regard, 273 yards and two touchdowns are disappointing results. Fantasy Grade: C-

Greg Olsen, TE, Bears
Olsen was held back at first, but he's found his stride and inserted himself into Bears' game plan. He's less than 20 yards behind Calvin Johnson and has just as many touchdowns. Fantasy Grade: C-

Needs Improvement

Brian Leonard, RB, Rams
Leonard failed to capitalize on opportunity provided by Steven Jackson's injury, producing just 405 combo yards and zero touchdowns. He's a victim of a total Rams collapse, but that's no excuse. Fantasy Grade: D+

Zach Miller, TE, Raiders
He's been wildly inconsistent, though much of that can be blamed on Raiders' rotating quarterbacks. Miller has the potential to be a fantasy factor, but has not yet delivered. Fantasy Grade: D

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Colts
Perhaps the lowest grade the philosophy major has ever earned. He ceded slot receiver targets to Dallas Clark, then failed to come up big when Marvin Harrison was sidelined. He still has potential, but is obviously not the brightest blip on Peyton Manning's radar. Fantasy Grade: D

Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings
He could be the game-breaking wide receiver the Vikings are lacking, but inadequacies at quarterback aren't helping to bring that talent out of him. Fantasy Grade: D-

Incomplete

Chris Henry, RB, Titans
He finally saw the field when Chris Brown suffered his annual injury and has scored in both of his appearances. However, the emergence of LenDale White as a 20-plus carry per game workhorse could stunt his development.

Selvin Young, RB, Broncos
Young is the popular pick to replace Travis Henry when he's finally suspended, and has looked good in stretches during Henry's injury absence. He's still threatened by Mike Shanahan's penchant for the committee approach to the Denver backfield.

Ted Ginn, WR, Dolphins
It's difficult to judge a receiver by how he does with Cleo Lemon throwing the ball in his general direction. Ginn has done little to dissuade the notion that taking him ninth overall was too high, but in his defense, he hasn't been given many opportunities.

Brady Quinn, QB, Browns
Quinn seemed on the precipice of a starting job early on, but Derek Anderson righted the ship and has been nothing short of spectacular. Will Quinn gain enough experience by watching? Will the Browns be able to let Anderson go after such a stellar season, clearing the way for Quinn? The hot stove will be burning brightly in Cleveland this offseason.

Failed

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers
Jackson squandered multiple opportunities to provide Green Bay with a presence in the running game; ultimately lost the job to DeShawn Wynn, taken 163 picks later.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Panthers
Being deactivated for the first two games of the season was a harbinger. The Panthers didn't need Keyshawn, and they apparently have no place for a younger version of him, either.

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints
Injuries slowed Meachem's development, but now he finds himself behind the likes of David Patten and Lance Moore. That's not where we envisioned a first-round pick would be.

2007-11-01 01:11:46

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8 comments

PSujec 03:46:25 PM Nov 03 2007

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Why list Brandon Jackson as failed and not incomplete? He's been inactive for 4 of 7 games with an injury to his shin. Not enough playing time for a fair evaluation.

PSujec 03:46:15 PM Nov 03 2007

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Why list Brandon Jackson as failed and not incomplete? He's been inactive for 4 of 7 games with an injury to his shin. Not enough playing time for a fair evaluation.

Kalyhot2007 04:17:07 AM Nov 02 2007

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do love to Watch Calvin Johson, i am a fans of Watch Calvin Johson?and just come acros his latest blog on interracialsingleonine.com which show his personal ideas and love romance...which attract many fans discuss seriously...

Kalyhot2007 04:17:07 AM Nov 02 2007

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Kalyhot2007 04:17:05 AM Nov 02 2007

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Kalyhot2007 04:17:05 AM Nov 02 2007

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Retrorap0021 03:00:41 PM Nov 01 2007

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Watch Calvin Johson blow up soon especially watch him against Denver and some of the later games this year....If you have a keeper league grab Anthony Gonzalez late in the game if you can and expect him to be big next year. All props go to Adrian Peterson. Selvin Young showed of his skills this past weekend and look for him to be a key fantasy player filling in for Henry and ultimately taking that job. Bowe ought to do some good but not enough to bank on every week. And as far as Quinn goes...suck up that paycheck on the bench son cuz that QB spot is sewed up for a while.