As the Fantasy Football season draws closer, it's time to analyze which players would be best to target. Which ones are overvalued, and which players should you be targeting on draft day? These are two important questions, but another important one is which rookies are even worth drafting in fantasy football this year. This article will take a look at the five rookies with the best chance to make an impact on their teams this season.
1. Joe Mixon (Cincinnati Bengals)
Most fantasy players consider Leonard Fournette a better option than Mixon, but I disagree.
Mixon enters a far better situation with the Bengals, who have a solid offense quarterbacked by a more than capable Andy Dalton. In addition, the Bengals are far more committed to the rushing game than the pass happy Jaguars. If Mixon does get the lion's share of carries for the Bengals, expect him to be the best fantasy football rookie this season.
2. Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)
The Stanford product was really good in college, but may have a tough time adjusting to the NFL. Still, it's hard to believe that the Panthers won't find a way to involve the talented running back in their attack. Cam Newton's check downs will provide even more value to fantasy owners in PPR leagues, who will reap the benefits of his receptions.
For McCaffrey to be truly elite, he will have to beat out Jonathan Stewart for the starting job.
3. Leonard Fournette (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Most fantasy players consider Fournette a second or third round player, but I think that's crazy. Unlike Ezekiel Elliot last year, Fournette does not enter an ideal situation in Jacksonville.
Instead, he will be playing behind an offensive line that hasn't produced a solid fantasy back since Maurice Jones Drew. He will also be struggling to get carries when the Jaguars are forced to pass and play catchup from behind. If you do draft Fournette, don't be shocked if he flops in 2017 fantasy football.
4. Samaje Perine (Washington Redskins)
A fourth round pick from Oklahoma, Perine is not yet known by the NFL world. But if the Redskins drafted him in the fourth round, you can bet that's about to change. Robert Kelley was serviceable as a starter in Washington last season, but they definitely want more out of the position. That means Perine is primed to take on a prominent role in one of the NFL's highest scoring offenses this season. If he wins the starting job, look out. Perine could certainly be a sleeper that win several people fantasy leagues in 2017.
Agree with the players listed? Disagree? Feel free to post a comment. For more fantasy football updates, and for all updates during the regular season, check out and like the Facebook page Fantasy Football Weekly (FFW).
