Fantasy football players know that sometimes the key to victory lies in the unknown names in the NFL world. Waiver wire pickups like Alvin Kamara led teams all the way to fantasy championships last year, and the same thing can certainly happen again with rookies this year. Let's take a look at the best projected fantasy rookies for the 2018 season.
1. Saquon Barkley RB, New York Giants
The 2nd overall pick in the NFL draft steps into a perfect situation, as the Giants are in desperate need of a great running back. Now they finally have one in Barkley, who should be considered an early 3rd round pick in most fantasy drafts.
He will get plenty of carries and should also be able to contribute in the passing game, things that both suggest he will be a solid fantasy player right out of the gate.
2. Derrius Guice RB, Washington Redskins
The Redskins decided to take a chance on Guice, who has been surrounded by reports of character issues, in the second round of the NFL draft. There's no question that he's talented, and that Washington plans to use him heavily in the run game. However, his character and his usage will be a major risk for fantasy owners, as Chris Thompson will still have a majority of the work in the passing game. Expect Guice to go in the 7th or 8th round of most standard fantasy drafts.
3. Rashaad Penny RB, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle made a statement with their first round draft pick by reaching a little bit and selecting Penny. Pete Carroll didn't go out and select Penny in the first round to not use him, so expect heavy usage for the Seahawks running back. So far, early reports suggest that Penny will likely be a three down back.
If the Seahawks can finally get the ground game working in 2018, Penny will be a valuable late round sleeper.
4. D.J. Moore WR, Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton has been lacking weapons for far too long, but he finally has a quality one in D.J. Moore, who slid to the Panthers at pick 24 in the 2018 NFL draft. Prior to this pick, Carolina really didn't have a clear cut #1 receiver, but Moore fills that role.
He'll be a late selection in most drafts, but don't be surprised if Moore becomes a viable fantasy player by mid-season.
5. Hayden Hurst TE, Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens traded multiple times in the first round before selecting one of the most talented tight ends in the NFL draft. Hayden Hurst will become an immediate starter on offense and will be one of the main options for Joe Flacco, who passes more than most other quarterbacks in the NFL. If you wait for a tight end in your fantasy draft and Hurst is available, take the late round risk on him and reap the rewards.
