Rookie Impact

by Portland updated 8/8/08

Joe Flacco
Flacco is the only quarterback I see making an impact this year. Neither Kyle Boller nor Troy Smith can compete with Flacco’s arm or his natural leadership. You can’t deny his arm strength but if you don’t believe he is a natural leader, just watch the college all-star skills challenge. Not only did he blow everyone away, including Matt Ryan, but all the quarterbacks looked at Flacco like he was Tom Brady. The Ravens have McGhee, Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Todd Heap. Flacco will have the opportunity and teammates to make a rookie impact.  WATCH HIM

Matt Ryan
Remember Ryan Leaf? Tim Couch? Akili Smith? Enough said.  DON'T DRAFT HIM

Darren McFaddan
McFaddan will start and deliver in 2008. Al Davis didn’t draft a guy like McFadden to sit on the bench. In 2007, the Oakland Raiders were a top 3 rushing team and it wasn’t because of Fargas. It was their offensive line and OL coach. The Raiders are hungry and when McFadden steps onto the field, it will provide a spark the Raiders have been looking for.  DRAFT HIM - ROUNDS 3-5

Kevin Smith
Come on, do you really think Tatum “Tinker” Bell will start and play the entire 2008 season? I don’t. Kevin Smith will start by week 6 and will finish the season with the second best stats for Rookie RB’s, behind McFadden.  DRAFT HIM - ROUNDS 4-6

Jonathan Stewart
The Panthers are still looking for a starting RB. Foster was traded to San Francisco and DeAngelo Williams is not a proven starter yet. Stewart walks into Carolina with the opportunity to play and if can “WOW” the coaches, he will start over DeAngelo by week 6 as well.  DRAFT HIM - ROUNDS   4-6

Rashard Mendenhall
Willie Parker will be back this year but if Willie goes down, Rashard Mendenhall will be the guy. If you draft Willie, make sure to draft Mendenhall.  DRAFT HIM - ROUNDS 6-8

Matt Forte
The Bears signed Kevin Jones and now have two Jones’ in the back field that will be competing with Matt Forte. Matt Fortes situation went from great to not so great. Unlike the guys above, Forte will have to compete with two other backs. I like the odds better when competing with just one back…50/50. Forte has a shot to start in 2008 but don’t count on it.  DRAFT HIM - ROUNDS 7-8

Ryan Torain
Who? Ryan Torain. A Denver RB who may become a product of a legendary system. Travis Henry is gone and Selvin Young is currently #1 on the depth chart. Keep an eye on him, he maybe wearing ESPN’s “Fantasy Hall of Fame” jacket at the end of the year.  DON'T DRAFT HIM - OUT 2-3 MONTHS

DeSean Jackson
Marvin Harrison, I mean DeShawn Jackson could possibly resurrect Donavan McNabb’s career…whats left of it.  DRAFT HIM - LATE ROUNDS


Devin Thomas & Malcolm Kelly
Jason Campbell is a good QB.  Devin Thomas (hamstring) and Malcolm Kelly (knee scoped) could benefit from Campbell’s progression this year.  WATCH THEM -

Mario Manningham
Eli Manning has arrived. Eli will throw for 25+ Touchdowns and 3500+ yards.  Although Mario is behind Amani Toomer, Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss on the depth chart, Eli will be looking for a new target this year.  WATCH HIM

This years rookie class is all about “OPPORTUNITY” and that’s all a player needs!