FANTASY PLAYS: Rookies to consider for 2016 season
Most people love the idea of discovering a gem. That's often how fantasy footballers see rookies - people love to brag they had a breakout superstar player in his rookie year.
While rookies have become more relevant in fantasy the past few seasons, you don't want to litter your team with them.
Rookies this year don't appear to be as good as previous classes, but there are some good players that should be drafted and many that won't start with big roles but could grow.
Keep these rookies on the radar:
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DEVONTAE BOOKER (RB, Broncos)
Booker is going to be the backup running back to C.J. Anderson. Booker has the skills to be a three-down back and Anderson has not been able to stay healthy the last two seasons. Booker is good between the tackles, has good vision and can catch the football. If you draft Anderson, Booker is someone you want to draft as a handcuff.
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TYLER BOYD (WR, Bengals)
Boyd is a possession receiver that could see a big role quickly. Boyd is vying with Brandon LaFell for a starting spot and Boyd has impressed in the preseason. The Bengals lost more than 150 targets with the departure of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, leaving a clear opportunity for Boyd.
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COREY COLEMAN (WR, Browns)
Coleman is explosive and is dangerous after the catch. He was the first receiver drafted this year at 15th overall. He will be the No. 1 receiver for the Browns while Josh Gordon is suspended and the offense will be better under coach Hue Jackson.
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EZEKIEL ELLIOTT (RB, Cowboys)
There has been a lot of hype for the fourth overall pick. He is being drafted in the first round of many fantasy drafts. Don't hesitate - the Cowboys will rely on him heavily. Elliott is in a unique position for most rookie running backs: an exceptional talent who can catch and pass block well and playing on a team with one of the best offensive lines.
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DERRICK HENRY (RB, Titans)
Henry is a big back at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds and starts the season in a complementary role to DeMarco Murray. The Titans want to run the ball a lot and Henry is a solid mid-round pick that could see more touches if he runs well.
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TAJAE SHARPE (WR, Titans)
Sharpe's stock has risen due to his success in the preseason. Dorial Green-Beckham was traded to the Eagles and Sharpe is slated to start opposite Rishard Matthews. Sharpe has excellent hands and runs good routes. The Titans don't figure to pass a lot, but Sharpe comes cheap as a late-round pick.
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STERLING SHEPARD (WR, Giants)
Shepard is going to see a lot of snaps as the starter playing opposite Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants, who were sixth in pass attempts last season, will pass often again. Shepard runs good routes and will get a lot of targets in this offense.
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MICHAEL THOMAS (WR, Saints)
Thomas has good hands, quickness and size at 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds. That makes him a red zone threat in a pass-heavy offense. He should fill the role once held by Marques Colston, though the Saints spread the ball around.
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Others to keep on the radar: Kenneth Dixon (RB, Ravens), Josh Doctson (WR, Redskins), Will Fuller (WR, Texans), Tyler Higbee (TE, Rams), Jordan Howard (RB, Bears), Malcolm Mitchell (WR, Patriots), C.J. Prosise (RB, Seahawks), Wendell Smallwood (RB, Eagles), Laquon Treadwell (WR, Vikings), DeAndre Washington (RB, Raiders).
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, http://FNTSY.com .