Fantasy: What to expect from the 2015 rookie class
Here's an early look at the top five fantasy rookies this season, as well as some of the other first-year players to keep an eye on - or avoid.
Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
Cooper is a perfect fit with the Raiders and will be a fantasy factor right away. The Alabama product will see plenty of targets in his first season, especially after the release of veteran James Jones. Cooper can consistently make plays in traffic and has the ability to turn short passes into long gains. He should be drafted as a WR3 with WR2 upside, much like Sammy Watkins a year ago.
Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
Zac Stacy may not have liked this pick, but fantasy owners will. Gurley is an exceptional talent and has landed with a team that will lean on him heavily as the season goes on. His fantasy draft stock could be held in check as he continues to recover from an ACL tear, which may also cause him to have a slow start to the season. Once he finds his form, Gurley could be the Odell Beckham Jr.-like late-season fuel that powers owners to a title.
Kevin White, WR, Bears
Barring injury, White will line up across from Alshon Jeffery in the starting lineup on opening day, replacing the departed Brandon Marshall. New offensive coordinator Adam Gase will take advantage of White's playmaking skills, getting the ball in his hands with high-percentage plays like the bubble screens he ran in Denver last year. The Bears' defense is likely going to struggle again, so there should be plenty of garbage time for White to showcase his skills. Cooper will be the better fantasy option this season, but White could end up being the best pass catcher taken in this class.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons
At the start of every season, it's important to check where Kyle Shanahan is currently employed. This year, it's as the offensive coordinator of the Falcons, which means Atlanta's running game is poised for a major surge. Coleman will open training camp competing with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith, but Coleman is well suited to the zone-blocking scheme and has a strong chance to carve out a significant role with his preseason performance.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
The Wisconsin workhorse will fill the void left by Ryan Mathews, taking over a lot of the early down carries in San Diego. The Chargers moved up two spots to get Gordon, who was an excellent college running back and should be a decent pro. Like most rookie backs, Gordon's value may be capped early on due to his limitations as a receiver and pass protector. Fantasy owners shouldn't be as aggressive as the Chargers to acquire Gordon, but he'll definitely be given every opportunity to prove himself during his debut campaign.
Watch List
Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens - Perriman may have landed in the best situation of any receiver in this draft. If he plans to be an instant replacement for Torrey Smith, Perriman will have to prove his hands are reliable.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars - Toby Gerhart had a similar opportunity to lead the Jaguars' rushing attack last year and was unable to make anything happen. Yeldon will need to overcome running behind one of the league's worst offensive lines, while competing with Denard Robinson for carries.
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins - Miami's offense could reach new heights in 2015, and Parker has the ability to give a crowded Dolphins' receiving corps something they don't have: a No. 1 threat.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Titans - DGB is a very intriguing prospect, with a massive frame and the athleticism to eventually become a star.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions - Joique Bell will likely lead the Lions in carries and touchdowns, while Abdullah slots in as another complement back alongside Theo Riddick.
Jaelen Strong, WR, Texans - DeAndre Hopkins is the new top target in Houston. However, Strong will have a chance to capture some of Andre Johnson's production if he's ready for the challenge.
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals - Andre Ellington is still the back to own in Arizona and it's not close. Johnson could steal red-zone carries and might be a lottery ticket that pays off big time for fantasy owners if Ellington gets injured again.
Javorius 'Buck' Allen, RB, Ravens - There are already rumors that Allen is being targeted as a third-down back, and much like Ellington, it's tough to imagine a scenario where Justin Forsett stays healthy through a 16-game schedule.
David Cobb, RB, Titans - Cobb will definitely be worth watching in training camp. The Titans lack any real lead back, so the rookie has a legitimate chance to steal carries and possibly the starting job.
Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins - Whether his knee is a worry or not, Ajayi will not unseat Lamar Miller in Miami. Ajayi is simply a handcuff or late-round flier, albeit one with more potential than a regular fifth rounder.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks - The Seahawks would love to see Lockett develop into a playmaker for them. With Marshawn Lynch returning and Jimmy Graham in the mix, Lockett's role this year will likely be severely limited.
Rookies to Avoid
Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers/Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans - The top two picks in the draft have decent weapons to work with, but they'll both need time before they are leading fantasy lineups. Neither will crack the top 20 quarterbacks in my initial rankings.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles - Many are excited for Agholor to step into the high-octane Eagles offense, but Philly spreads the ball around so much that it's tough to predict when big games will happen for receivers, especially those in their first year.
Devin Smith, WR, Jets - It's tough not to get excited about Smith's speed ... until you remember Geno Smith is the one who will be asked to get the ball to him downfield. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker will suck up the targets in the Jets' offense this season. Let's revisit Smith as a fantasy option in his second and third seasons.
Devin Funchess, WR, Panthers - The Panthers are trying to give Cam Newton weapons, and while Funchess should help Carolina improve their passing game, he won't help fantasy owners in his first season.
Maxx Williams, TE, Ravens - Don't be the owner who drafts a rookie tight end, even if he is playing in a Marc Trestman offense.
Visit theScore's Draft Tracker to view all 256 selections from the 2015 NFL Draft.