Fantasy Football: Rookies Who Will Have Major Impact
By Chris Jones
Sleepers
Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (95) attempts to tackle Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns
Unless you have been in a cave or under a rock for the past couple of months, you know that Johnny Manziel was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns, and is currently battling incumbent Brian Hoyer for the starting role.
So far, Cleveland management has been very coy about who could be the starter for the Browns come the start of the regular season, but if sports networks’ dreams come true, it will be Manziel.
If he does end up beating out Hoyer, Manziel’s special combination of running and passing ability will make him a valuable fantasy football asset.
Tre Mason, RB, St. Louis Rams
Mason had a breakout year for the Auburn Tigers as they marched on to the National Championship game this past season, which caught the attention of NFL teams, causing the St. Louis Rams to select him.
During his eye-opening 2013-14 season for the Tigers, Mason racked up 1816 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, while also catching 12 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown.
With the season-ending injury to Rams running back Isaiah Pead, the Rams desperate need for weapons for Sam Bradford, and Mason’s incredible versatility, he will get his chance to put up some pretty decent fantasy numbers.
Andre WIlliams, RB, New York Giants
“Human Joystick” running back Andre WIlliams amazed the college football world in 2013, rushing for 2177 yards and 18 touchdowns and almost singlehandedly leading the Boston College Eagles to a bowl game.
The magical season that saw Williams become a finalist for the Heisman Trophy included incredible single game performances, including a 263-yard, five-touchdown performance against Army, a 339-yard performance against North Carolina State, and a 263-yard game at Maryland.
With the forced retirement of running back David Wilson, someone will have to carry the load for the Giants running game, and Williams has the skill set to do just that.
If you are in a large fantasy football league, dynasty league, or are looking desperately for a bye-week option, Williams has the potential to pay dividends.
Jadeveon Clowney, LB, Houston Texanas
If you are a member of a fantasy football league that includes individual defensive players, and are looking for a linebacker to rack up sacks, then look no further than the first overall pick of the draft, Jadeveon Clowney.
If he bucks the label that he doesn’t have the drive to be an every-down contributor, Clowney has the ability to be special.
Lined up along J.J Watt, opposing offensive lines will have more than their hands full. If they choose to block Watt, Clowney will have the ability to have big numbers in tackles and sacks.