2014 Fantasy FootballFantasy Football

2014 Fantasy Football: The All-Rookie Team

QB — Teddy Bridgewater

There are no rookie QBs who are likely to be week one starters. Bridgewater is the most talented QB in this year’s draft and also has a very good shot to take the QB1 spot from Matt Cassel at some point this season. Why people were down on the Louisville star over a bad pro-day is beyond me. Last season he threw for 3,970 yards, 31 TDs and only four INTs. He managed an incredible 71-percent completion percentage. He was far and away the best QB coming out this season. The closest QB to him was Derek Carr, who slipped in part because his brother was a bust. It was a strange draft for the QB position. If Bridgewater gets his opportunity this season, the Bridgewater-Patterson connection could be as dynamic as any QB/WR combo in the league moving forward.

RB — Bishop Sankey

Sankey is in the best situation of any RB in this year’s draft. The Titans selected him with the 54th overall pick, making him the first back off the board. Tennessee felt he fit their system better than any other back available. The Pac-12 standout totaled just under 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 21 TDs. The second-round pick is probably the most well-rounded back in this year’s rookie class, which is why the Titans found him so alluring.

Tennessee coaches continue to claim they will be using a running back by committee. The dreaded RBBC may be the most frightening phrase in fantasy football. The bottom line is I don’t believe them nor should you. Shonn Greene is terrible and may not even make the opening day roster. He has a career 4.1 YPC and has been declining since his rookie season. It’s hard to believe he’ll be taking an abundance of carries away from Sankey. Dexter McCluster will catch his fair-share of passes, nevertheless he plays a very different role than Sankey. McCluster is an offensive weapon that will have about 50-70 receptions, and will get involved on special teams and misdirection plays. That didn’t appear to reduce Jamaal Charles fantasy value in Kansas City.

Sankey will be a fantasy star and has top ten potential in 2014. The only knock on him is he doesn’t possess ideal size and may not be able to handle a full workload. They said the same thing about Sankey coming out of Gonzaga Prep. The last two seasons he endured 653 touches and was a dominant force despite a shaky O-line and inconsistent QB play. Expect him to explode in to the fantasy game in a major way.

RB — Devonta Freeman

The Former Seminole was the star of Falcons minicamp and could make a push for Steven Jackson’s starting job. The aging Jackson could quite possibly be on his last leg. It’s been reported that Free,am was the most impressive Falcon in camp, blowing both Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers out of the water. Freeman was drafted in the fourth-round to be groomed for the future, however if Jackson cannot overcome his injury issues or underwhelms with his production, Freeman may get his chance to be the lead back sooner than expected.

Last season, at Florida State, Freeman scored an impressive 15 touchdowns to go along with 1,204 yards from scrimmage. With 1,016 rushing yards, Freeman became the first FSU rusher to reach the century mark since Warrick Dunn (1996). Reports indicate that his game actually translates better to the professional level than college, which is a terrifying thought for defensive coordinators in the NFL. The most common weakness that keeps young talented RBs off the field is pass blocking, which is one of Freeman’s strongest attributes. He has a similar build and style to former Hurricane rival, Frank Gore, another RB that outperformed expectations in the NFL. Freeman has unquestioned potential to be more than just a handcuff. He should be drafted as a handcuff with upside in just about all leagues.

WR — Kelvin Benjamin

The Panthers drafted the BCS Championship game star Kelvin Benjamin in the first round. Benjamin is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound WR that can bail Cam Newton out of trouble and be thrown open. He’s a massive red zone target, and can go up and pull the ball down in a crowd. He may have fallen into a better situation than any other rookie in the league. Don’t be stunned if the former Seminole WR puts up better fantasy numbers than any other rookie WR. In FSU’s national championship run, he caught 53 passes for over 1,000 yards and a whopping 15 TDs. Benjamin is a huge upgrade compared to anybody Cam Newton had to throw to last season. He will be the Panthers WR1 by the seasons end, even if Jerricho Cotchery starts the season atop the depth chart.

WR — Jordan Matthews

Matthews is a 6-foot-3, 213-pounder, who had outstanding production at Vanderbilt. Over the past two seasons he averaged 103 receptions, 1400 yards, and 7.5 TDs. In 2013, he led the SEC in both receptions (112) and yards (1,477). He’s the type of WR that can make an immediate impact in the NFL. If Chip Kelly utilizes him as WR2, he could put up huge numbers. He is more talented than Riley Cooper and with the Eagles rapid play calling, there are plenty of opportunities to make plays. After Jeremy Maclin, Mathews will quite possibly have more passes thrown his way than anybody else on the team. He fits all the criteria to be a high-impact NFL receiver right out of the gate.

WR — Brandin Cooks

The Oregon State Alum is expected to fill the void left by Darren Sproles in New Orleans. The former Beaver put up ridiculous numbers last season. He had an amazing 128 receptions, 1,730 receiving yards, 18 TDs and added 217 rushing yards. His production was through he roof. He has a legitimate shot to be a PPR superstar this season. He fits the mold perfectly for what the Saints were looking for. Sean Payton will maximize Cooks potential by utilizing his versatility to exploit defensive mismatches. Expect Payton to get the ball in his hands in all types of innovative ways. He will catch passes out of the slot, the backfield and be involved in the running game. Cooks has a great chance to end the season as a high-end flex play.

TE — Eric Ebron

The Lions drafted UNC rookie Eric Ebron in the first round after Brandon Pettigrew has proven he’s not an elite level pass catcher. Ebron is the most highly touted tight end prospect since Vernon Davis. He can be the next elite TE in the NFL. Although Ebron struggled at times catching this spring, don’t anticipate that to hamper his production come September. Last year as a Tarheel, Ebron caught 62 passes for 973 yards. He has moved to a tight end friendly, pass heavy system in Detroit.

Ebron has a large frame with big play ability. The only concern about his fantasy value is the Lions have two other tight ends, Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria, who have proved to be formidable, but limited, in their own right. Ebron has proclaimed that his goal in 2014 is to go to the Pro Bowl and be offensive rookie of the year. Don’t be stunned if he backs it up and accomplishes his lofty goals. Ebron will become a TE1 in all formats.

Flex — Allen Robinson

Opportunity has knocked for Allen Robinson, and the Penn State rookie just has to open the door. Justin Blackmon is suspended indefinitely, Cecil Shorts went down with a hamstring injury this week and Ace Sanders was hit with a four-game suspension. The Jaguars drafted two rookies in the second round of this year’s draft. Robinson is much for NFL ready than fellow rookie Marqise Lee. He was the most sure handed, dependable WR in this year’s draft. He’s an excellent route runner and should make an immediate impact in the Jags passing game. He caught 97 passes last season for over 1,400 yards and six TDs on a less than spectacular Nittany Lion offense. He is a similar player to Larry Fitzgerald. It’s not fair to say he’ll be as good as Fitz, but they are both intelligent, dependable WRs with great hands. Jacksonville got a steal drafting Robinson in the second round.

K Nate Freese

Nate Freese was the only kicker drafted, so… Nate Freese it is.

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