Which rookies will make the biggest impact in fantasy football in 2015? Last season it was all about wide receivers as the rookies dominated led by Odell Beckham Jr., but in 2015 it might be running backs who join the receivers in racking up the points. Let’s take a look at the rookies who might make the biggest impact in fantasy football this season.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
There hasn’t been a running back taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2012 but many experts, including Todd McShay of ESPN think Gordon will go in the first round. Gordon doesn’t have overwhelming speed but many are still comparing him to Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs. And keep in mind that if Gordon ends up in Dallas he could have a huge season running behind the Cowboys offensive line.
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Gurley tore his ACL in mid-November but he should be back at full strength for 2015. He could be another running back that goes in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Many people are comparing Gurley to Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
It is likely that Mariota will be drafted behind Jameis Winston but Mariota has the higher upside in fantasy football because of his running ability. It will depend upon which team takes him and his situation, but he could be fantasy gold if he lands with the right team.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
There are two receivers who really stand out in the 2015 NFL Draft and one of those is Cooper who was a star with Alabama. The question about Cooper is his speed but all he did with the Crimson Tide was make plays. Cooper is thought to be the most pro ready receiver in the Draft but he didn’t have a good time in the 40 at the combine and he is now neck and neck with Kevin White for the top receiver in the draft.
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
Some people have White as the best receiver in the draft while others have Cooper. White has more speed and size than Cooper and he just might end up being the top fantasy football rookie in 2015.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
One receiver who has even more size than White is Green-Beckham as he is 6’5”. It is difficult for a big receiver without great speed to make a big impact but Green-Beckham might be the exception.
DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
There is a real chance that Parker ends up bypassing the top three of Cooper, White and Green-Beckham and racking up more fantasy points in 2015. It all depends on which team he goes to. It would be very interesting if Parker gets drafted by the Vikings as he would be reunited with his college quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater.
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Winston has to be on this list simply because he is likely going to be the top pick but it is hard to get too excited about any quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are a run-first team with a below average offensive line. And rarely do rookies make much of an impact at the quarterback position in fantasy football.
