Fantasy Impact from 2007 NFL Draft

Every year, the NFL Draft features players who come right into the league and make an impact from a fantasy standpoint. Just look at last year and the emergence of players like Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, and Vince Young. Well, 2007 is a new year, and it’s time to take a look at 10 rookie players who could have an impact on the upcoming fantasy season.

1. Calvin Johnson (WR, Detroit Lions) - The 6’5, 239 pound burner will play an important part in Mike Martz’s offense. Lining up across from Roy Williams, Johnson should enjoy single coverage early in his career and make smaller defensive backs pay. The Lions will no doubt spread the ball around, but expect Johnson to get his share of catches and do very nicely in te touchdown category.

2. Adrian Peterson (RB, Minnesota Vikings) - A large back with excellent speed and power, Peterson has been described as a “violent” runner. His speed will be showcased on the Vikings indoor turf, although he will have to split carries with incumbent runner Chester Taylor. Still, the Saints showed last year that a running back tandem can still be productive from a fantasy standpoint.

3. Marshawn Lynch (RB, Buffalo Bills) - A well-balanced runner, Lynch will step right in as the starter for the Bills since their previous starter, Willis McGahee, departed in the offseason. While their running game has failed to impress over the last few seasons, having a back who can stay healthy will be a big plus.

4. Dwayne Bowe (WR, Kansas City Chiefs) - The former #1 receiver for LSU, Bowe finds himself on a team desperate for a quality WR. After all ,the trio of Rod Gardner, Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker isn’t exactly striking fear into the league. Expect Bowe to become a key part of the passing game. The biggest question is who will be throwing him the ball?

5. Craig Davis (WR, San Diego Chargers) - Here’s another team that needs help at wide receiver. Antonio Gates is a phenom, but it’s a bad idea to rely so much on one player. Expect the 6’1” Davis to get involved early and often.

6. Greg Olsen (TE, Chicago Bears) - Considered the best tight end in this year’s draft, Olsen has the good fortune of going to a team whose quarterback (Rex Grossman) likes to throw to the position. The Bears may not be as dominant as they were last year, so look for Olsen to get a lot of dump-off passes as Grossman (or his eventual replacement) scrambles around like a deer in the headlights.

7. Brandon Jackson (RB, Green Bay Packers) - Jackson was drafted in the 2nd round as a possible replacement for Ahman Green. Assuming he can beat out Vernand Morency and Noah Herron, Jackson should get the bulk of the carries. And since he’ll be lining up behind Brett Favre, it’s safe to assume that he’ll at least get a chance to show what he can do.

8. Chris Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans) - The team drafted LenDale White in last year’s draft, but he failed to develop as expected and has reportedly battled weight problems in the offseason. You know it must be bad, as the Titans were forced to grab Henry in the 2nd round. This 6 foot runner with a 4.41 time in the 40 may very well be the starter come opening day.

9. Sidney Rice (WR, Minnesota Vikings) -The Vikings are another team in desperate need of a reliable receiver. Rice may or may not be that guy, but he’ll certainly have a chance to compete with the likes of “studs” like Bobby Wade and Maurice Mann. Add to this the fact that starter Troy Williamson has trouble holding onto the ball, and Rice may be the Vikings’ breakout receiving threat. Unfortunately, he’ll be getting thrown balls from Brooks Bollinger or Tarvaris Jackson, so this one could be a little dicey.

10. Michael Bush (RB, Oakland Raiders) - Bush is a huge runner who’s listed at 6’3” and 250 pounds. If it were not for a broken leg last season , the consensus is that he would have been a 1st rounder on draft day. The Raiders’ new coaching staff is obviously not sold on starter LaMont Jordan, as they also picked up Dominic Rhodes in free agency. If Bush is healthy, and those two players falter, he may well get a shot sooner than expected.

Fantasy Impact from 2007 NFL Draft