The 2017 NFL preseason has begun, and that means rookies are in the process of earning their keep. Some rookies will break out with big first seasons, others might take a season or two, and still others might take five or six seasons to find their way. And some will wash out of the league within a few years.
In the world of fantasy football, drafting rookies is always risky business, especially in redraft leagues. Keeper leagues and dynasty leagues offer the benefit of deeper foresight for your investment. For everyone else simply looking to capture a strong rookie performance for one season, it’s a bit more difficult. Regardless of the collegiate accolades and the draft pedigree of a player, the reality is that we’re taking a gamble on an unproven pro.
In 2017, we see a particularly strong class of running backs but a weak class of quarterbacks. With everyone excited about the 2018 class, most of this year’s quarterbacks are long-term projects. On the other hand, the top of this year's tight end class is looking particularly interesting.
Let's take a look at each skill position and consider which rookies are the best poised to become fantasy assets for your roster.
Quarterbacks
1. DeShaun Watson, Texans
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
3. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears
4. DeShone Kizer, Browns
5. C.J. Beathard, 49ers
Running Backs
1. Leonard Fournette, Jaguars
2. Joe Mixon, Bengals
3. Dalvin Cook, Vikings
4. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
5. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs
Wide Receivers
1. Corey Davis, Titans
2. John Ross, Bengals
3. Zay Jones, Bills
4. Curtis Samuel, Panthers
5. Mike Williams, Chargers
Tight Ends
1. O.J. Howard, Buccaneers
2. David Njoku, Browns
3. Evan Engram, Giants
4. Gerald Everett, Rams
5. Jake Butt, Broncos