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Just like general managers, fantasy owners must complete their due diligence on the new rookie class before heading into the 2008 draft. Some rookies have the talent but will be placed in unfavorable situations that will hamper them from gaining the big numbers needed to rule fantasy leagues. Down the line, these players may turn into standouts, but for now, steer clear. Beware these five unknown pro commodities as you prepare to select your fantasy team this year.
Rams WR Donnie Avery
The Rams stunned the league on Draft Day when they made Avery the first receiver selected, bypassing Devin Thomas and DeSean Jackson, who were rated higher than Avery on most boards. Avery hasn’t done much to help squelch the questions about whether St. Louis reached for him far too early, and fourth-round pick WR Keenan Burton has appeared to be the better prospect all through minicamp. In addition, Avery struggled to make clean catches all through college and was known to have a lot of drops, particularly in traffic.
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Joe Flacco
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Ravens QB Joe Flacco
Flacco could garner consideration as a backup in deep fantasy leagues, especially if he earns a starting nod in training camp, but owners would be better off spending that late-round pick on a different signalcaller or shoring up their backfield and receiving corps. The Delaware product is making the jump from the Football Championship Subdivision and is in for a rocky transition to the NFL that could be painful to watch. Sure, he’s headed into a good situation with a strong defense and solid running game to aid him, but Flacco has a bad habit of forcing throws, which should haunt him early on.
Packers WR Jordy Nelson
Nelson is entering a difficult situation in Green Bay, where there is a crowded mix of receivers and suddenly controversy over who the starting quarterback will be. The Packers are said to be very high on Nelson after watching him through OTAs and like his size in particular. However, it could be very difficult for him to become one of the top four receivers on the squad with Greg Jennings, James Jones, Donald Driver and Ruvell Martin in his way.
Titans RB Chris Johnson
Johnson’s rare speed will intrigue more than a few owners this year, but on one of those blazing runs, he could get a rude awakening. Durability is a major concern with Johnson because he runs tall and dips his head on contact. He’ll be a backup for starter LenDale White, who, because of his battering-ram body, will take most of the team’s goal-line carries, leaving Johnson with few scoring chances. The Titans run one of the most conservative offenses in the league, and Johnson may struggle to carve out a niche while sharing the load with White and fellow backup Chris Henry.
Giants WR Mario Manningham
Manningham went from first-round lock to third-round pick in the span of a few months this spring, and he’ll be hard-pressed to become more than the Giants’ fifth receiver. With that in mind, he really has no business popping up in fantasy drafts this year. If you’re looking for a receiver on the rise, take Manningham’s teammate, Steve Smith. Manningham enters the league with character concerns and questions about his maturity — all the makings for a disappointing rookie season.
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