Baker Mayfield Darius Leonard Jersey , Saquon Barkley and Sam Darnold.
The top three picks in the most recent NFL draft are all expected to make a major impact in 2018, assuming of course Mayfield (Cleveland) and Darnold (Jets) earn the starting jobs.
But often it's the unheralded rookies that can make a real difference.
Recent examples are the Cowboys' Dak Prescott (fourth-rounder in 2016) and the Saints' Alvin Kamara (third-rounder in 2017). Both paid major dividends and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Here are a few under-the-radar rookies to look for in the 2018 season:
DUKE DAWSON, PATRIOTS
New England grabbed the Florida cornerback late in the second round to possibly fill the spot left by Malcolm Butler, who inexplicably missed virtually the entire Super Bowl loss to the Eagles as Nick Foles had 373 yards passing and threw for three touchdowns (and caught a memorable one) on his way to being the MVP.
Butler signed with the Titans in the offseason, and Dawson could see significant playing time 鈥?if he can grasp Bill Belichick's defense.
Dawson led the Gators with four interceptions last season. Would it surprise anyone if he made a key interception in a big game for New England?
MASON RUDOLPH, STEELERS
Pittsburgh traded up to select Rudolph with the 76th overall pick, the highest the organization has taken a quarterback since making Ben Roethlisberger the 11th overall selection in 2004.
In a radio appearance shortly after the draft, Roethlisberger expressed surprise, asking why Pittsburgh used a third-round pick on a quarterback when there were players at other positions who could make a more immediate impact.
Rudolph's main competition to win the backup job to the 36-year-old Roethlisberger is Oklahoma's Landry Jones.
"We valued (Rudolph) as much as the rest of the quarterbacks that were drafted (in the first round)," Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said after the selection.
MAURICE HURST, RAIDERS
New Oakland defensive coordinator Paul Guenther will make use of the fifth-rounder from Michigan, who was taken to help bolster what has been a struggling pass rush.
Hurst had 5陆 sacks as an interior rusher. He slipped to the fifth round because of concern over a heart condition that got him sent home from the NFL combine.
Hurst said it was something he has dealt with for a long time and hadn't impacted him on the field. He said he has been cleared by doctors at Harvard and Michigan, but that didn't prevent every team passing on a player projected as a first-round talent until the Raiders got him at 140th overall.
If his health issues subside, Hurst can team with star Khalil Mack to help fix a defense that has been a sore spot.
HAROLD LANDRY, TITANS
The Titans had only four draft picks and took the Boston College linebacker in the second round.
New head coach Mike Vrabel, a big-play linebacker in New England, and new coordinator Dean Pees are looking to get younger in the heart of the defense; veterans Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are heading into the final year of their contracts. Landry ranked second in school history with 26 sacks and second with 47陆 tackles for loss.
Landry was rated as a potential first-rounder before being shut down with an ankle injury during his last year in college.
"We felt like we got a first-round-caliber player that for whatever reason slipped into the second round," general manager Jon Robinson said during the draft.
ROYCE FREEMAN Authentic Anthony Averett Jersey , BRONCOS
After a 5-11 season and a last-place finish in the AFC West, the Broncos retooled and added Freeman in the third round from Oregon. He could make an immediate impact in a backfield that lacks a runner who has ever had a 100-yard game in the NFL.
General manager John Elway said in April he's a "big banger that we haven't had for a while."
Freeman played all four seasons with the Ducks and had a Pac-12-record 60 touchdowns as part of a big workload with 947 carries.
"It is not often you get backs playing as many games or taking as many carries," Freeman said during OTAs. "I feel like the fact that I was able to do so proves I am a durable running back."
DANTE PETTIS, 49ERS
With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a long-term deal, the 49ers needed to upgrade the offense and took the wide receiver in the second round.
Pettis caught 63 passes for 761 yards and seven TDs last season for Washington. He has experience playing outside and in the slot and provides another deep threat in coach Kyle Shanahan's offense for Garoppolo.
Pettis set an NCAA record with nine punt returns for touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards on 90 returns at Washington.
He is the son of former major league baseball player Gary Pettis and the cousin of former NFL receiver Austin Pettis. Gary Pettis is the third base coach for the World Series champion Houston Astros.
>There aren’t as many players who can really still be considered daily fantasy sleepers at the end of the NFL season. Still, there are plenty of Week 15 values that you might be hesitant to use, leading to a contrarian lineup and some nice returns.AARON RODGERS, QB, Green Bay ($6,800 DraftKings/$8,500 FanDuel)This may be your only chance to get a discount on Rodgers (more so on DraftKings). If the Packers are ready for Rodgers to play, you should be, too. Rodgers was having another terrific season before his injury, putting up scores of 30-plus in three straight games, including 10 touchdowns in that stretch. The Packers have worked hard to succeed without him and playing with Rodgers will only make those around him, like Jordy Nelson, better or fantasy relevant again. Rodgers has one of the highest ceilings in Week 15 Cheap Derwin James Jersey , especially against a Panthers secondary that’s started to slump.NICK FOLES, QB, Philadelphia ($5,500/$6,000)Foles has been here before, and the 27-2 touchdown to interception ratio season is an example of his upside. We’re not asking Foles to play that well again, and this is a different offense, but he has some great weapons and a great matchup. The Giants just let Dak Prescott have the best passing game of his career and are now averaging the most quarterback fantasy points per game allowed.LATAVIUS MURRAY, RB, Minnesota ($4,900/$6,200)Jordan Howard just obliterated the Bengals defense. With players dropping each week, the Bengals defense has little to nothing left. Murray is the lead option for the Vikings and the top goal-line option, which means he should see 15-20 carries and a few scoring opportunities. Minnesota could even lean on Murray more with Kyle Rudolph looking doubtful and Case Keenum looking to rebound from a mediocre game. Murray won’t replicate Howard’s performance completely, but he might come close as the Vikings continue the playoff push.KENYAN DRAKE, RB, Miami ($5,800/$6 Connor Williams Jersey ,500)Even if Damien Williams returns, Drake is clearly the superior option as he’s put up 20-plus points each of the past two weeks. There could be snow in Buffalo again this week, which means a heavy run approach for both teams. If Drake even nears 20 touches with the way he’s playing and the state of the Bills defense (which let Frank Gore run all over them last week), he could put up his third straight 20-point game.DEDE WESTBROOK, WR, Jacksonville ($5,100/$5,700)Marqise Lee has been the Jaguars’ top option this year and has provided nice value so far. However, Westbrook has emerged of late, outscoring Lee over the past three games and putting himself in contention for being considered the new No. 1. On top of that, no team allows more big plays to receivers than the Texans.JAMISON CROWDER, WR, Washington ($5,600/$6,800)Yes, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins struggled against the Chargers, but that Chargers defense is playing at an elite level of late. Outside of Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals defense has been weak against the pass. Second and third receivers Authentic Pernell McPhee Jersey , especially talented slot options, have dominated the Cardinals this year. Look for the Redskins and Cousins to bounce back in Week 15. With Peterson focused on Josh Doctson, Crowder will have the potential for a strong performance.RICKY SEALS-JONES, TE, ARI ($3,000/$5,300)The Redskins gave up 50 yards and a touchdown to Hunter Henry last week. Washington has allowed a tight end touchdown in five of its last six games. Ricky Seals-Jones is still a favorite of Blaine Gabbert.ZACH ERTZ, TE, Philadelphia ($6,000/$7,900)Like Foles, Ertz is a contrarian play given the situation. Unlike Foles, the price is tougher to swallow but the Giants are still the worst team at defending the tight end. Ertz has regularly put up big games against the Giants, and he’s one of the few players with a connection to Foles when he used to start for the Eagles. With Ertz back from a concussion, he’s in the discussion with Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce as one of the elite options.This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, .
The top three picks in the most recent NFL draft are all expected to make a major impact in 2018, assuming of course Mayfield (Cleveland) and Darnold (Jets) earn the starting jobs.
But often it's the unheralded rookies that can make a real difference.
Recent examples are the Cowboys' Dak Prescott (fourth-rounder in 2016) and the Saints' Alvin Kamara (third-rounder in 2017). Both paid major dividends and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Here are a few under-the-radar rookies to look for in the 2018 season:
DUKE DAWSON, PATRIOTS
New England grabbed the Florida cornerback late in the second round to possibly fill the spot left by Malcolm Butler, who inexplicably missed virtually the entire Super Bowl loss to the Eagles as Nick Foles had 373 yards passing and threw for three touchdowns (and caught a memorable one) on his way to being the MVP.
Butler signed with the Titans in the offseason, and Dawson could see significant playing time 鈥?if he can grasp Bill Belichick's defense.
Dawson led the Gators with four interceptions last season. Would it surprise anyone if he made a key interception in a big game for New England?
MASON RUDOLPH, STEELERS
Pittsburgh traded up to select Rudolph with the 76th overall pick, the highest the organization has taken a quarterback since making Ben Roethlisberger the 11th overall selection in 2004.
In a radio appearance shortly after the draft, Roethlisberger expressed surprise, asking why Pittsburgh used a third-round pick on a quarterback when there were players at other positions who could make a more immediate impact.
Rudolph's main competition to win the backup job to the 36-year-old Roethlisberger is Oklahoma's Landry Jones.
"We valued (Rudolph) as much as the rest of the quarterbacks that were drafted (in the first round)," Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said after the selection.
MAURICE HURST, RAIDERS
New Oakland defensive coordinator Paul Guenther will make use of the fifth-rounder from Michigan, who was taken to help bolster what has been a struggling pass rush.
Hurst had 5陆 sacks as an interior rusher. He slipped to the fifth round because of concern over a heart condition that got him sent home from the NFL combine.
Hurst said it was something he has dealt with for a long time and hadn't impacted him on the field. He said he has been cleared by doctors at Harvard and Michigan, but that didn't prevent every team passing on a player projected as a first-round talent until the Raiders got him at 140th overall.
If his health issues subside, Hurst can team with star Khalil Mack to help fix a defense that has been a sore spot.
HAROLD LANDRY, TITANS
The Titans had only four draft picks and took the Boston College linebacker in the second round.
New head coach Mike Vrabel, a big-play linebacker in New England, and new coordinator Dean Pees are looking to get younger in the heart of the defense; veterans Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are heading into the final year of their contracts. Landry ranked second in school history with 26 sacks and second with 47陆 tackles for loss.
Landry was rated as a potential first-rounder before being shut down with an ankle injury during his last year in college.
"We felt like we got a first-round-caliber player that for whatever reason slipped into the second round," general manager Jon Robinson said during the draft.
ROYCE FREEMAN Authentic Anthony Averett Jersey , BRONCOS
After a 5-11 season and a last-place finish in the AFC West, the Broncos retooled and added Freeman in the third round from Oregon. He could make an immediate impact in a backfield that lacks a runner who has ever had a 100-yard game in the NFL.
General manager John Elway said in April he's a "big banger that we haven't had for a while."
Freeman played all four seasons with the Ducks and had a Pac-12-record 60 touchdowns as part of a big workload with 947 carries.
"It is not often you get backs playing as many games or taking as many carries," Freeman said during OTAs. "I feel like the fact that I was able to do so proves I am a durable running back."
DANTE PETTIS, 49ERS
With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo signed to a long-term deal, the 49ers needed to upgrade the offense and took the wide receiver in the second round.
Pettis caught 63 passes for 761 yards and seven TDs last season for Washington. He has experience playing outside and in the slot and provides another deep threat in coach Kyle Shanahan's offense for Garoppolo.
Pettis set an NCAA record with nine punt returns for touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards on 90 returns at Washington.
He is the son of former major league baseball player Gary Pettis and the cousin of former NFL receiver Austin Pettis. Gary Pettis is the third base coach for the World Series champion Houston Astros.
>There aren’t as many players who can really still be considered daily fantasy sleepers at the end of the NFL season. Still, there are plenty of Week 15 values that you might be hesitant to use, leading to a contrarian lineup and some nice returns.AARON RODGERS, QB, Green Bay ($6,800 DraftKings/$8,500 FanDuel)This may be your only chance to get a discount on Rodgers (more so on DraftKings). If the Packers are ready for Rodgers to play, you should be, too. Rodgers was having another terrific season before his injury, putting up scores of 30-plus in three straight games, including 10 touchdowns in that stretch. The Packers have worked hard to succeed without him and playing with Rodgers will only make those around him, like Jordy Nelson, better or fantasy relevant again. Rodgers has one of the highest ceilings in Week 15 Cheap Derwin James Jersey , especially against a Panthers secondary that’s started to slump.NICK FOLES, QB, Philadelphia ($5,500/$6,000)Foles has been here before, and the 27-2 touchdown to interception ratio season is an example of his upside. We’re not asking Foles to play that well again, and this is a different offense, but he has some great weapons and a great matchup. The Giants just let Dak Prescott have the best passing game of his career and are now averaging the most quarterback fantasy points per game allowed.LATAVIUS MURRAY, RB, Minnesota ($4,900/$6,200)Jordan Howard just obliterated the Bengals defense. With players dropping each week, the Bengals defense has little to nothing left. Murray is the lead option for the Vikings and the top goal-line option, which means he should see 15-20 carries and a few scoring opportunities. Minnesota could even lean on Murray more with Kyle Rudolph looking doubtful and Case Keenum looking to rebound from a mediocre game. Murray won’t replicate Howard’s performance completely, but he might come close as the Vikings continue the playoff push.KENYAN DRAKE, RB, Miami ($5,800/$6 Connor Williams Jersey ,500)Even if Damien Williams returns, Drake is clearly the superior option as he’s put up 20-plus points each of the past two weeks. There could be snow in Buffalo again this week, which means a heavy run approach for both teams. If Drake even nears 20 touches with the way he’s playing and the state of the Bills defense (which let Frank Gore run all over them last week), he could put up his third straight 20-point game.DEDE WESTBROOK, WR, Jacksonville ($5,100/$5,700)Marqise Lee has been the Jaguars’ top option this year and has provided nice value so far. However, Westbrook has emerged of late, outscoring Lee over the past three games and putting himself in contention for being considered the new No. 1. On top of that, no team allows more big plays to receivers than the Texans.JAMISON CROWDER, WR, Washington ($5,600/$6,800)Yes, Kirk Cousins and the Redskins struggled against the Chargers, but that Chargers defense is playing at an elite level of late. Outside of Patrick Peterson, the Cardinals defense has been weak against the pass. Second and third receivers Authentic Pernell McPhee Jersey , especially talented slot options, have dominated the Cardinals this year. Look for the Redskins and Cousins to bounce back in Week 15. With Peterson focused on Josh Doctson, Crowder will have the potential for a strong performance.RICKY SEALS-JONES, TE, ARI ($3,000/$5,300)The Redskins gave up 50 yards and a touchdown to Hunter Henry last week. Washington has allowed a tight end touchdown in five of its last six games. Ricky Seals-Jones is still a favorite of Blaine Gabbert.ZACH ERTZ, TE, Philadelphia ($6,000/$7,900)Like Foles, Ertz is a contrarian play given the situation. Unlike Foles, the price is tougher to swallow but the Giants are still the worst team at defending the tight end. Ertz has regularly put up big games against the Giants, and he’s one of the few players with a connection to Foles when he used to start for the Eagles. With Ertz back from a concussion, he’s in the discussion with Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce as one of the elite options.This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, .
