Fantasy: Early Projections on 2008 Rookies

In all fantasy sports, making a note to draft hotshots rookie early can pay huge dividends. Adrian Peterson proved that to all of us last season, despite the fact that many experts predicted that he would only score modestly while splitting time with Chester Taylor.

With the exception of quarterbacks, first-rounders on the offensive side have usually proven to be good investments if they land in a system that fits them, especially since their stock usually starts very low on draft boards.

Fantasy: Benson Arrest Creates Opportunity

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was arrested for boating under the influence, a crime that likely won’t cost him his roster spot in Chicago. Though he’s crying foul play from police in Austin, it was just another bad taste that he left in his employer’s mouth. Where management is losing faith in Benson, they’re gaining it in Tulane rookie Matt Forte, who impressed coach Lovie Smith at rookie mini-camp.

Benson had a miserable first season as the Bears starting running back, rushing for 674 yards and averaging a paltry 3.4 yards per carry. He suffered a broken fibula in a Week 12 win over Denver, bringing an end to a season where he underachieved and confirmed the team’s shaken trust in its former first-round draft pick.

NFL Draft: Ten Impact Players

The 2008 NFL Draft is in the books, which brings to an end an offseason of player trades and acquisitions. Rosters are not 100 percent settled yet, and there are no guarantees that rookies will be at training camp on time. Things are firm enough, though, that we can set our sites on the 2008 fantasy football season and decide which rookies will make an immediate impact.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a skill position player that will make an immediate mark on his team. No wide receivers were selected in the first round, which could be a blessing because they tend to tease fantasy owners with ability and fizzle out during the year. Darren McFadden headlines the running back crop, but other first rounders Jonathan Stewart (Carolina), Felix Jones (Dallas) and Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh) all find themselves on the wrong end of a time share.

Defenses around the league got some big boosts to their fantasy fortunes, with players like Glenn Dorsey, Jerod Mayo, Phillip Merling and DeSean Jackson all capable of adding great value to their units.