2006 NFL Rookies

2006 NFL Rookies - Fantasy Rookies are examined in our draft guide, as we take a look at their chance for success in 2006 and beyond. Players are listed in their draft order.

Quarterbacks

1) Vince Young – Tennessee

Young was the third pick in the draft after his national championship season at Texas. Young was drafted ahead of Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, but those two players should be ready to play in 2007, while Young’s learning curve suggests a 2008 launch.

2) Matt Leinart – Arizona

Leinart was disappointed to fall to the 10th pick in the draft, but he was happy that he landed on the West Coast in Arizona. Leinart is behind Kurt Warner this season, but Warner can never stay healthy and Leinart will be the starter sometime this year or starting in 2007.

3) Jay Cutler – Denver

Cutler was taken with the 11th pick in the draft after being acquired in a draft-day trade. The Broncos think extremely high of his passing and leadership abilities. Cutler will learn under Jake Plummer this year, but he has a good chance to take over this powerful offense in 2007.

4) Kellen Clemens – NY Jets

Clemens was a second round pick as he does not have the height of the three quarterbacks drafted ahead of him. However, the Jets have an unsettled quarterback situation, and there is a good chance that Clemens will be a starter early in 2006.

Running Backs

1) Reggie Bush – New Orleans

Bush was snapped up with the second pick overall in the draft after Houston inexplicably passed on him. His best comparison is Marshall Faulk, who was an instant running and receiving threat. Bush’s rushing totals this year depend on the health of Deuce McAllister.

2) Laurence Maroney - New England

Maroney is a first round pick out of Minnesota. He provides immediate insurance to Corey Dillon in 2006, and he will be the man in 2007 if Dillon is not re-signed. Maroney is very explosive to the hole and he is big enough to pound it up the middle as well.

3) DeAngelo Williams - Carolina

Williams is a first round pick out of Memphis and he finished his storied college career as one of the leading rushers in NCAA history. Williams is behind DeShaun Foster on the depth chart, but if Foster gets injured again, then Williams will be the first man off the bench.

4) Joseph Addai - Indianapolis

Addai is a first round pick out of LSU, and he will try to fill the void left by Edgerrin James. Even though the Colts reportedly would have drafted Laurence Maroney and DeAngelo Williams ahead of him, Addai has the best chance of the three for a 1,000 yard season.

5) LenDale White – Tennessee

White is a bruising runner who slipped to the second round this year due to weight and character issues. White is the type of player who steps it up for game-day, and his familiarity with offensive coordinator, Norm Chow means that he will take carries from Chris Brown.

Wide Receivers

1) Santonio Holmes - Pittsburgh

Holmes is a first-rounder with the talent to stretch the field deep, but he is also not afraid to go over the middle. Holmes will start the season as the third receiver behind Hines Ward and Cedrick Wilson, but he could get into the starting line-up if he impresses enough.

2) Chad Jackson - New England

Jackson was a second round pick, although most teams had him as a first round grade with his tremendous straight line speed and soft hands. Jackson may challenge Reche Caldwell for the second receiver role, but his real fantasy value appears to be in 2007.

3) Sinorice Moss - NY Giants

The younger brother of Santana Moss did not put up big numbers at the University of Miami, but he will open up camp as the third receiver. If Amani Toomer continues to struggle, there is a chance that the 5’8”, lightning quick receiver can move into the starting line-up.

Tight Ends

1) Vernon Davis - San Francisco

Davis was the 6th pick in the draft and he will be the starter right out of the gate. With his freakish speed and athletic ability, Davis is a receiving tight end in the mold of Antonio Gates. However, playing in this anemic San Francisco offense will slow his initial development.

2) Marcedes Lewis - Jacksonville

This rookie first rounder may have gotten drafted a little early, but he fills a big need. The Jaguars’ tight ends of Kyle Brady and George Wrighster combined for just 31 catches and 277 yards last year. Lewis can be an immediate starter and a big-play guy over the middle.

3) Joe Klopfenstein - St. Louis

Klopfenstein was taken in the second round, and he will fight for the starting tight end position with fellow rookie Dominique Byrd. Historically, Rams’ tight ends have not gotten a lot of looks in their offense, but this is a new regime and there is increased opportunity.

4) Anthony Fasano – Dallas

Fasano was Dallas’ second round pick out of Notre Dame. That was somewhat surprising considering the team already has Jason Witten. Fasano will see action in two tight end sets, but his fantasy future will depend heavily on whether Witten re-signs at the end of the season.

5) Tony Scheffler – Denver

Scheffler was a second round pick out of Western Michigan, and he is known more for his receiving than for his blocking. Scheffler will learn this year under Stephen Alexander, and he will be a full-time starter in 2007 if he develops as expected.

6) Leonard Pope - Arizona

Pope was taken in the third round of the draft after projecting to be as high as a late first rounder. Pope is battling for a starting role with former un-drafted rookies, Adam Bergen and Eric Edwards. The latest information has Pope with a very good chance to win the starting job.

7) Dominique Byrd - St. Louis

Byrd was taken in third round of the draft despite Joe Klopfenstein being taken a round ahead of him. Byrd is a very good athlete and pass catcher, and he can see time as a tight end or as an h-back. Byrd will battle Klopfenstein for the starting tight end position.

Kicker

Stephen Gostkowski – New England

What does it feel like to replace a legend? Well, this fourth round pick out of Memphis is going to find out very soon. Kickers are not normally drafted that high, but New England needs to replace Adam Vinatieri, and Gostkowski will win the job over veteran Martin Gramatica.

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