2009 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: The Long Shots (21-30)

When entering the final rounds of your rookie-only drafts, here are some players who you should be willing to take a chance on:



21. Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts - Collie may split the #3 WR role in Indy this season with Pierre Garcon, but he should be ready to take the role on next year, with a possibility of become a starter in the future. Collie is about as sure handed as they come, and Peyton loves to have guys that won't drop his perfect passes.



22. Deon Butler, WR, Seattle Seahawks - Like Collie, Butler is another rookie who could claim the #3 WR spot on his team this season. Butler has impressed his coaches in Seattle during training camp, and with Deion Branch possibly spending his last year in Seattle in 2009, Butler could be competing for a starting role in 2010 if he continues to impress.



23. Glen Coffee, RB, San Fransisco 49ers - Coffee could be the "Thunder" to Frank Gore's "Lightning".....if he can earn the right to split carries. In this scenario, Coffee could also become the goal line back, making him worth a top 30 rookie pick.



24. Mike Goodson, RB, Carolina Panthers - DeAngelo Williams had a career year once Jonathan Stewart joined the fold last year. This makes you wonder if the Panthers could plug-in another speed back in Williams' place. Enter the incredibly speedy Goodson, who could get an opportunity in the future to take on the DeAngelo Williams role if Williams' gets injured or wants more money.



25. Javon Ringer, RB, Tennessee Titans - Like Goodson above, Ringer would take over for Chris Johnson in case of injury. Even though he slipped in the draft, Ringer did nothing but perform beautifully in college, and could surprise if given an opportunity to start in Tennessee's run-heavy scheme.



26. Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - With very limited options at WR, Thomas could have an opportunity to start, especially with only oft-injured Mike Walker standing in the way.



27. Chase Coffman, TE, Cincinnati Bengals - While Brandon Pettigrew is the most balanced TE in the draft, the last time I checked you don't get fantasy points for blocking. Definitely more of a receiving TE, Chase has the speed and hands needed to stretch NFL defenses and make the big catch. Coffman has a great shot at contributing immediately after key injuries to two Bengal TEs during the offseason, and could become a beneficiary of Carson Palmer's return from elbow issues.



28. Gartrell Johnson, RB, San Diego Chargers - Could he be LT's replacement? He is versatile RB with upside who is worth a shot with a late round pick.



29. Derrick Williams, WR, Detroit Lions - With franchise QB Matt Stafford and stud WR Calvin Johnson in Detroit, Williams could see nothing but single coverage on the other side of Megatron if he eventually takes the #2 receiver spot. He also has a chance to contribute early as the #3 WR if he can win the job.



30. Ramses Barden, WR, New York Giants- Barden is a huge 6'6 WR from Cal Poly and is extremely raw, but geez.....he's HUGE!!!. Barden has the physical tools to succeed like no one else....the only question if he can learn the system and perform as well against a higher level of competition.



and a few others....



Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears - Juaquin Iglesias may have been the first receiver taken by the Bears in draft this year, but undersized WR Johnny Knox has impressed the Chicago coaching staff this offseason, and could develop into a good #2 if given the opportunity with Jay Cutler at the helm.



Brandon Tate, WR, New England Patriots - Tate may not play much this season due to a knee injury suffered last college football season, but he has starter potential once he returns. Oh...and that Brady guy would be throwing him the ball, too.



Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions - He's huge, he should start right away, and he could be a red zone freak in Detroit. He won't be explosive, but he could be a very solid mid #1 fantasy tight end very soon. Now, if only the Lions could get in the red zone more often....



-Scout Widget

2009 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: The Top Ten

There are three types of fantasy football players: those who like fantasy football, those who LOVE fantasy football, and those (like myself) who join Dynasty leagues. With these types of fantasy football leagues increasing in number, it seems appropriate to focus on what Dynasty team owners will have to decide: What rookie to take in their Rookie Draft.

This ranking is for standard scoring leagues, with QBs receiving four points for a passing TD. Also, this ranking focuses on the long term value of these rookies, so take that into account when comparing these rankings with your league's rules configuration:

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals - Yes, there are injury issues, but Wells is in an awesome position to succeed now, as well as years to come. Tim Hightower averaged less than 3 yards per carry down the stretch for the Cards last year, and the Cards management understand that the rushing attack needs to improve if they want to challenge again for the Lombardi trophy. Enter Wells, who at 6'1 and 237 pounds (by one website's measurement) will have plenty of opportunity to usurp the starting role from Hightower and begin his career of smashing defenders to tiny bits. Combine that with reports of a sub 4.4 40 at his Pro Day......and Beanie could well be worth the "hill of beans" you bet on him by taking him with your #1 rookie pick.

2. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos - He isn't track fast or lightning quick, but Moreno has game speed and game-breaking ability that is hardly matched by any of the other rookies in this class. Picked 12th overall by the Broncos, he will most certainly get his shot soon to show fantasy owners what he can do on the field.

3. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Fransisco 49ers - He may be shorter than previously advertised, but this guy flat out makes plays. Crab may need a year under his belt before he makes a true impact, but his upside for the future is undoubtedly high.

4. Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts - Another back with a shot at prime playing time during year 1. Brown could split carries, or better, with Joe Addai in the Colts offense this year. Brown is a smart, hard working, all-purpose back who will not doubt fantasy owners during his career. He may be one of the safer picks.

5. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles - The Brian Westbrook clone is making Eagles' coaches and fans droll with excitement over their new offensive weapon. Westbrook's injury history may open the door for McCoy to star a few games this season, but make no mistake, this guy will be the Eagles' new workhorse when Westbrook is no longer able to carry the load.

6. Shonn Greene, RB, NY Jets - Bruiser. Rex Ryan has already bragged about Greene being the "closer" at the end of games to finish off opposing defenses, but with Thomas Jones getting ready to become a free agent at the end of this season, Greene could be ready to become the starter and goal line back in 2010. If Jones does leave in 2010, as speculated, Greene will at worst split carries with Leon Washington and get goal line duties. At best, Greene could be the pounder that fantasy owners love, getting double digit TDs for years to come.

7. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles - Maclin will need to learn to master the route tree before becoming a starting NFL wideout, but the skill set and upside are there. The "third-year WR" theory will need to be considered when taking Maclin, but he has the speed and play-making ability to become a solid player at the pro level.

8. Hakeem Nicks, WR, NY Giants - Did you see that catch he made? (If you don't know what I'm talking about, look up some game footage of this guy.....) Nicks is one of the more NFL-ready rookie receivers in the draft. Greats hands, crisp route-running, and game-breaking ability could push Nicks into the Giants starting lineup as soon as Week 1, but you should still be patient with him in general. That being said, he should be a solid NFL pro during his career.

9. Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings - Harvin is a RB/WR tweener who will get plenty of looks in his rookie year with the Vikes. Harvin is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and will have plenty of room to run with Adrian Peterson getting most of the attention. However, his bad boy reputation does knock him down a notch or two in the eyes of some critics. While special team assignments may limit his on field time with standard offensive sets the first year or two, he could be a solid fantasy contributor if he learns the system and remains open to coaching.

10. Mark Sanchez, QB, NY Jets - Why is Sanchez here instead of Stafford? It. Sanchez has it. I don't exactly know what it is, but all the great QBs have....well.....it. In a few years, Sanchez will develop into a solid NFL QB.....his ability to be a top fantasy QB, however, will depend a bit on his surroundings. Either way, he is worth picking as a top ten rookie.

- Scout Widget