Rookies to Keep an Eye on?
With Fantasy Football in full swing, fans are still looking and hoping that they picked the right rookie to help their team get to their championship game. Obviously people will likely be looking at drafting big name players like running backs Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, and Chirstian McCaffrey. But what about the others? There are some guys that were drafted that have some pretty big potential based on where they are or what they bring to the table. Here are a few guys who were not first round picks, but could very well be a great player to store on your bench for that bye week.
WR Dede Westbrook
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 4, Pick 110
Dede Westbrook was a stud at Oklahoma. He had over 1,000-yards receiving in just five games. Granted, that was in the Big 12 where defense is effectively non-existent, but that's still an incredible achievement. In his first two preseason games, Westbrook caught seven passes on eight targets for 173 yards and one touchdown. He did not play against the Panthers in week three due to a lower body injury. According to Hays Carlyon on Twitter, Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone decided to hold the former Sooner out after warm-ups.
Westbrook would be competing for the WR3 job against Rashad Greene Sr. and Marques Lee. Greene has been less than stellar in his first two years (24 catches, 125 yards, 2 TDs) and Lee is very injury prone. With the likelihood that Bortles will not be starting for Jacksonville much longer, back-up quarterback Chad Henne would likely take his spot. Henne has been working with Westbrook during training camp, making him a favorite later in the season. For evidence of this, just look at Dak Prescott's numbers when throwing to Cole Beasley last season. Beasley led the Cowboys in receptions, targets, and yards in 2016.
WR Cooper Kupp
Los Angeles Rams
Round 3, Pick 69
Cooper Kupp has been making a splash in preseason for the Rams so far. Though, that's not hard when the Rams lacked a true WR1 before trading for Sammy Watkins. Kupp currently has caught eight passes on 10 targets for 105-yards and one touchdown. He also had a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Cowboys. He, like Westbrook, is injured and will not play in week three of the preseason.
Kupp joins a Rams team desperately needing talent in the receiving area of the game. With Kenny Britt, their leading receiver in 2016, now in Cleveland, Kupp will likely become the WR2 or 3 depending on the teams commitment to Tavon Austin. But with Watkins joining the Rams via trade, and his injury prone legs, Kupp will likely move up the depth chart quickly. He will also depend on the development of second-year quarterback Jared Goff, who has looked rather steady in preseason.
RB Marlon Mack
Indianapolis Colts
Round 4, Pick 143
The Colts may have found their guy to succeed Frank Gore. Marlon Mack put on a show at South Florida rushing for 1187 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016. He has only played one game this preseason, but has rushed for 45 yards on only five touches. With Gore's age and lack of other real contributors on Indianapolis' depth chart, Mack would likely be his immediate back-up.
Fantasy-wise, Mack holds a greater value in a dynasty league. Being able to hold onto him for next season would be a great move for those who play in this kind of league. For those just playing this season, Mack should be taken if you are handcuffing him to Gore. Though, he could hold be used as trade bait for the guy that has Gore later in the season, if Gore gets injured or begins to get fewer carries.
WR ArDarius Stewart
New York Jets
Round 3, Pick 79
ArDarius Stewart is here for one reason only: there's no one else on the Jets that is really worth a second thought. After the jets released veterans Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall, coupled with the season-ending injury to Quincy Enunwa, Stewart is the only receiver for New York that could possibly have the Jets win one game. The Jets are not favored in a single game for the 2017 season. Stewart has caught three passes on four targets for 31 yards so far this preseason. Unfortunately, it does not look like things will get better.
But the reason for getting Stewart is the same reason people drafted Cecil Shorts from 2010-2013: he was targeted. Stewart has the pedigree of being a product of Nick Saban, otherwise known as Football God. With other such products as Julio Jones and Amari Cooper associated with him, Stewart will get targeted. Of course, this will only truly help in a PPR league.
