For this lists purposes we will take a look at the top two prospects at quarterback, seven at wide receiver and six at running back.
We will try to focus on the players projected to have the biggest impact in year one and not over the entire course of their career.
QB
Andrew Luck – By now we have all heard of Andrew Luck; Luck is being hailed as perhaps the most NFL ready QB in years and is all but destined to be Peyton Manning’s successor in Indianapolis. The only way Peyton stays with the team is if he restructures his contract and allows roster bonus money to be converted into incentives.
Robert Griffin III – RG3 beat out Luck for the Heisman this year and has many asking if he is the next Cam Newton. RG3 has an impressive pedigree but is no Cam Newton. RG3 projects as a better passer than Newton did (prior to breaking NFL rookie passing records in 2011) but as an inferior runner. He still has good speed as evidenced by his nine rushing touchdowns and 4 yards per carry clip, but is in the first overall conversation largely due to his passing ability. Griffin may well have a better fantasy season than Luck due to his ability to scramble.
Other QB’s to watch: Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannenhill and Brock Osweiler.
WR’s
Justin Blackmon – Blackmon seems destined to be the first wideout off the board in April and with good reason. Blackmon looks like a cant miss prospect who will be a serious asset in PPR leagues next year.
Alshon Jeffery – Jeffery is a big time prospect whom scouts are waiting to see a 40-time from, if he can run a 4.4, he will likely be the 2nd wideout drafted and potentially have a career as a number one in the NFL. 4.5 or slower will likely mean he is destined for a role as a number two receiver.
Michael Floyd – Floyd, like Jeffery is a prospect scouts are waiting to see an official 40-time from. He has great hands and can be lined up out wide or in the slot. He has off-field concerns but none of that matters for fantasy owners. If he lands on the right team he can step right in as the teams number one receiver, especially if he can manage a 4.4 40-time.
Kendall Wright – Wright is a raw receiver who if he can put it all together is primed for a bright future in both real and virtual gridiron. Separation and ball skills were notable issues in college so he will have to add some muscle without sacrificing the speed that makes him a top prospect. If he can run a sub 4.4 speed as predicted he may be the second receiver taken in the draft.
Reuben Randle – His 17.3 yards per catch at LSU this past season is more indicative of his talent level than were his total receptions or yardage on the season. Randle will be a better pro than a college player and could really shine in a west coast offense where he could potentially pile up the receptions.
Mohamed Sanu – Sanu looks to be a very interesting prospect and was a prolific receiver at Rutgers. Sanu is a play-maker who can solidify himself as a first round caliber talent with a good 40-time at the combine.
Dwight Jones – Jones is a sleeper in the respect that his college stats are not indicative of his skill level. Jones has the measurables coaches dream of and if he can run a good 40-time he could go ahead of many of the names ahead of him on this list.
RB
Trent Richardson – Trent Richardson is the most NFL ready first round talent running back we have seen in the last few years. He is primed to become an instant starter for most teams in the NFL and has the makings of an every-down back. Put him atop your dynasty league cheat sheets if you happen to have the first overall pick.
LaMichael James – He is projected as nothing more than a change of pace/third down back but James has the talent to force his teams hand. Ideally he would be paired with a power back with both runners getting about 15 carries a game. James has PPR stud written all over him, especially if he lands on a potent offense.
Lamar Miller – Miller looks like a first round talent and has feature back written all over him. Of course as we all know, his landing spot will dictate his fantasy success for the 2012 season but this is a name to remember regardless of where he lands. Miller will be a good end of the draft sleeper for those of you who take advantage of the early August drafts.
Chris Polk – At 5’11, 224 lbs Polk has the measurables to potentially put up one of the best speed scores of any running back in this draft class. The speed score rating correctly predicted the lack of elite skills on the part of Knowshown Moreno and also predicted that Ben Tate and DeMarco Murray were among the best prospects in their draft classes, something we all know to be true.
David Wilson – Ball security notwithstanding Mr. Wilson looks the part of a tantalizing prospect. Very much the same as with Polk, Wilson is a 5’11, 222 lbs running back expected to run a sub 4.45 40-time which will likely land him one of the best speed scores in the draft. We are big on speed scores here at Win My Fantasy League as we believe in it as a effective utility to help predict future success in the NFL. Wilson had a prolific 2011 campaign and could emerge as a featured runner in his first year in the NFL.
Doug Martin – There was a time when people thought 5’9 was too short for an NFL running back. Enter bowling balls MJD and Ray Rice and the compact frame is coming back into ‘fashion’. Weighing in at 215-220 lbs Martin will be a load to take down and has displayed the reliable hands that will undoubtedly make him an every-down running back in the NFL someday.
