X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2013 Fantasy Football: NFL Rookies & Rankings

rotoballer-fantasy-football-nfl-advice-analysis

This article is an introduction to 2013's NFL rookies that may be fantasy football relevant. 

If you like this article, check out the rest of our fantasy football analysis: rankingssleepersrunning backswide receivers,  quarterbacks and of course our live fantasy football chat, the best football chatroom on the internwebs.  RotoBaller will be releasing more fantasy football content daily to help you prepare for the 2013 NFL Fantasy Football season so stay tuned!

 

It’s almost fantasy football season, and as much as baseball is my favorite fantasy sport, nothing compares to the draft of a fantasy football team. In baseball, if a pick goes bad you can pick up production of the waiver wire and trade more easily to replace the pick. In football, wrong picks can be the difference between 6 TDs and 10 TDs, or 600 yards and 1200 yards.

Well I’m here to help you with deeper picks, and where I rank the NFL rookies that have just entered the league. Last year we were spoiled with top-25 and even top-10 players in a rookie class consisting of Doug Martin, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Trent Richardson. This year, the class is not going to be as exciting or as productive - but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential playmakers to take calculated chances on!  Also, everyone knows WRs rarely make the jump to the NFL and become instant fantasy successes, but that doesn’t mean potential fantasy value can't be found in this year's rookie class.

Let’s roll onto my fantasy football rankings for the top 15 NFL rookies that can be useful for your fantasy teams.

 

My Top 15 Rookie Rankings - 2013 Fantasy Football

  1. Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers – I absolutely love pass-catching RBs! Lacy will be catching checkdown balls from Aaron Rodgers and running through lanes created by Green Bay’s zone-blocking scheme. This was an excellent pick by the Packers and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lacy have a chance at a top-15 back. The con here is obviously the injury concerns which you just can’t worry about with his upside and possible rewards.
  2. Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos – Knowshon Moreno or Montee Ball??? You have to take a decent shot at getting Ball during the draft. He’ll have a ton of value if he becomes the starter in Denver. Moreno gets hurt easily and I don’t see Ronnie Hillman getting more than 8-10 carries a game, so I’ll be targeting Ball at some point in fantasy drafts.
  3. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams – Austin is a bit of head scratcher…Many people have him as the no. 1 WR in the Rams system, but Austin doesn’t have a clear position and is definitely slated for a playmaker/slot role in St. Louis. I think the Rams will definitely get him the ball but there is a lot of risk here and Austin’s situation reminds me a lot of Dexter McCluster’s a couple years back.
  4. Robert Woods, WR, Buffalo Bills – I personally think in PPR leagues, Woods might be the no. 1 Rookie WR in this class. He’s probably the most polished route runner and should be slated for a safety net or slot role for whoever the Bills QB is. Woods is very good and was significantly overshadowed by Marquise Lee at USC.
  5. E.J. Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills – Obviously, this is only if he wins the starting gig. We’ll have to see as training camp goes on, but I don’t see any reason why the Bills shouldn’t start his development immediately. Especially since Manuel can improvise and bide time in the pocket, might as well let him loose and see what you got. I expect Manuel and Robert Woods to become best friends.
  6. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee Titans – With a receiving corps of Kendall Wright, Nate Washington and Kenny Britt, Hunter may not get playing time immediately. Some scouts had Hunter as the best WR and most NFL-ready receiver in the draft so tread lightly. There is some major risk/reward here, but it all really depends on Jake Locker and who he meshes with, he never had good rapport with Washington or Britt.
  7. Leveon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – It’s going to be an interesting fight between Jonathan Dwyer and Bell for carries in the backfield. Either way, Bell should get some decent production. Pittsburgh’s line and running game isn’t what it once was, but they have to run on the ground to keep the defenses off balance.Update:  Bell unfortunately came down with a  right foot injury, and is expected to miss up to six weeks with a small ligament tear.  He should be downgraded in fantasy football drafts to a mid-to-late round pick, but still has the upside to contribute when healthy this year.
  8. Aaron Dobson, WR, New England Patriots – With the entire New England receiving corps possibly on the shelf at the beginning of the season, Dobson has a real chance to gain rapport and targets from stud Tom Brady. He’s a really underrated receiver and can be a sleeper in all fantasy drafts.
  9. Giovanni Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals – I’d be careful with Bernard in year one of his career. The Bengals still have Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott in the backfield. Some people predict Bernard to take the starting gig, but I think all three will be getting carries. I expect 10-13 carries a game for Bernard, not too enticing for fantasy.
  10. Cordarelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings – Patterson at the very least should be the no. 3 WR on depth chart. I foresee a no. 2 role and veteran/troublemaker Jerome Simpson to slide to the slot. Patterson should be a nice compliment to newly acquired Greg Jennings, but I expect the targets to be low at first and increase over the season. Keep him on the watch-list or spend a final pick on him.
  11. Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers – This might be the ultimate sleep WR pick. Allen could slip right into a slot role for the Chargers and play with Malcolm Floyd, Vincent Brown and Antonio Gates. The good thing is we know Phillip Rivers is going to air it out, so targets will be had. If Allen can make a splash early, he’s a darkhorse candidate for ROY.
  12. Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – This is one of my favorite RB to watch in college. He was so underrated in the Oklahoma State system where they spread it out and pass, but Randle had great running ability. Randle will be backing up DeMarco Murray, who isn’t the most durable back in the NFL, so getting Randle could be smart and if you own Murray, Randle is a ‘must’ hand-cuff.
  13. Zac Stacy, RB, St. Louis Rams – Welcome to the youngest offense on Earth…The Rams have Sam Bradford accompanied by Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Brian Quick, Isaiah Pead, and Stacy. Stacy should see carries every game with a shot to become majority leader. I don’t see Pead or Daryl Richardson becoming big time backs and I definitely see Stacy getting goal line carries at some point.
  14. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans – Houston’s official depth chart on Yahoo! Lists Hopkins as the no. 2 WR…good news, no doubt. My money is DaVier Posey is more of the breakout candidate for this year opposite Andre Johnson. Of course, Johnson spend half the season on IR, so Hopkins has great potential and will have playing time…just warning you how much Houston and Matt Schaub love Posey.
  15. Mike Gillislee, RB, Miami Dolphins – Gillislee has more of that ‘X-Factor’ potential where he can be sneaky good as a no. 3 back. Similar to Darren Sproles early years, just a late back to watch-list or take a flyer on as his two counterparts in the backfield aren’t overly successful either.

 

 

Here are some more fantasy football articles about rookies & rankings.  Let’s win some leagues!

 

===============

By popular demand, RotoBaller.com has now launched the fantasy football chatroom! Get involved with some real-time NFL talk, ask your fantasy football questions, read other discussions, or feel free to chime in and reply back with your own 2 cents. Remember you can ask the RotoBaller staff any questions, and we’ll reply back to you as quickly as possible.  Make a call to the RotoBaller chatroom and get some live advice.

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Justin Steele13 mins ago

Likely To Go On Injured List
Anfernee Simons2 hours ago

Out Against The Heat
Max Kepler3 hours ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Max Kepler
Keldon Johnson3 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Justin Steele3 hours ago

Has Left-Hamstring Tightness
Matisse Thybulle3 hours ago

Questionable For Friday
Davis Bertans3 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Friday
Jusuf Nurkic3 hours ago

Questionable Against Oklahoma City
Dario Saric3 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Noah Clowney3 hours ago

Probable For Nets Friday
Jonathan Kuminga3 hours ago

Questionable For Warriors Friday
Jerami Grant3 hours ago

Considered Doubtful For Friday
Dennis Smith3 hours ago

Jr. Probable For Friday
Lauri Markkanen3 hours ago

Questionable Against Houston
Toumani Camara3 hours ago

Will Not Play Friday
Justin Steele4 hours ago

Exits Thursday's Start
Richaun Holmes4 hours ago

Out Versus Pistons
Cameron Johnson4 hours ago

Out Against Chicago On Friday
Luka Doncic4 hours ago

On The Injury Report For Friday
David Bednar4 hours ago

Still Dealing With Lat Injury
Deandre Ayton4 hours ago

Is Questionable For Friday
Rudy Gobert4 hours ago

Might Miss Friday's Game
Tyus Jones4 hours ago

Unavailable For Friday
Zeke Nnaji4 hours ago

Ruled Out Against Minnesota
Jaden Ivey4 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Rhys McKee4 hours ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Anthony Edwards4 hours ago

Uncertain For Friday Night
Chidi Njokuani4 hours ago

Drops Back Down To Welterweight At UFC Atlantic City
Kyle Nelson4 hours ago

An Underdog Again At UFC Atlantic City
Bill Algeo4 hours ago

Eyes Sixth UFC Win
Joaquin Buckley4 hours ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Vicente Luque4 hours ago

Gets Short-Notice Opponent At UFC Atlantic City
Eduardo Rodriguez5 hours ago

Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 Days
Max Kepler5 hours ago

Leaves On Opening Day With Injury
Nick Senzel6 hours ago

Suffers Broken Thumb
Jason Foley6 hours ago

Earns The Save For Tigers
Tarik Skubal6 hours ago

Tosses Six Scoreless Innings On Opening Day
Corbin Burnes7 hours ago

Pitches A Gem On Opening Day
Royce Lewis7 hours ago

Exits With Quad Injury
Max Scherzer8 hours ago

Throws Bullpen Session
Clayton Kershaw9 hours ago

"Ahead Of Things" Timetable-Wise
Walker Buehler9 hours ago

Ahead Of Schedule
Corey Seager9 hours ago

Active On Opening Day
Oneil Cruz9 hours ago

Batting Sixth On Opening Day
Bryan Reynolds11 hours ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Jordan Romano12 hours ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Gerrit Cole12 hours ago

Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured List
Elly De La Cruz13 hours ago

Batting In Six-Hole On Opening Day
Aaron Ekblad13 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Nikita Kucherov14 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto14 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Valeri Nichushkin14 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard14 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins14 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist14 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear14 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Mark Hubbard1 day ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson1 day ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia1 day ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen1 day ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers1 day ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers1 day ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers1 day ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers1 day ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels1 day ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby1 day ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds1 day ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA2 days ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry2 days ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox2 days ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak2 days ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan2 days ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg2 days ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn2 days ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby2 days ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord2 days ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala2 days ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark2 days ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler2 days ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder2 days ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen2 days ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama2 days ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin2 days ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad3 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson3 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron4 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher4 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley4 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson5 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala5 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen5 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland5 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron5 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More