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7 NFL Rookies to Stash in Keeper Leagues in 2016

It may be hard to remember after the big names are summoned to their new NFL teams, but there are indeed seven rounds to the NFL draft. Throughout all of those seven rounds, a total of 253 players are selected, and not all of them will find themselves in the starting role for their team during their rookie season. There were 15 quarterbacks, 23 running backs, 31 wide receivers, and 11 tight ends selected in the 2016 NFL draft. Today, we will analyze and discuss which players aren't likely to start for their teams in year one, but have potentially high value in Keeper and Dynasty leagues.

These guys might be project players, late round sleepers, or be stuck behind a veteran on the depth chart, but once they establish themselves on their new rosters; they will be a force to be reckoned with. When they do, make sure you have them on your rosters.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium NFL Subscription, only $29.99 for the full season. We have all the preseason tools to help win your drafts, and in-season tools to win your seasonal and daily leagues: Draft Kit, Premium Rankings, ADP Sleepers Tool, Matchup Ratings for every player, Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

2016 NFL Rookie Stashes for Dynasty Leagues

Carson Wentz (QB, Philadelphia Eagles): It is no secret that Carson Wentz is the Eagles quarterback of the future, but it is also no secret that Sam Bradford will be starting in Philly during Wentz's rookie season. When Wentz steps into the lead role, we can expect quality performances. Wentz only played in 37 games in four years at NDSU but it is most important to consider his college efficiency. In his two years as starter, Wentz averaged a 64.1% completion percentage and ended his college career with 45 touchdown passes and only 14 interceptions. Wentz has all of the physical attributes that NFL teams drool over, so it shouldn't be more than a year before the Eagles are itching to put him in the role of lead signal caller.

Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys): For some reason, Dak Prescott's incredible senior season at Mississippi State went very under appreciated. Prescott completed 66.2% of his passes, throwing for 3,793 yards, with a 29-5 TD-INT ratio. Prescott also rushed for 588 yards with ten touchdowns. Prescott will compete with Kellen Moore for the QB2 job in Dallas, if Prescott wins the backup role, he will play behind Tony Romo who has missed 24 games since 2010 due to injury, including 12 games missed in 2015. With Romo being somewhat injury prone and 36 years old, it is possible his days as an NFL starter may be coming to a close. If and when he departs, he will be leaving the very talented Prescott with a team that will still have Dez Bryant, their young and talented offensive line, and newly acquired 4th overall draft pick Ezekiel Elliott. These factors combine to make Prescott an intriguing player to watch in keeper leagues in the coming years.

Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans): Derrick Henry had an amazing Heisman-winning season for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2015, leading the nation with 28 rushing touchdowns and 2,219 rushing yards. He is coming in to a young and emerging offense led by Quarterback Marcus Mariota and a young core of receivers. So what's the problem? Veteran Running Back DeMarco Murray currently lies atop the Titans depth chart. Regardless of the veteran that is blocking Henry's path to the field, it is undeniable that he is a great talent with an NFL skill set. If the Titans can be patient, so can fantasy owners. Make sure you don't forget about him even though his initial role may be limited.

Kenneth Dixon (RB, Baltimore Ravens): In four years at Louisiana Tech Dixon accumulated 4,483 rushing yards and 72 rushing TDs. If that isn't appealing enough, Dixon was a fantastic pass receiving back, catching 63 passes for 849 yards, and 13 touchdowns in his Junior and Senior seasons at Louisiana Tech. This is especially exciting considering that the Baltimore Ravens are annually among league leaders in receptions and receiving yards by their RBs. Dixon may be a sleeper on the depth chart after being selected in the fourth round, but the competition in the Baltimore backfield isn't exactly daunting, so it may take some time for Dixon to cement his role as the RB1 on the roster, but when he does, he is perfectly tailored for the Baltimore offense.

Pharoh Cooper (WR, Los Angeles Rams): Pharoh Cooper had two solid seasons at South Carolina with 2,109 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 16.5 and 14.7 yards per catch respectively. Cooper was also a threat in the running game, rushing for 513 yards and four touchdowns, along with an impressive 7.2 yards per carry. After being selected in the fourth round, it is safe to say that Cooper will probably sit behind the youthful core of receivers that occupy the Rams depth chart. However, he will be in a fiery offense that will be led by Jared Goff. You won't hear the name Pharoh too often in 2016, but look for him to emerge from his tomb in the future.

Cody Core (WR, Cincinnati Bengals): Cody Core never made too big of a splash in the SEC for Ole Miss but his numbers are worth a hard look. Core was a serious deep threat, accumulating 644 receiving yards in his senior year to the tune of 17.4 yards per reception. While he was only selected in the 6th round of the NFL draft, he did just come in to a team that lost Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones. The Bengals have their star in A.J. Green and 2nd round draft pick from Pittsburgh, Tyler Boyd, but Cody Core has great potential to make a living as a deep threat for Andy Dalton in the Bengals offense.

Thomas Duarte (TE, Miami Dolphins): The UCLA product Thomas Duarte was picked in the seventh round by the Dolphins who currently have Jordan Cameron at tight end. Regardless of Cameron's future with the Dolphins, Duarte's skills as a pass catcher can't be ignored in fantasy drafts. In three seasons with the Bruins; Duarte had 97 receptions for 1,626 total yards including a final season of 872 yards and ten receiving touchdowns. Duarte was a deep threat for the tight end position with a high yards per catch of 16.8. Ryan Tannehill is known for preferring to throw to mid-range targets as opposed to deep threat wide receivers, so if Duarte ever gets to show case his pass catching skills in a year or two, Miami is a great place to make that happen.

 

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Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




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