RADIO
Each week, we will look at rookies who have either performed well the previous few weeks or who have a favorable matchup in the upcoming week. These may be high-profile names or under-the-radar depth players; the only thing that matters is that they are first-year pros ready to make a name for themselves.
Hopefully, by the time the season ends, many of them will be household fantasy names and be remembered for their performances in the 2017 season.
Without further ado, here are some NFL rookies to watch in Week 5 of the 2017 season.
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Rookies Worth Your Attention
The Stud Youngster
DeShaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
I know, I know. A little too early to get on the DeShaun Watson bandwagon. But let's get serious here - nobody expected Watson to adapt to the pro game this quickly and completely destroy the Titans defense the way he did. Watson adds a new dimension to an otherwise stagnant Texans offense via his ability to run with the ball himself as well as find his primary targets. Although it will be difficult to expect Watson to repeat his heroics against the Titans week in and week out, the rookie signal caller does have some fortunate matchups coming up. Furthermore, his floor as a runner should make him a locked-in starter in deeper leagues and a very interesting weekly starting option at worst in most leagues. Hold on to him if you have him - we are watching a star being born in Texas.
The One-Week Wonder
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
After injuries to fellow running backs Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones stepped in and filled the role of starting running back for the fantasy points-happy Green Bay Packers offense very admirably. After punching in a touchdown, Jones went on to dominate touches from the backfield and had a respectable fantasy outing. However, before this hype train gets too far on the tracks, it is worth noting that starting running back Ty Montgomery is back on the practice field despite breaking a few ribs last week. Even if Montgomery is on a snap count, Jones's chances to repeat his performance from last week are limited as fellow rookie Jamaal Williams looks to be practicing fully as well. This backfield is too crowded to expect anything from Jones in the coming weeks unless one of the tailbacks in front of him on the depth chart becomes injured once again.
The Locked-In Starter
Jake Elliott, K, Philadelphia Eagles
Nothing says making your presence known in the football community like making a 61-yard game winning field goal. Well, that's exactly what rookie Jake Elliott did in Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season. Elliott also has had back-to-back games with 50+ yard field goals being made. Furthermore, with the way that the Eagles are playing as a team, there are plenty of opportunities for Elliott to continue his stellar performances for the rest of the season. If your kicker has a bye week coming up, don't hesitate to pull the trigger on this young stud. He's not just a high-end bye-week fill in, but a legitimate starting option at a position that is known for its extremely high variance. You aren't chasing points - the stars are aligning for Elliott this season, and he should finish as one of the top kicking options in the league at the end of the year. Get him while you can.
The Under-The-Radar Sleeper
Wayne Gallman, RB, New York Giants
Although running backs for the New York Giants usually never stick around long enough to be relevant fantasy commodities, it seems that Wayne Gallman has a shot to claim the starting role for himself following some abysmal performances by incumbent starter Paul Perkins and a lack of stability at the position for the team. Gallman broke out last week with over 40 yards and a touchdown as he led the team in carries due to injuries to the rest of the running backs on the roster. With his performance, he has at least earned himself a larger role with the team. If he can continue to make plays the way he did last week, Gallman could be a difference-maker at the position on a team that has been unlucky for the past few games despite having a high-powered offense on paper. We could be seeing the first workhorse back for the Giants in a while; give him time, and Gallman should impress.
The One To Stash
Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Yes, his yards per carry are terrible. But so is the yards per carry for the rest of the Colts running backs through four weeks. The team has been performing abysmally, and Mack has been injured for the last few weeks. However, he returned to practice this week and offers a dimension to the Colts run-game that no other back on the roster can offer. Although the situation looks grim right now, once quarterback Andrew Luck returns, Mack could have more lanes open up for him. If he can overtake Frank Gore and Robert Turbin on the Colts depth chart, he may just be a league-winning lottery ticket for fantasy owners as he is known for his big-play ability. Keep him on your radar and don't be afraid to have him take up one of your bench spots.
