Top 10 fantasy football rookies for 2013

- Fantasy Editor
- Published: April 29, 2013 at 12:49 p.m.
- Updated: July 30, 2013 at 11:02 a.m.
The 2013 NFL draft is in the books, so we now have a number of brand-new potential fantasy football impact-makers to consider on draft day. Not surprisingly, many of those players come at the running back position. If you're looking for several rookies to come in and make the same sort of statistical noise as the 2012 class, however, you're likely to be disappointed.
1. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers:
Bell isn't the most talented running back in the 2013 class, but he will have a great opportunity to produce good totals right out of the gate. He's a nice fit for the offensive attack of coordinator Todd Haley, as Bell is a strong pass catcher despite his bruising frame. With little competition at the position -- Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman are more suitable for lesser roles -- Bell should start in Week 1. He has the upside to be a solid No. 2 fantasy runner.
2. Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos
Ball has entered what could be a tremendous situation in Denver. With Willis McGahee now out of the mix and Knowshon Moreno coming off an injury, the rookie will be in a great position to start in an offense that has a ton of firepower. While he did have a huge workload during his time at Wisconsin, Ball is a special runner with upside on the field and in fantasy land. He will be the first rookie selected in most leagues, both standard and dynasty, this season.
3. Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers:
Lacy has the tools to be the top-scoring rookie in 2013, and he'll be drafted as a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner in most leagues. There are some red flags to consider, though. First, a lot of teams passed on him in the draft due to his health and a questionable work ethic. Second, the Packers also drafted Johnathan Franklin -- that could signal a potential committee situation. Third, this offense will continue to be a pass-first unit with Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
4. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams:
Despite his small stature (5-foot-8, 174 pounds), Austin proved to be a major player maker at the collegiate level. Compared to Percy Harvin for his versatile skill set, he'll have a chance to start right out of the gate with Danny Amendola (Patriots) and Brandon Gibson (Dolphins) no longer in the pass attack. Fantasy leaguers shouldn't expect him to make an enormous impact as a rookie, but he's certainly worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 fantasy wideout in most standard leagues.
5. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals:
Bernard isn't in the best position to succeed on a statistical level, as the Bengals still have BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the incumbent starter in their backfield mix. However, the North Carolina product should still get enough work to warrant fantasy draft consideration. An explosive runner with terrific skills as a pass catcher, Bernard will be the lightning to Green-Ellis' thunder in what looks like a committee situation. He'll be worth a look in the late rounds.
6. Johnathan Franklin, RB, Green Bay Packers:
Why do I have Eddie Lacy and Franklin listed in the top 10? Well, that's because I'm not sold on Lacy coming in and being a true featured back. In fact, we could see a committee situation emerge for coach Mike McCarthy. A breakout player in his final collegiate season at UCLA, it's not out of the question for Franklin to score more fantasy points than Lacy during the 2013 campaign. Regardless, he's going to be worth a late-round look as a reserve with upside.
7. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans:
Compared to Roddy White for his playing style, Hopkins should pass Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin on the depth chart and emerge as the favorite to start opposite Andre Johnson. While he is the first legitimate No. 2 wideout the Texans have had alongside A.J., keep in mind that the team utilizes a run-based system with Arian Foster as the centerpiece. So while Hopkins is draftable in seasonal leagues and has upside, his greatest impact won't be felt this season.
8. Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys:
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expects Randle to be the No. 2 running back behind DeMarco Murray, so he already has value as a handcuff. When you also consider that Murray has missed a combined nine games in his first two NFL campaigns, well, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Oklahoma State runner start a few games in 2013. With that being said, Randle is going to be worth a late-round look as a reserve or insurance for fantasy owners who land Murray in drafts.
9. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Patterson will have to contend with an inconsistent quarterback in Christian Ponder and an offense that is still built around the talents of Adrian Peterson. But the Tennessee standout's speed makes him a vertical threat with the ability to make big plays. He should be able to see the field opposite veteran Greg Jennings and could be a home-run threat similar to what we saw from Jacksonville's Cecil Shorts last season.
10. Aaron Dobson, WR, New England Patriots
Dobson might not be the most well-known rookie in the 2013 draft class, but he does have some potential in his first pro season. A legitimate option to start opposite Danny Amendola, his value will rise throughout the preseason if he can earn such a prominent role. A lot of Dobson's value has to do with the fact that a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Tom Brady, will be throwing him the football. Consider him with a flier pick in the late rounds. (Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE)