The 2012 NFL Draft is in the books (and what an amazing draft it was!), so we now have a number of brand-new potential fantasy impact makers to consider on draft day. Not surprisingly, many of those players are running backs and wide receivers. Of course, there are also a few first-year quarterbacks to consider in the pass-laden NFL. Here's our breakdown of the top 10 rookies in seasonal leagues, along with some other players to monitor in minicamps, training camp and the preseason.
Top 10
1. Trent Richardson, RB, Browns: Richardson is already the best player in the Browns offense, and he'll be one of the few true featured backs in the NFL. In fact, I can see him getting 300 carries in coach Pat Shurmur's offense. Presuming there are no lingering knee issues, Richardson has the potential to be a top-10 option at the position and worth a third- or fourth-round pick.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: If you expect RG3 to be the next Cam Newton from a fantasy perspective, you're going to be disappointed. But his combination of skills as a passer and more importantly, a runner, makes him someone to target in the middle rounds as a potential high-end No. 2 fantasy option with the upside to develop into a No. 1 starter. He's also a real dynasty-league gem.
3. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers:Fantasy owners looking for a young runner to take a chance on in the middle rounds should look no further than Martin. A big-play back with three-down potential, I expect Martin to emerge past LeGarrette Blount and into the starting role for new coach Greg Schiano. He is a player to watch in fantasy and could develop into a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner.
4. Andrew Luck, QB, Colts: Luck has a ton of long-term potential and will be the first overall pick in countless dynasty leagues -- he clearly has all the tools to become a future fantasy star. However, I don't see him as more than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback and matchup-based starter in most seasonal formats for 2012. Look for him to come off the board somewhere in the middle to late rounds.
5. David Wilson, RB, Giants: Ahmad Bradshaw remains the Giants' top runner, but Wilson will no doubt put at least a small dent into Bradshaw's backfield touches. Considering Bradshaw's foot and ankle issues in recent seasons, Wilson could make some fantasy noise as a rookie. The former Hokie has middle- to late-round appeal and will be a top-notch handcuff for owners who land Bradshaw.
6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars: The Jaguars clearly don't have much to write home about at the wide receiver spot aside from maybe Laurent Robinson (big maybe), so Blackmon should see more than his share of targets as a rookie. The downfall, of course, is that a good number of those targets will come from quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Still, Blackmon is worth a look in the middle to late rounds.
7. Coby Fleener, TE, Colts:Fantasy owners looking for a sleeper at tight end should look no further than Fleener. A pure pass catcher out of Stanford, he'll be re-united with his collegiate quarterback, Andrew Luck, so there's no concern about lack of rapport. Fleener will be well worth a middle- to late-round look as a potential No. 2 fantasy tight end with upside.
8. Kendall Wright, WR, Titans: Wright is a potentially explosive wideout for the Titans and could push for the third spot on the depth chart. If Kenny Britt is suspended for his numerous off-field issues, however, we could see the Baylor product starting right out of the gate. He's a talented playmaker with upside, and an increase role in the pass attack would make him well worth a late rounder.
9. Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals: Floyd has some major potential at the NFL level, and playing opposite Larry Fitzgerald will be an advantage during his rookie campaign. However, I wonder how consistent he'll be statistically in an offense with a star wideout, Early Doucet and Andre Roberts. Kevin Kolb is also a question mark at quarterback. Overall, Floyd has late-round appeal.
10. Brian Quick, WR, Rams: Quick, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver out of Appalachian State, is a former basketball standout who should have a chance to see a prominent role in St. Louis right out of the gate. He's a player to watch in training camp, especially in an offense that doesn't have a true No. 1 wideout on its roster. In a best-case scenario, Quick could be worth a late-round flier in drafts.
Rookies on the radar
1. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears: With Johnny Knox's (back surgery) status for next season in serious question, Jeffery has a legitimate chance to start opposite Brandon Marshall in his first NFL season. While there has been some concern about his weight after a disappointing final collegiate season, Jeffery could have some late-round flier value in deeper fantasy leagues as a starter.
2. Rueben Randle, WR, Giants: With Mario Manningham now in San Francisco, Randle will have a legitimate chance to earn the third spot on the Giants' depth chart during training camp. With that said, he will have to beat out Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan before fantasy owners should even consider him with a late-round flier. Even in that scenario, Randle's value will be somewhat limited.
3. Vick Ballard, RB, Colts: You might not know the name, but Ballard could have some value in fantasy leagues this season. With the unreliable Donald Brown and second-year back Delone Carter ahead of him on the depth chart, Ballard could sneak into a prominent role in the Colts offense. He's a player to watch in both seasonal and dynasty formats, especially if he makes some noise during camp and the preseason.
4. Stephen Hill, WR, Jets: The Jets don't have much at wide receiver after Santonio Holmes, so Hill is in a good spot from an opportunities perspective. But despite his long-term upside, the Georgia Tech product could need a season of pro experience before he makes an impact in fantasy leagues. If he actually wins a starting role, however, Hill could be worth as much as a late-round flier in 2012.
5. LaMichael James, RB, 49ers: The 49ers have ridiculous backfield depth behind Frank Gore, as Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs and James are all in the mix. James is a Darren Sproles-type runner and could be a change-of-pace option for coach Jim Harbaugh. If James earns a prominent role, including some goal-line work, he'll have some PPR draft value.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
