Fantasy Football Sleeper Rookie Draft Picks

Donald Brown. Michael Crabtree. Knowshon Moreno. Chris Wells. Everyone is talking about these big rookies from the 2009 NFL Draft. But who are the unknown rookies that can have an impact on your fantasy football team.

In the past I have benefited with researching and drafting lesser known rookies such as Marques Colston, Matt Forte, Eddie Royal and Steve Slaton. I make it a point of drafting at least 1 rookie every year and so should you.

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Here’s a look at 10 lesser-known rookies to keep in the back of your mind this summer.

Ramses Barden, WR, N.Y. Giants: At 6-foot-6, Barden is a huge, physical target with good hands. Every quarterback loves a huge redzone target. With Plaxico Burress out of the picture and Domenik Hixon & Steve Smith the favorites to start next season, bet on Barden to sneak into the lineup as the a viable third wide out. Barden is raw, but he could turn into a decent red-zone option for Eli Manning.

Andre Brown, RB, N.Y. Giants: Brown had injury issues during his time in college, but he has the tools to make an impact at the NFL level. He’ll have a chance to compete with Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware for the right to back up Brandon Jacobs next season, but i wouldnt hold my breathe. Watch how he handles pre-season before making a move.

Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco: The 49ers don’t have a clear-cut backup for Frank Gore, so Coffee could turn into a viable fantasy handcuff. A hard-nosed runner out of Alabama, he will have late-round value in drafts if he can earn the second spot on the depth chart in training camp.

James Davis, RB, Cleveland: Davis, a sixth-round pick out of Clemson, won’t push Jamal Lewis for a starting role in his rookie season. However, he could see some playing time with Lewis’s aging knees and no other viable backup.

Shawn Nelson, TE, Buffalo: One of the highest-rated tight ends in the draft, Nelson fell into the fourth round but landed in nice situation with the Bills. He can easily beat out veterans Derek Schouman and Derek Fine to earn a starting role. He could be a player to watch.

Brian Robiskie, WR, Cleveland: Robiskie was considered the most NFL-ready wide receiver in the 2009 rookie class, and he’s already the favorite to start opposite Braylon Edwards. The Browns won’t throw the football a ton, but Robiskie is still worth a late-round filer.

Frank Summers, RB, Pittsburgh: If Summers is able to make the 53-man roster, and there’s not a lot of room with Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore in the mix, he could turn into a short-yardage, touchdown vulture for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has wanted to lessen Parker’s load during the regular season in order to keep him fresh for another Superbowl run.

Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee: This waill still be a run-first team, but Kerry Collins really doesn’t have many options to throw to and Britt is a big receiver who should see time right away as the 3rd wide out behind Justin Gage and newcomer Nate Washington.