Ten Draft Picks That "Might" Have a Fantasy Impact (and some that won't)

Stephen Billings

Ten Draft Picks That "Might" Have a Fantasy Impact 
(and some that won't)

Let’s all be honest with ourselves; this draft sucked big time in terms of fantasy impactful offensive starters. In the first round, there were no RB’s taken, just a couple WR’s, and the Bills reached on an average QB. Nice work everybody. However, as always there are some diamonds hidden in the rough of the later rounds. Let’s count down the guys that you need to have on your radar this fall, and laugh at a couple guys that you don't.

 #10. Matt Barkley (Southern Cal) QB: Philadelphia Eagles, Round 4, Pick 98
There is one thing we know for certain about Matt Barkley; his story will never be featured in a “stay in school” government infomercial. This guy was considered a top ten first round pick going into the 2012 NFL draft. What a difference a year can make.  Barkely stayed in school, and fell to the 4th round in this year’s draft. The Eagles don’t provide much of an opportunity to compete either, as they already have a couple quality quarterbacks on the roster.  While he will probably be toting a clipboard for his first couple of years, Barkley should benefit from the lack of pressure and the powerful offensive mind of Chip Kelly to learn from.

#9. Giovanni Bernard (UNC) RB: Cincinnati Bengals, Round 2, Pick 37
Gio Bernard is a power back with some speed.  He comes to a young team that has an explosive receiver and a lack of elite running backs. Bernard also had success in college catching the ball out of the backfield.    Bernard should easily overtake the starting role from day 1. He’s a poor man’s CJ Spiller next year.

#8. EJ Manuel (FSU) QB: Buffalo Bills, Round 1, Pick 16
Haha. Just kidding, I can’t even justify that pick.

#7. Montee Ball (Wisconsin) RB: Denver Broncos, Round 2, Pick 5
With Knowshon Moreno suffering a knee injury during the playoffs there could be a spot opening up in Denver.  Ball had a lot of success at Wisconsin during college; nearly breaking Barry Sanders’ single season TD record in 2011.  Ball will still need to overcome Ronnie Hillman for the starting job but should see touches regardless.  John Fox loves to run the ball, and going back to his days in Carolina, loves having a two player approach to the running game.

#6. Le’Veon Bell (Michigan State) RB: Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 2, Pick 48
Bell, who led the Big Ten in rushing this year, is coming to a pretty good situation in Pittsburgh.The Steelers have had injury woes the last couple of seasons, especially at the RB position. Le’veon Bell should have a great shot to take over starting duties for the mediocre Jonathan Dwyer as a result.  Also, if you recall,  the Steelers have had success in the past with rookie running backs -- see Mendenhall, Rashard and Parker, Willie.

#5. DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson) WR: Houston Texans, Round 1, Pick 27

Hopkins will come to the Texans as a solid #2 threat behind Andre Johnson.  Lining up beside a prolific receiver will be nothing new for Hopkins. While at Clemson he played opposite the electric Sammy Watkins, while still managing to rack up over 1,400 yards and 18 TDs in his junior year. 

#4. Marcus Lattimore (S. Carolina) RB: San Francisco 49ers, Round 4,Pick 131
Lattimore was clearly the best running back in the class before his injury.  The thing scaring most teams off was that he has had two such injuries in two years.  If healthy he could be a real threat on the field to break one off for a big score.  Having Frank Gore there will help keep his touches down and make sure he doesn’t blow out his knee again anytime soon. It will be interesting to see how this talented back progresses in his career.

#3. Geno Smith (West Virginia) QB: New York Jets, Round 2, Pick 3
Smith was projected by some to go in the top ten and definitely in the first round of this year’s draft.  Alas he fell to the second round and to the mess that is the New York Jets.  The front office has already come out and said that it will be an open competition for the starting QB job.  All he has to do is beat out Mark “Butt Fumble” Sanchez. (TIM TEBOW- sorry, throwing his name in up’s page views 56%) 

#2. Eddie Lacy (Alabama) RB: Green Bay Packers, Round 2, Pick 61.
Lacy will enter the Green Bay organization as the immediate starter at the running back position.  This is a team that has been looking for a solid running back for 2 years now.  Ryan Grant tried...and failed.  Lacy should easily rack up yards with the defense having to play deep thanks to Aaron Rodgers.  The NFL has become a passing league but fantasy still revolves around the run.  This will be your best bet for a rookie running back.

#1. Tavon Austin (West Virginia) WR: St. Louis, Round 1, Pick 8
The best all around offensive talent in the Draft.  Austin is a hybrid player in the same category as Percy Harvin.  We already know how I feel about Percy Harvin (Baller).  Austin will take over for Amendola’s void and probably exceed.  This is the type of player Sam Bradford has been waiting for.  Maybe the Greatest Show on Turf will return.