NFL Fantasy Draft: John Brown and Other Rookie Sleepers
By Erik Lambert
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is tackled by Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
There are several rookies worth attention in NFL fantasy drafts this year. Who are some potential sleepers?
Derek Carr – QB – Oakland Raiders
It’s tough to take any sort of risk on a rookie quarterback because it’s impossible to know when or if he’ll even play during the season. Derek Carr is in that fix at the moment. The Oakland Raiders seem content with Matt Schaub. However, minds change quickly in preseason. If Carr can put together a solid three weeks and Schaub struggles he might put himself in prime position to steal the starting job, at which point NFL fantasy owners could find him at a huge bargain late in drafts.
Jerick McKinnon – RB – Minnesota Vikings
Coaches on the team and even Adrian Peterson are raving about the potential of running back Jerick McKinnon for the Minnesota Vikings. Indeed ever since his outstanding showing at the scouting combine the buzz has gradually increased for him. He’s fast, agile, strong for his size, and boasts the complete set of running, receiver and blocking skills. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has seen his like before and will know exactly what to do with him.
John Brown – WR – Arizona Cardinals
Speed kills in pro football and NFL fantasy leagues. It is especially dangerous in the hands of a coach who knows how to use it. Bruce Arians is definitely that guy for the Arizona Cardinals and he appears to have a new toy in receiver John Brown. He was fast on tape and at the scouting combine and he showed very good hands in the preseason opener. Add in his value as a return man and he could make a superb late round steal.
Richard Rodgers – TE – Green Bay Packers
Virtually nobody has heard anything of Richard Rodgers outside of those close to the Green Bay Packers. Yet the rookie tight end started his first preseason game. He’s big, athletic and has that coveted two-way ability as a receiver down the middle and inline blocker. His big hands made some big catches at Cal. He is still working his way up the depth chart, but if he can get on the field it won’t be long before his size draws attention from Aaron Rodgers.