Fantasy football: Deep rookie crop poised to make immediate contributions

Last year was an unprecedented experience in fantasy football drafting scenarios, and the absence of a typical offseason program was shockingly meaningless.

Rookies starred as brightly as even the most optimistic outlook could have projected, producing game-changing players across the board. As the NFL offseason program returns closer to normal this year, it will be fascinating to see if this ultra-talented 2021 rookie crop can deliver the goods in similar fashion.

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Most important

RB Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers: In line for ample touches, the first-rounder will be featured in Pittsburgh's emphasis on its ground-game roots. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been granted, in essence, control of the offense from new offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

A dynamic passing game will open up running lanes through a rather pedestrian front five that underwent significant changes in the offseason. There's legitimate reason for concern because of it, although Harris' expected workload and pure talent ought to be enough to generate RB2 returns.

RB Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos: Veteran Melvin Gordon is the de facto No. 1 in this backfield for the moment, yet Williams should be the ultimate victor in a competition that doesn't quite resemble one in the traditional sense. The multiskilled rookie will be leaned on heavily behind a suspect quarterback situation.

Denver's line is capable, and the receiving corps is a strength, which helps his chances of seeing fewer stacked fronts. Williams is an RB3 on the safe side, though often drafted as a No. 2.

RB Trey Sermon, San Francisco 49ers: It will require ascension on the depth chart before Sermon has gamers singing his praises. San Fran already lost RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) for the entire summer and possibly longer, which gives Sermon a chance to see important practice reps.

Starter Raheem Mostert has flashed brilliantly at times but remains unproven for more than spurts of action. Durability was his downfall last year. The line is tremendous, and this zone-blocking scheme is ideal for Sermon's style. Quarterback concerns will facilitate an extreme volume of rushing attempts for the entire stable to divvy up.

WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: Reunited with ex-LSU QB Joe Burrow, Chase enters a perfect situation to stand out as a rookie. Cincinnati's defense is among the weakest in football, and the offensive system will throw the ball regardless of necessity. The only true question mark here is whether taking off 2020 delayed his development to any serious degree.

TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons: Rookie tight ends rarely matter in fantasy, so history is working against Pitts. In his favor, though, a system that absolutely loves the position, and the trading away of WR Julio Jones opens a wealth of targets. The highest tight end ever drafted (No. 4 overall), Pitts has a phenomenal outlook as a mid-tier TE1 in PPR.

Intriguing roster depth

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Look for the No. 1 overall choice to be ahead of the typical rookie curve, even as defenses throw exotic looks his way to test Lawrence's maturation under pressure. Copious passing volume, thanks to a shaky defense and talented receivers, work to his advantage.

WR DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles: Depending upon where one looks, Smith is either destined for failure or has WR1 status in his days to come. The latter is more likely, but it will take time. Inexperience at quarterback and a first-time coaching staff only further delay a bright fantasy career.

RB Michael Carter, New York Jets: The bulk of the backfield touches are within Carter's grasp, and New York has a beefy offensive line to help pave the way to moderate success. A fellow rookie starting at quarterback and a shaky defense could prove detrimental, though.

RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers: A pandemic-stricken season removed from 2,292 offensive yards and 21 TDs, the Oklahoma Stater has a prime opportunity to shine in the event Christian McCaffrey once again is befallen by injuries.

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: While TE T.J. Hockenson should lead the team in receptions, St. Brown's role could place him atop the receiving corps for looks. He proved quite capable at USC as a true freshman and makes for a sneaky buy late in drafts.

QB Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers: Lance has the wheels and weapons to get himself out of sticky situations, which also bolsters his fantasy worth. In competition with Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting role, the North Dakota State product didn't play in 2020, and he'll be extremely raw.

Roll the dice

WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins: On talent alone, Waddle has star power. However, his quarterback remains a work-in-progress, and an uncertain target share creates fantasy trepidation.

RB Javian Hawkins, Atlanta Falcons: With a few bounces going his way, the undrafted Hawkins could carve out a niche role for PPR purposes. He conjures images of long-time utility man Darren Sproles.

WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens: Given the question marks in this passing game, there is an opportunity to be seized. However, Bateman could miss the first four weeks of the regular season after undergoing core-muscle surgery earlier this month.

WR Kadarius Toney, New York Giants: A fellow Day 1 rookie selection, the explosive Toney will jockey for meaningful touches in a crowded receiving corps. There's a hint of value in best-ball formats.

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