SI Vault
 
Rookies
Peter King
July 25, 2005
While three running backs were taken among the top five picks in April's draft, and all three--Ronnie Brown (Dolphins), Cedric Benson (Bears) and Cadillac Williams (Bucs)--should get heavy workloads, a total of nine ball carriers stack the top 14 on our fantasy rookie list. But don't overlook the six receivers who were chosen in Round 1 of the draft. Here are 30 rookies worth considering when filling out your roster.
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
July 25, 2005

Rookies

View CoverRead All Articles
POS. COLLEGE NFL TEAM
1. Cadillac Williams
Featured back shows signs of being better receiver than was thought
RB Auburn Bucs
2. J.J. Arrington RB Cal Cardinals
3. Cedric Benson RB Texas Bears
4. Ronnie Brown
Excellent receiver will get his carries, but will Ricky Williams cut into playing time?
RB Auburn Dolphins
5. Mike Williams WR Southern Cal Lions
6. Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma Ravens
7. Frank Gore RB Miami 49ers
8. Braylon Edwards WR Michigan Browns
9. Marion Barber III
Expected to replace Richie Anderson as third-down back
RB Minnesota Cowboys
10. Troy Williamson WR S. Carolina Vikings
11. Darren Sproles RB Kansas State Chargers
12. Roscoe Parrish
Backup to oft-injured Michael Bennett could crack lineup
WR Miami Bills
13. Ciatrick Fason RB Florida Vikings
14. Brandon Jacobs RB S. Illinois Giants
15. Matt Jones WR Arkansas Jaguars
16. Roddy White WR UAB Falcons
17. Maurice Clarett RB Ohio State Broncos
18. Alex Smith
The future of the franchise; already penciled in to start
QB Utah 49ers
19. Brandon Jones WR Oklahoma Titans
20. Reggie Brown WR Georgia Eagles
21. Heath Miller TE Virginia Steelers
22. Alex Smith TE Stanford Bucs
23. Mike Nugent
Second-round draft pick hit seven of eight field-goal tries from 50 yards and beyond over last two seasons
K Ohio State Jets
24. Eric Shelton RB Louisville Panthers
25. Vernand Morency RB Oklahoma St. Texans
26. Ryan Moats RB Louisiana Tech Eagles
27. Mark Bradley WR Oklahoma Bears
28. Adrian McPherson QB Florida State Saints
29. Jason Campbell QB Auburn Redskins
30. David Greene
Third-stringer for now; will be groomed as Matt Hasselbeck's successor
QB Georgia Seahawks

While three running backs were taken among the top five picks in April's draft, and all three-- Ronnie Brown ( Dolphins), Cedric Benson ( Bears) and Cadillac Williams ( Bucs)--should get heavy workloads, a total of nine ball carriers stack the top 14 on our fantasy rookie list. But don't overlook the six receivers who were chosen in Round 1 of the draft. Here are 30 rookies worth considering when filling out your roster.

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

1