As the name suggests, I’m a big fan of evaluating talent and predicting the games next stars. Rookies I’ve drafted in the past include the likes of Adrian Peterson, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams and more. Sure, some of these guys are damaged goods but they all had solid rookie campaigns and were relatively amazing bargains when you go back and see who they were drafted around.

In any event, let’s take a look at some of the guys you should be looking at in your drafts and on the waiver wire after that.

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders – He’s not the next Adrian Peterson but I think he’ll be what Reggie Bush was not during his rookie year. By that I mean a guy that’ll take 10-15 carries a game and get 60-80 yards consistently. Sprinkle in a big run or two or a few and you could be looking at a rookie of the year contender. He especially adds value in the return game, though it’s unseen how much the Raiders will use him there.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – This guy is in a great position to have a 10 td year and not even get 1,000 yards. It’s clear that fast Willie Parker has been overused the past couple years and I’m certain the team is going to reduce his touches this year in hopes of prolonging his longevity. Plus, Parker is coming off a broken leg near the end of last year so he’s working back from injury. Ultimately, Mendenhall will receive about a third of the RB touches but I think the majority of his touches will be in the red zone. His ball security isn’t anything spectacular but it has to be better than Parker’s.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears – It’s his job to lose and the competition around him isn’t that great. Adrian Peterson the 2nd is a great third down back and he’s an excellent pass catcher but he simply doesn’t do it as an every down back in the NFL. Garrett Wolfe is simply too small, he’s not Warrick Dunn, and that’s the end of that. Decision goes to Forte. Granted he’s an unknown commodity but the reports on him are positive and he’s in an offense that’s run-heavy.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers – This guy is an athletic marvel and should be good but don’t expect great. Originally I was very optimistic about Stewart but then he had the toe surgery and I’m not sure how it’s going to work out between DeAngelo and him. Stewart’s toe is still a concern, he had a lengthy contract negotiation that was just settled, and the Panthers are a veteran team that’s going to make it rough on the rookie. All things considered he’s a decent pick but certainly not the showcase back that some are making him out to be.

Steve Slaton. RB, Houston Texans – I’m tempted to move this guy up simply because I don’t see this guy on any “lists” which proclaim fantasy greatness. He’s in the mix with Ahman Green and Chris Brown at the RB position. Give me a break. While both of those backs are serviceable, neither are explosive and both have hamstrings made of dental floss. Slaton ran the spread at West Virginia so he’s adept at making big plays when given a crease or a cut-back lane, something Kubiak’s zone blocking offense is designed to do. Chances are you don’t even have to draft this guy and by week 6 he’ll be paying dividends. Next to McFadden, he’s the most explosive rookie in this draft class. If you don’t believe me, check out his Youtube highlights.

Notables: Kevin Smith, Felix Jones

-bB