NFL

5 Rookies Who Should Impact Fantasy Football in 2016

Blair Ames  —  @Blair_Ames Jun 16th, 2016
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Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants

Sterling Shepard is a darkhorse candidate to be the most productive rookie receiver in 2016.

Much of Shepard’s potential hinges upon the health of Victor Cruz, who continues to recover from serious calf and knee injuries.

If Cruz is unable to return to form, Shephard is in line to be the number two option behind Odell Beckham in a pass-heavy offense with a suspect defense.

In the two seasons that new head coach Ben McAdoo served as Giants offensive coordinator, the G-Men attempted the league’s 6th most and 10th most passing attempts. With Rueben Randle now in Philadelphia, Shepard, the Giants second round pick, will only need to battle Cruz, Dwayne Harris, and tight ends Will Tye and Larry Donnell for targets.

Last season, Randle drew 90 targets, parlaying those into 57 receptions and 8 touchdowns. Harris hauled in 36 receptions on 57 targets for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns. But he was awfully inefficient, ranking 83rd in Reception Net Expected Points (NEP) out of 96 receivers with 25 or more receptions.

While Randle played both on the outside and in the slot, Shepard is primarily a slot receiver and has already impressed Eli Manning in offseason training activities (OTAs).

While Beckham is undoubtedly the focus of the Giants offense, Shepard has the potential to be a nice value pick, although his stock is already climbing, as he is currently being drafted in the eighth round of best ball leagues on MyFantasyLeague.com.

Others considered for this list include:

  • 1) Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
  • 2) Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
  • 3) Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
  • 4) Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
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