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Rookies: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Defensive Backs
The 2008 fantasy football season revolved around the rookie running backs that owners found in the late rounds and free agency. These players elevated their owner’s respective teams and brought championships to some of their teams. The sixth, seventh, and eighth ranked running backs in rushing last season (Steve Slaton – 1,282; Matt Forte – 1,238; Chris Johnson – 1,228) all were rookies. Add in Jonathan Stewart’s 836 yards and 10 touchdowns, and it’d be hard to argue that the rookies didn’t take the league by storm in their first year.
The 2009 season has the potential to offer similar prospects for fantasy owners at the running back position. Three running backs were chosen in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, while a few others that were taken in the later rounds could also offer owners prime sleeper candidates for 2009.
As like all rookies, these are players that you should draft and stash away on your bench. It typically takes a few games, if not the first half of the season, for a rookie to get adjusted to the pro level. Be patient, and watch as these players develop and earn their respective roles in the starting lineups. Here is my list of rookie running backs that owners should keep an eye out for in drafts this summer:
 Knowshon Moreno – Denver Broncos
The 12th pick of the draft and the first running back taken, Knowshon Moreno is expected to be one of the featured runners in Denver’s always-full stable of backs. The Georgia alum is expected to compete with Correll Buckhalter, and while Buckhalter should see a decent amount of carries, Moreno offers far more upside than he does. With quickness, lateral agility, and elusiveness that have drawn comparisons to Barry Sanders, there isn't much not to like about Moreno. He's a highlight tape waiting to happen with his ability to leap over defenders along with having the game-breaking ability to take the ball to the house every time he touches it. He's also a very good receiver out of the backfield, having caught 53 passes for 645 yards and two touchdowns while with the Bulldogs. Moreno also already has the third-down role secured in Denver’s offense and is one of the early favorites to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2009. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Moreno rush for over 1,000 yards and catch at least 30-40 passes.
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