Now that we have had some time to digest the NFL draft and its aftermath, us fantasy footballers are excitedly waiting to add some of the rookies to our fake teams. Deciding which players have fantasy worth in 2018 comes down to assessing the likelihood of playing time. The following players are ranked in order of anticipated opportunity and corresponding value.

Rookie previews: QB | RB | TE

Calvin Ridley | Atlanta Falcons | 6-0, 189 | Alabama

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	ALA	89	1045	11.7	81	7
2016	ALA	72	769	10.7	52	7
2017	ALA	55	896	16.3	78	3

It really won’t be a big surprise if Ridley overtakes Mohamed Sanu as the second receiver behind Julio Jones. Furthermore, Jones is no stranger to injury, which would open the door for the rookie. All things even, look for Ridley to begin his career working out of the slot as a replacement for Taylor Gabriel. Being dynamic, Ridley can line up everywhere and allow Julio and even Sanu to move into the slot to take advantage of mismatches.

Fantasy gamers will have to accept some degree of frustration when deploying Ridley. He will disappear for several games in 2018 simply because of game flow and there being so many mouths to feed in the offense. Draft him as a WR4 or flex target.

D.J. Moore | Carolina Panthers | 6-0, 210 | Maryland

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	MD	25	357	14.3	52	3
2016	MD	41	637	15.5	92	6
2017	MD	80	1033	12.9	52	8

Moore sits nearly atop this list because of his ability to do a little bit of everything and Carolina’s desperation for someone to step up in the passing game. The former Terrapin should start from the get-go, or at least early on, and he’s capable of being moved all over the field.

The Panthers brought in Torrey Smith, as well, but the veteran is a shell of his former self and offers next to nothing. Cam Newton has the most comfort with tight end Greg Olsen, and Christian McCaffrey will catch a million passes from the backfield. Moore should be targeted early in his career, though the consistency is in doubt. He has a brilliant future in the NFL, yet gamers may want to demonstrate modest expectations on draft day. Think WR4 or a weak flex with downside to be a No. 5 producer.

Christian Kirk | Arizona Cardinals | 5-10, 201 | Texas A&M

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	TA&M	80	1009	12.6	66	7
2016	TA&M	83	928	11.2	69	9
2017	TA&M	58	730	12.6	81	7

Maybe this is a hair on the optimistic side, but Kirk’s opportunity is as exciting as any rookie receiver. The Cardinals need someone to step up in the receiving game to complement Larry Fitzgerald. Kirk was a quick study at A&M and is poised to challenge for a starting role in the summer. Second-year receiver Chad Williams could see more action, but he is completely unproven. Brice Butler offers some size and hasn’t been able to put it all together through two career stops. J.J. Nelson remains in play for a larger share of targets, even if he’s mostly one-dimensional.

Quarterback play could prove to be detrimental, especially if the offense switches during the season to a rookie. Kirk would be better off if Josh Rosen won the starting job in the summer, since it would give them time to work together. Watch both rookies’ situations as the next few months progress. Treat Kirk as a low-risk, high-reward WR4 or flex with more value in PPR.

Michael Gallup | Dallas Cowboys | 6-1, 205 | Colorado State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	CSU	76	1272	16.7	65	14
2017	CSU	94	1345	14.3	76	7

If we were talking opportunity alone, Gallup could easily top this list. Dallas has a mess of targets to replace after Jason Witten retired and Dez Bryant was shown the door. The rookie wideout has just two years of production, but there is no doubt he made the most of his time at Colorado State. Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, Cedrick Wilson, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley are the biggest competition for targets.

Dallas will rely heavily on the running game but experience problems with stacked boxes if none of these receivers step up. The Cowboys will have to sort this out over the summer, and gamers need to keep tabs on how it pans out. For now, from a floor-ceiling estimation, Gallup can be a weak WR2 or a lowly roster filler.

Deon Cain | Indianapolis Colts | 6-2, 202 | Clemson

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	CLEM	34	582	17.1	67	5
2016	CLEM	38	724	19.1	65	9
2017	CLEM	52	659	12.7	61	6

Looking for pure-play upside and opportunity? Cain can get downfield and will have defensive attention paid to T.Y. Hilton working in his favor, all provided he can win the No. 2 job out wide and put Ryan Grant into the slot. It is rare a sixth-round receiver finds fantasy value in his first season, but the Colts are really that thin at the position, and Cain slid a few rungs down the draft ladder.

All of this is predicated on a healthy Andrew Luck, of course. As the theme of this analysis seems to be headed, fantasy owners should watch this situation with a close eye. In best-case scenario, Cain will have matchup utility as a flex play due to a low-volume style.

Cedrick Wilson | Dallas Cowboys | 6-2, 197 | Boise State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	BSU	56	1129	20.2	75	11
2017	BSU	73	1290	17.7	59	6

Son of a former NFL receiver by the same name, the younger Wilson could step into a decent situation. The ‘Boys have a bunch of targets to replace without Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, and none of the replacements are world-beaters. Wilson will join a crowded but underwhelming cast of receivers, including third-round pick Michael Gallup. Stash Wilson’s name for now and watch the offseason play out. He has routine flex potential if everything works out.

Anthony Miller | Chicago Bears | 5-11, 201 | Memphis

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	MEM	47	694	14.8	82	5
2016	MEM	95	1434	15.1	84	14
2017	MEM	92	1407	15.3	89	17

Talent is not the issue, as one can glean from his statistics over the past two seasons. Miller enters an offense being commanded by a first-year head coach and a second-year quarterback learning said offense. In a blustery city. Playing for a run-heavy offensive philosophy. With at least two receivers ahead of him in the pecking order. Miller could emerge as the year progresses and/or an injury paves the way to full-time action. He has the makings of an NFL star receiver — in time. For now, spend a pick in the final quarter of your draft.

Courtland Sutton | Denver Broncos | 6-3, 218 | SMU

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	SMU	2	27	13.5	20	0
2015	SMU	49	862	17.6	51	9
2016	SMU	76	1246	16.4	88	10
2017	SMU	62	1017	16.4	62	12

Sutton will battle Jordan Taylor, Carlos Henderson and DaeSean Hamilton, a fellow rookie, for the No. 3 duties. The SMU product should be a fine addition to fantasy rosters — in 2019 drafts. Unless something happens to Demaryius Thomas and/or Emmanuel Sanders, Sutton will see a few scraps here and there this season. He’s merely a late-round flier.

D.J. Chark | Jacksonville Jaguars | 6-9, 199 | LSU

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	LSU	26	466	17.9	80	3
2017	LSU	35	811	23.2	68	3

Speed is the name of Chark’s game, and as a second-round pick, expect the Jaguars to let him put it on display. Blake Bortles has plenty of arm to air it out and give Chark a chance for the home run. Jacksonville doesn’t have a ton of talent at the position, though this roster is loaded with scrappy bootstrappers. Marqise Lee, Donte Moncrief and Dede Westbrook figure to absorb most of the targets. Chark will be challenged by Jaydon Mickens, Keelan Cole and possibly Rashad Greene. We cannot forget this is a run-first system. Chark will shine at times and disappear more often than not as a rookie. Spend no earlier than a late-round choice on him in any single-year setup.

J’Mon Moore | Green Bay Packers | 6-3, 207 | Missouri

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	MIZ	2	33	16.5	17	0
2015	MIZ	29	350	12.1	32	3
2016	MIZ	62	1012	16.3	82	8
2017	MIZ	60	1017	17	71	10

Moore has downfield skills and could be used on the outside to help replace Jordy Nelson. The slot role should be dominated by Randall Cobb, and Moore’s game doesn’t translate to that area of the field anyway. Fantasy owners are looking at a sneaky option for a serviceable flex play, only if Moore can win a starting spot away from Geronimo Allison.

James Washington | Pittsburgh Steelers | 5-11, 213 | Oklahoma State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	OKST	28	456	16.3	68	6
2015	OKST	53	1087	20.5	75	10
2016	OKST	71	1380	19.4	91	10
2017	OKST	69	1423	20.6	86	12

Washington is great at getting down the field and making big plays. The concern in Pittsburgh is just how many passes could he possibly see come his way as a rookie? Finding consistent looks behind Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Le’Veon Bell seems unlikely, but Martavis Bryant’s role is up for grabs Washington is a total gamble late in the selection process.

Tre’Quan Smith | New Orleans Saints | 6-2, 203 | Central Florida

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	UCF	52	724	13.9	44	4
2016	UCF	57	853	15	72	5
2017	UCF	54	1082	20	79	13

New Orleans chose Smith in Round 3 and will give him a chance to work out of the slot. The majority of looks will be distributed between Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. Ted Ginn and Cameron Meredith figure to make up the bulk of any remaining looks, which should leave Smith out in the cold for fantasy purposes.

DaeSean Hamilton | Denver Broncos | 6-1, 203 | Penn State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	PSU	82	899	11	51	2
2015	PSU	45	580	12.9	48	6
2016	PSU	34	506	14.9	54	1
2017	PSU	48	747	15.6	36	7

The fourth-rounder has an outside chance at winning the slot job or competing for No. 3 touches, but he has to beat out a second-round receiver and at least one carryover from last year. Hamilton looks like the 2019 replacement for Emmanuel Sanders and shouldn’t see enough playing time in 2018 to warrant fantasy consideration on draft day.

Dante Pettis | San Francisco 49ers | 6-0, 186 | Washington

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	WASH	17	259	15.2	48	1
2015	WASH	30	414	13.8	33	1
2016	WASH	53	822	15.5	61	15
2017	WASH	62	721	11.6	73	7

Arguably a reach in the second round, Pettis is a gifted slot receiver entering an offense with a suspect weapons cache. The 49ers seemed content with Trent Taylor, a fifth-round slot guy from last year, which makes the addition of Pettis somewhat puzzling. The scenario likely results in Pettis returning punts and being worked in at times as a wideout. Despite being a high selection, Pettis should be merely a late-round flier in the deepest of leagues this season.

Daurice Fountain | Indianapolis Colts | 6-2, 210 | Northern Iowa

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	UNI	10	117	11.7	35	1
2015	UNI	41	604	14.7	67	5
2016	UNI	33	413	12.5	45	5
2017	UNI	66	943	14.3	46	12

A fifth-round choice, Fountain is not a dynamic player and may struggle to find the field, particularly if the more explosive Deon Cain, a sixth-rounder, can overshadow Fountain. It will require considerable help and offseason success before Fountain warrants more than a passing glance in anything other than an MFL10 best-ball format.

Equanimeous St. Brown | Green Bay Packers | 6-5, 214 | Notre Dame

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	ND	1	8	8	8	0
2016	ND	58	961	16.6	79	9
2017	ND	31	468	15.1	75	4

The final pick of Green Bay’s three-round splurge on the position, St. Brown went in the Round 6 and is a long shot to contribute in 2018. His size could lead to a few jump-ball calls near the stripe.

Marcell Ateman | Oakland Raiders | 6-4, 216 | Oklahoma State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2013	OKST	22	276	12.5	51	0
2014	OKST	20	268	13.4	43	0
2015	OKST	45	766	17	82	5
2017	OKST	54	1049	19.4	69	8

It will take several scenarios to work in Ateman’s favor before he can return on fantasy investment. A seventh-round addition, he sits behind just about everyone in Oakland’s receiving corps as a rookie. Make a mental note of his name for the long run or if Jordy Nelson cannot rebound.

Trey Quinn | Washington Redskins | 5-11, 203 | SMU

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	LSU	17	193	11.4	27	0
2015	LSU	5	83	16.6	46	0
2017	SMU	106	1191	11.2	77	12

One year of high-level productivity helped sneak Quin into Round 7. The Redskins can provide him looks should the shaky starting trio struggle, which is a leap farther than gamers should attempt.

Austin Proehl | Buffalo Bills | 5-11, 175 | North Carolina

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	UNC	15	106	7.1	20	0
2015	UNC	12	225	18.8	61	1
2016	UNC	43	597	13.9	46	3
2017	UNC	21	337	16	47	1

The son of long-time NFL receiver Ricky Proehl will have to fight his way onto the Buffalo roster as a seventh-round choice. Luckily for his case, the Bills are awfully thin at the position and could use a pair of hands in the slot. Proehl has a glimmer of appeal, if he stands out in training camp and the preseason.

Braxton Berrios | New England Patriots | 5-9, 184 | Miami (Fla.)

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	MIAMI	21	232	11	33	3
2015	MIAMI	12	86	7.2	14	0
2016	MIAMI	12	178	14.8	38	2
2017	MIAMI	52	634	12.2	55	9

A slot receiver through and through, Berrios could be the next Wes Welker or Julian Edelman for this offense — well, that is only after the current Edelman relinquishes his role. Berrios isn’t draftable but has deep-league appeal if Edelman cannot return to form.

Keke Coutee | Houston Texans | 5-10, 181 | Texas Tech

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	TTU	11	105	9.5	23	0
2016	TTU	55	890	16.2	80	7
2017	TTU	82	1242	15.1	77	9

Braxton Miller will have to struggle before we see Coutee in any meaningful way. He’s strictly a slot receiver and should enter the summer behind Miller and Ellington seeking playing time.

Auden Tate | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-5, 228 | Florida State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	FSU	25	409	16.4	39	6
2017	FSU	35	464	13.3	51	7

Tate’s size could grant him a few looks in scoring position, but figuring out when these will happen is not worth the headache. Tate enters his career in Cincy buried on the depth chart.

Jaleel Scott | Baltimore Ravens | 6-5, 218 | New Mexico State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	NMSU	23	283	12.3	45	5
2017	NMSU	73	1042	14.3	41	8

Maybe he is trotted out for a few 50-50 balls in the red zone, but Scott has far too many capable guys ahead of him to be of fantasy consequence in 2018.

Dylan Cantrell | Los Angeles Chargers | 6-3, 226 | Texas Tech

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2013	TTU	9	70	7.8	16	1
2014	TTU	20	312	15.6	40	2
2016	TTU	58	675	11.6	54	8
2017	TTU	67	790	11.8	42	6

Cantrell was a future selection and is no better than the fifth receiver entering his career. His clearest path to worthwhile PT is if Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams struggle with injuries.

Antonio Callaway | Cleveland Browns | 5-11, 200 | Florida

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	FLA	35	678	19.4	66	4
2016	FLA	54	721	13.4	78	3

Callaway missed all of 2017 due to disciplinary reasons and admitted to failing a test at the combine for marijuana. Cleveland took a flier that he can be straightened out, but fantasy gamers shouldn’t extent the same courtesy in 2018.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Green Bay Packers | 6-4, 206 | South Florida

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2013	NCST	22	281	12.8	28	0
2014	NCST	22	257	11.7	42	1
2016	USF	22	415	18.9	77	5
2017	USF	50	746	14.9	95	5

Green Bay selected a wideout in three straight rounds, with Valdes-Scantling being sandwiched as a fifth-rounder. The Packers could turn to his size in the red zone and work the South Florida product into the game with spot action. He doesn’t figure to offer fantasy utility in 2018.

Justin Watson | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6-3, 213 | Pennsylvania

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2014	PENN	42	497	11.8	55	2
2015	PENN	74	1082	14.6	79	9
2016	PENN	89	1115	12.5	67	8
2017	PENN	81	1083	13.4	80	14

Watson was a fifth-round choice and offers plus-size to an already good-sized receiving corps. He is mostly a developmental choice and shouldn’t be in fantasy plans at this time.

Ray-Ray McCloud | Buffalo Bills | 5-9, 190 | Clemson

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	CLEM	29	251	8.7	36	1
2016	CLEM	49	472	9.6	36	2
2017	CLEM	46	502	10.9	79	1

The Bills spent a pick in each of the final two rounds on wide receivers, choosing McCloud first. The receiving corps in Buffalo is sorely lacking a playmaker, and McCloud’s collegiate body of work does nothing to suggest he will be that guy.

Richie James | San Francisco 49ers | 5-10, 183 | Middle Tennessee State

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	MTSU	108	1346	12.5	69	8
2016	MTSU	105	1625	15.5	56	12
2017	MTSU	31	290	9.4	31	3

A slot possession receiver, James can also play outside and has as good of a chance of replacing Pierre Garcon in a year or so as any seventh-round gamble.

Jordan Lasley | Baltimore Ravens | 6-1, 203 | UCLA

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	UCLA	3	17	5.7	7	0
2016	UCLA	41	620	15.1	75	5
2017	UCLA	61	1136	18.6	59	8

It will be a surprise if the fifth-rounder doesn’t make the final roster or practice squad. Tuck away his name for 2019.

Javon Wims | Chicago Bears | 6-3, 215 | Georgia

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	UGA	17	190	11.2	51	1
2017	UGA	38	631	16.6	38	6

Given his size and upside, the inexperienced Wims probably will get a shot to stick around or make the practice squad. He has no fantasy worth in 2018.

Russell Gage | Atlanta Falcons | 6-0, 179 | LSU

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2016	LSU	5	62	12.4	24	1
2017	LSU	19	270	14.2	34	3

Gage has slot ability but will be lucky to make the final roster as a sixth-round choice.

Damion Ratley | Cleveland Browns | 6-1, 193 | Texas A&M

YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
2015	TA&M	15	200	13.3	42	2
2016	TA&M	2	26	13	20	0
2017	TA&M	26	603	23.2	76	6

The sixth-rounder probably won’t see the field on offense in 2018 due to all of Cleveland’s weapons at the position.