These NFL Rookie Draft Prospects have me excited for the upcoming season!

This week I’m rolling out a different top-10, one that ranks the players I expect to have the best fantasy rookie seasons. Of course this should go without saying, once these NFL rookie draft prospects end up on teams and their roles are more clearly defined, the rankings will be shuffled up significantly. Regardless, fantasy football fans are insatiable, and where is the fun in waiting for the draft to be completed before speculating on these NFL rookie draft prospects?

Top 10 NFL Rookie Draft Prospects

1- Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Watkins is the unquestioned top wide receiver in this draft class, and one lauded by all noteworthy draftniks. He was a very productive player in a BCS conference and also has excellent measurables that translate to the NFL. Whether he steps in and is asked to be a number one receiver for the Rams at pick two or the Jaguars at pick three, or if he’s drafted as a compliment to stud wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Browns at pick four, he’ll make an immediate impact. Watkins has a rare blend of a solid floor and a high ceiling in year one.

2- Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Evans is much less polished than Watkins, but his size makes him awfully hard for most cornerbacks to handle. His hands are pretty darn good, at least according to former Dallas Cowboys VP of player personnel from 1960-89 and current senior analyst for NFL.com, Gil Brandt. His speed isn’t blazing, but good lord, what do you expect from a guy with Evans’ build (6-foot-5 and 231 pounds). Evans will need to refine his route running, but at the worst he’s a player that should be utilized heavily in the red zone. Touchdowns certainly make fantasy owners happy.

3- Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

When comps to Vernon Davis get thrown around discussing a tight end, ears tend to perk up. Ebron is a pass catching tight end with well above average speed for the position, and he’s really more of a receiver in a tight end’s body than your classic inline type. Until pancake blocks score points in fantasy leagues, his owners will feel just fine with him lining up in the slot and presenting matchup problems to opposing defenses. Tight end is as deep as ever, but he has the skill-set necessary to immediately play his way into TE1 status in year one, even if that’s a cut below the truly elite at the position.

4- Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

“Johnny Football” is a boom-or-bust prospect, but while the old-guard might think big pocket passers are the bees knees, fake pigskin enthusiasts recognize the value of a quarterback who can pile up points both through the air and on the ground. Manziel is an improvisational quarterback who can keep plays alive with his legs, and he will tuck and run when nothing else is there (over 2,100 yards rushing and 30 rushing touchdowns in two seasons at Texas A&M). The polarizing youngster has to battle the questions that come with being a short quarterback (six foot tall), but his playmaking ability, if it translates to the pros, would make him a fantasy starter in year one. He shouldn’t be drafted as a QB1 in fantasy leagues, but he should be a sought after backup with huge upside.

5- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Before the off-season draft process began, people were in love with Bridgewater. A poor showing in his pro day has sent his draft stock into a tail spin, but Matt Miller of Bleacher Report still rates him as the top quarterback in the 2014 Draft class. Honestly, it’s a hard stance to argue with. When the pads were on, Bridgewater was excellent from a statistical production stand point and from a projection to the next level stand point. Bridgewater would be far from the first person who slipped behind the guys who looked good in shorts in a t-shirt throwing against air. Not that a professional player should need extra motivation, but slipping in the draft would provide Bridgewater just that and leave him with a sizable chip on his shoulder. In a perfect world scenario, the Browns pass on him with their first selection and select Watkins before adding Bridgewater with their second pick. The thought of the rookie signal caller having Gordon, Watkins and tight end Jordan Cameron at his disposal is tantalizing.

6- Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State

He might not go in the first round, in fact he probably won’t, but Hyde is nearly unanimously graded as the top running back prospect in this class by reputable draft experts. The Ohio State product is a power back who thrives between the tackles and can stay on the field for every down. He’s not a home run threat, but his ability to fall forward on every run and gain yards in chunks helps to make up for that. Hyde is built to carry a workhorse load, and despite not being utilized heavily in the passing game, scores high marks with his hands. The biggest knock on him is a concern about fluctuating weight in his past, which in turn leads to questions about his dedication to getting the most out of himself. With so many running back situations being a committee these days, if Hyde is able to step into a primary gig he’ll hold value in fantasy leagues from day one.

7- Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU

Hill, like Hyde, is a big bruiser. Perhaps I’m drinking a bit too much of the Kool-Aid served by the draft pundits on NFL Network, but the bulk of their talent evaluators have gushed about Hill in recent coverage. Character questions are warranted given the fact he’s been arrested on more than one occasion. Someone will draft him, regardless of the red flags, and as a back that’s tailor made for 20-plus carries a game, fantasy gamers should be on notice.

8- Marquise Lee, WR, USC

Lee isn’t necessarily the third best wide receiver prospect, but Matt Miller calls him the best route runner in this class. That’s a big deal when it comes to transitioning from playing college ball to playing in the NFL. The former Trojan should make an instant impact, and his return skills add a wrinkle to his game that owners in unique scoring leagues need to be mindful of.

9- Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Amaro lacks the athleticism of Ebron, but he’s another tight end in the present day mold teams seek at the position. He’s not going to be kept in to block, as teams  will move Amaro around to present matchup problems. Coming out of a wide open offense at Texas Tech, Amaro will need to learn some of the nuances that come with playing in a more traditional offense.

10- Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU

I gave Beckham Jr the slightest of edges over Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks for the last spot. The LSU product has more utility since there are fewer questions about his ability to operate as an outside receiver in addition to playing the slot. He ran a 4.43 forty-yard dash, and most scouting reports note that as his timed speed on tape. He’s also sure handed, and like Lee gets bonus points for his return skills.