Top fantasy fits for the 2016 rookie class

By CJay
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Updated: May 1, 2016

The 2016 rookie class did not produce a ton of elite depth in the big fantasy football positions, but these players should be the top rookies drafted in your fantasy football league.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys: This one is so obvious that we have already written extensively on this fantasy football match made in heaven.

Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants: The former Sooner will be the league’s next great slot receiver and other than New England, no one utilizes three-wide receiver sets like Eli Manning and the New York Giants. According to ESPN’s Matthew Berry, last season the Giants utilized a three-wide receiver set 89% of the time, and that was without Victor Cruz. For an offense that throws the ball as much as the Giants do, Odell Beckham Jr., Cruz and Shepard will create mismatches all over the field. Shepard possesses soft hands and Julian Edelman-esque route running skills, which will get him on the field extremely early. The Oklahoma product should get fantasy owners a bunch of receptions and yards in a PPR format.

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints: When some look at Michael Thomas’ production at Ohio State, they scoff at his abilities; however, they seem to not account for Urban Meyer’s run-heavy offense and the bevy of playmakers who he had to share touches with. Thomas came on strong as J.T. Barrett’s No. 1 target in 2014 and improved his route running to become a more complete receiver in 2015. Thomas’ big, strong body and receiver skill set is reminiscent of former New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Marques Colston and he should benefit from being in a pass-first offense, with Drew Brees slinging him the rock. Not to mention Thomas has pretty good lineage, being Keyshawn Johnson’s nephew.

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens: The Louisiana Tech product will fit perfectly in Mark Trestman’s passing offense. Dixon can catch the ball out of the backfield and he will be used similarly to how Trestman used Matt Forte in Chicago. Dixon may have to wait his turn behind 31-year-old Justin Forsett, who is coming off injury, but he is already more talented than Buck Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro and yes, Trent Richardson. Dixon will put up decent fantasy numbers in year one, but if you are in a dynasty league, draft him early.

Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns: This could change if Josh Gordon ever gets his act together (or distances himself from Johnny Football), but right now, the former Baylor Bear would be Robert Griffin III’s number one wideout. If RGIII regains a little of what made him great in his first season in Washington, look for many deep balls to Coleman, who has speed to burn. If Gordon is allowed back into the league, the 5-foot-11, 194 lb receiver would be able to feast on single coverage, away from Gordon and the improved Gary Barnidge.

The best of the rest: Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals… C.J. Prosise, RB, Seattle Seahawks… Paul Perkins, RB, New York Giants… Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos… Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears… Braxton Miller, WR, Houston Texans.

Check back for the worst fantasy fits of the 2016 NFL Draft class.