We have worked hard at Rookie Blitz headquarters to compile information and game tape for the 2010 NFL Draft class.
We are now ready to release our initial rookie fantasy rankings after reviewing college production, scouting reports, all-star games, and the scouting combine. We have already reviewed the top tight ends, wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks available.
Top-12 Tight Ends
Top-30 Wide Receivers
Top-30 Running Backs
Top-24 Quarterbacks
IDP (Individual Defensive Players)
Rolando McClain is the top middle linebacker in the 2010 NFL Draft. He will have the best opportunity to succeed as a rookie regardless of the defensive scheme he plays in. McClain reminds of us of Karlos Dansby.
Sean Weatherspoon is a versatile player and would best fit in a Cover-2 scheme because of his coverage skills. Weatherspoon was impressive at the Senior Bowl and performed well in drills at the Scouting Combine.
This is a strong safety class: Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, and Taylor Mays could be selected in the first round. Berry is a big hitter with excellent range and natural instincts. Thomas is a versatile player and some teams are considering converting him to cornerback. Mays has the size and speed that teams covet; however, there are concerns about his instincts and man-coverage skills.
Ndamunkong Suh and Gerald McCoy will be off the board in the top-five of the first round, but the value of defensive tackles in fantasy football is limited. Both prospects are dominant enough to pressure the quarterback and could deserve consideration in your dynasty rookie draft.
Despite concerns about this speed, Brandon Spikes will succeed because of his leadership and intangibles. Spikes is a similar player to Jets linebacker David Harris and should also excel as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
With the proliferation of the 3-4 defense, NFL teams are looking for more hybrid players that can play both linebacker and defensive end. Sergio Kindle and Brandon Graham are two of the top 3-4 outside linebackers that will have more value in leagues that award more points for sacks. Donald Butler and Daryl Washington round out the remaining top middle linebackers available. Both are better long-term dynasty options because they may not become instant starters as rookies.
- Rolando McClain, ILB – Alabama
- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB – Missouri
- Eric Berry, S – Tennessee
- Derrick Morgan, DE – Georgia Tech
- Brandon Spikes, ILB – Florida
- Earl Thomas, S – Texas
- Donald Butler, ILB – Washington
- Daryl Washington, ILB – TCU
- Sergio Kindle, OLB – Texas
- Taylor Mays, S – USC
- Brandon Graham, OLB/DE – Michigan
- Joe Haden, CB – Florida
- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE – South Florida
- Dekoda Watson, OLB – Florida State
- Ndamukong Suh, DT – Nebraska
- Sean Lee, ILB – Penn State
- Gerald McCoy, DT – Oklahoma
- Nate Allen, S – South Florida
- Carlos Dunlap, DE – Florida
- Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB – Clemson
- Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers
- Patrick Robinson, CB – Florida State
- Jason Worilds, OLB – Virginia Tech
- Rennie Curran, OLB – Georgia
- Kyle Wilson, CB – Boise State
- Morgan Burnett, S – Georgia Tech
- Eric Norwood, OLB – Penn State
- Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB – TCU
- Major Wright, S – Florida
- Thaddeus Gibson, OLB – Ohio State
- Navorro Bowman, OLB – Penn State
- Greg Hardy, DE – Mississippi
