In most NFL fantasy drafts the top three rookies being chosen are:

Marshawn Lynch - Might start in Buffalo and put up RB1 numbers
Adrian Peterson - Most expect him to be taking majority of carries in Minnesota by mid-season
Calvin Johnson - An NFL ready receiver from the get-go

These three are the cream of the rookie crop, and expect then to be drafted regardless of your draft rules or size.

Then depending on how big your league is and how many rounds you draft, most smart owners are looking at picking up guys like Brandon Jackson (not as talented, but in a great situation to get playing time in Green Bay), Greg Olsen (the big tight end drafted in Chicago expected to play many offensive downs), Tedd Ginn Jr (the punt returner and WR in Miami with excellent speed but coming off a foot injury) and the two well known QB’s Jamarcus Russell and Brady Quinn.

But as the NFL camps begin to get into week 2 and preseason games start-up, there are other rookies that are starting to emerge that should be on a fantsy owners radar.  If not for draft night, for the first couple weeks of the season so you can vulture him from the free agent list as fast as possible if he is appearing to take on a big role for his NFL club.  Guys like Greg Jennings fell into this category last year, and the following players should be on the radar this year:

Anthony Gonazalez, WR:  Remember Brandon Stockley a couple years ago in Indy, before the two seasons of complete injuries?  He played WR3 in Indy and when Peyton Manning is throwing the ball, WR3 can do a lot of damage.  Well Gonzalez was drafted to to fill the role left by Stockley this season. Gonzalez is small, but fast.  He won’t get into the red zone often, but watch for him to be near the top of rookies WR’s in terms of receptions.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR:  KeyShawn Johnson, nice season but see ya.  Jarrett was drafted to basically be a clone of Johnson in the Carolina offense.  While Steve Smith is small and lines up on the other side with his blazing speed, Jarrett is the big receiver, ready to go over the top of defenses to make plays.  He would have been drafted higher but battled a few injuries in his final college season which limited his stats.  He has Drew Carter to battle for the starting job, but if he is the starter early in the season, look for good numbers simply because he lines up across from Steve Smith who demands the double teams.

Dwayne Bowe, WR: Bowe was drafted in Kansas City.  I am not a fan of how the offense is shaping up around him with question marks at QB as well as the Priest Holmes/ LJ saga that is starting up at running back, so you should take a watch and see approach with Bowe.  He is slated to be starting or at least WR3 with plenty of field time in KC, so he makes this list, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will put up numbers worthy of being on a fantasy roster. 

Chris Henry, RB: Henry makes this list because the RB situation in Tennessee is so confusing at the moment.  Who is the starter, who will get carries?  It is completely up for grabs at the moment between Henry, Chris Brown and LenDale white.  Chris Brown has failed before, and LenDale white seems to refuse to get himself in shape or get along with teammates, so Henry has a legitimate shot as coming out on top.  He is worth watching.

Craig Davis, WR:  Probably wouldn’t have made this list a week ago, but Eric Parker getting hurt in San Diego will open the door for Davis.  With LT on the ground, SD does not air out the ball enough for Davis to have much value as a WR3, but with Parker hurt, and Davis now potentially starting he could make some noise.  He has excellent hands and a very good route runner, so if he fits in with Rivers he could keep the starting gig even when Parker returns.

Drew Stanton, QB: Unless he gets hurt, Kitna is going to have a very good year in Detroit at the helm as QB.  But if you are in a keeper or dynatsy league you should be paying attention to Stanton.  He will get the call in the next couple years and has an excellent, young offense in front of him to excel right away.

Kevin Kolb, QB:  For this young QB in Philly, see Stanton, same situation.

Michael Bush, RB:  His value will be very limited at the start of the season, but if Lamont Jordan falters in Oakland again this season, look for Bush to jump past Dominick Rhodes and right into starting situations.  He has the skills to be a starting RB1 in the NFL, and was suppose to be a heisman trophy candidate, but he missed all of his final year in college with an injury so was forgotten.  If Lamont Jordan is playing well, the transition will take longer, so you should take a wait and see approach.