The Rookie 100 - Training Camp Update

Updated 8/21 by Sigmund Bloom, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

The Rookie 100 ranks players based on their possible values in deep dynasty leagues that have PPR (point per reception) and full IDP lineups. Be sure to adjust for your league's scoring and lineups and the makeup of your particular roster before using the 100 as a rookie draft cheatsheet.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh
Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland
These three are as close as ever. Stewart's news has been bad, arguably bad enough to drop him from the #1 spot. DeAngelo Williams is getting almost all of the first team action because Stewart doesn't trust his surgically repaired toe yet. The Panthers had him meet with the team doctor (who performed the surgery) to reassure him, but his first four carries in the preseason were uneventful. I still think he's the best suited back to be a true do-everything workhorse, so he's still #1. Rashard Mendenhall needs to run less upright, and he hasn't seized the goal line back job, but it's clear from his early carries that he's got a special burst for a thick running back (just ask Quentin Mikell, who was seeing stars when he tried to put a knockout blow on Mendenhall). One thing that's clear in Mendenhall's situation is that Willie Parker is not going away. He'll be a big part of the Steelers backfield for at least the next two years. McFadden's speed to the line and through the hole has been very impressive in the preseason, but he's still showing zero patience. He will have the most immediate value, but Justin Fargas will get at least half the carries for the Raiders.

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore
Rice could get his first start as early as week 1, and he seems ready to be a Cameron back. He has shown good natural hands after not being asked to catch the ball much at Rutgers. His natural vision and low running style offset his lack of great size or long speed. I have a feeling Rice will be the unquestioned feature back for his team before any of the top three.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago
It's clearly going to be tough sledding for Forte and the Kyle Orton led Bears, but he's got the right kind of game for the uphill battle to move the ball in this dog of an offense. He's always getting yards after contact, and still running with a no-nonsense attitude. Forte is also an excellent receiver, and he should catch 50-60 balls out of the backfield. His ceiling isn't as high as the other members of the top six, but he'll have the most consistent value this year.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee
If you haven't seen Johnson yet, you are missing out. Not only has he busted a 66 yard TD run, but he's been ankle tackles away from two more long TDs. He has a Devin Hester like effect on the game - people seem to hold their breath when he touches the ball. Johnson has shown tremendous innate ability to see the hole before it develops and make subtle moves to line his jets up with daylight (unlike McFadden). The only cap on his upside is the likelihood that LenDale White gets all of the goal line calls and 250-300 of the Titans likely 500+ carries this year. He's looking like a Bush/MJD without the goal line touches.

James Hardy, WR, Buffalo
It's fitting that Hardy's first catch in the NFL was a 16 yard touchdown on a fade to the back pylon. There was good coverage on the play, but an even better throw from J.P. Losman. Hardy could easily have a line like Reggie Williams this year - double digit TDs on less than 40 catches. He's banged up with a sore hammy right now, but Hardy should start at some point this year, and he's even more clearly the #1 WR in non-PPR leagues.

Malcolm Kelly, WR, Washington
Kelly started to distance himself from fellow second round pick Devin Thomas, then he injured his hamstring, then he injured his knee, and had to have arthroscopic surgery. He's back at practice, and remember, Kelly was threatening to run with the first team before he got hurt. If he stays healthy, he'll push Antwaan Randle El back to the slot, and probably catch at least 4-6 TD, because of his size and ability to go up and snag high balls.

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta
Matt Ryan did not look daunted by facing the Jags first team offense in his first preseason game, even throwing a touchdown to Roddy White (although White make a sick adjustment on the ball to seal the score). Ryan is looking like a good bet to start from day one, even though he struggled in his second game vs. the Colts. He'll make a lot of mistakes and absorb a lot of sacks, but you definitely like to see that the Falcons already trust Ryan with the keys to the franchise

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit
Smith has successfully wrested the starting job from Tatum Bell, but that was expected by most observers. He's had just as tough a time finding room to run as Matt Forte, but Smith is not showing the same ability to deflect off of contact and churn out the tough yards. He is more efficient than he was at Central Florida, but he'll likely disappoint anyone that took him in the top 5 picks of a rookie draft.

Devin Thomas, WR, Washington
Thomas was carted off with a hamstring injury promptly after camp opened, and he had an inauspicious debut in the third game of the preseason, with two drops and a key penalty. He'll likely start out no higher than fifth on the depth chart, but this isn't a shock since Thomas was a one year wonder in college who did a lot of damage on short routes he turned into big plays with his special speed for a man his size.

Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis
Avery is back in practice after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his pelvis, but he still hasn't seen game action. The missed time greatly reduces the chances of Avery making a big impact this year, and fellow rookie Keenan Burton has asserted himself in Avery's absence. He's still one of the highest upside wideouts in this year's rookie class.

Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
Quick, who caught Brett Favre's first touchdown as a Jet? If you guessed Dustin Keller, give yourself a gold star. Keller is a nice fantasy commodity because he's really more of a wide receiver than a tight end, and the addition of Favre could have him break the rule of rookie TEs not making a fantasy impact.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas
The Cowboys have be delighted with Jones hands, acceleration, and the fact that the game seems to happen slower for him than would-be tacklers once he's in the open field. Jones even showed good blitz pickup ability. The problem is that with Marion Barber locked up, and fellow rookie Tashard Choice being a better inside power runner, it's hard to see Jones ever inheriting a big time fantasy role. His talent might dictate it eventually, but it'll be a long wait.

Brian Brohm, QB, Green Bay
It has been a rough preseason for Brohm. He's barely holding off fellow rookie Matt Flynn to back up Aaron Rodgers. His practices have been as rough as his performance in games, which means both are ugly. On the flip side, Mike McCarthy said he hasn't seen a rookie QB pick up the mental side of the position as quickly as Brohm, and the Packers seem to have done a great job developing Rodgers, who looked rough much longer than his first training camp.

Curtis Lofton, LB, Atlanta
Lofton hasn't been able to dislodge 2007 undrafted free agent Tony Taylor from the first team middle linebacker job yet, but it's not because he hasn't been making impact plays. He notched a sack in the second preseason game, after forcing a fumble in the first game. He will be starting sooner than later, and Lofton will produce about as well as a two down MLB can. I still believe he can be an every-down MLB despite a lack a great speed.

Jerod Mayo, LB, New England
No rookie LB has impressed more than Mayo in the preseason. He's already starting next to Tedy Bruschi, and he's probably the best rookie to take in redraft leagues. The Pats scheme means that Mayo may never be an LB1, but he's a lock to be a decent LB2/LB3, probably from day one. Mayo's range, instincts, and willingness to sacrifice his body to make plays has been very impressive

Keith Rivers, LB, Cincinnati
Rivers held out a good bit into training camp, but in perhaps a sign of things to come, he had seven solo tackles in limited action just a few days after he reported. Rivers did not have nearly as active a game in the Bengals second preseason contest, but he will start on the weak side, and he'll make enough tackles to be worth rostering in redraft leagues this year.

Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago
Bennett showed terrific speed on his 75 yard punt return touchdown, something that was not billed as a big asset of Jay Cutler's top target at Vandy. He also dropped a few passes, and well, Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback for his team. Bennett will have trouble emerging as a fantasy force until this offense comes back to life, and that could take awhile.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay
Nelson should make an impact as a return man this year (he had two returns of 50+ yards vs. the 49ers), and the Packers are happy with his development as a wideout. He showed some very strong tackle breaking ability on his long returns. Aaron Rodgers has riffed with Ruvell Martin, so Nelson's road to getting into three wide sets may be long one.

Limas Sweed, WR, Pittsburgh
Sweed has been following Hines Ward around like a puppy, which at least shows the Texas product has good judgment. He has been working hard in camp, but still hasn't asserted himself as anything higher than the #4 wideout, and he hasn't really turned the corner yet in running better routes or minimizing drops. I don't know if Sweed will ever be more than a jumpball specialist, but he does have considerable upside with a young stud QB throwing to him.

Eddie Royal, WR, Denver
Royal is in line to start on opening day, and not just because Brandon Marshall will be suspended. He's already showed the ability to get open downfield, and you have to love that he'll get to develop with a top young QB in Jay Cutler.

Jordon Dizon, LB, Detroit
Dizon is still looking up at Buster Davis on the depth chart, beating out Paris Lenon to start is looking like a more distant possibility by the day. News of a predraft DWI also tarnished the beginning of Dizon's career. He's showing a good closing burst, but the instincts and understanding of his position are still a long ways away for Dizon.

Steve Slaton, RB, Houston
Slaton seems to have gotten over his fumbling problems early in training camp, and with Ahman Green not even a lock for the opening day roster, opportunity could fall into his lap. Slaton has shown the best burst of any Houston RB, and he's taking to the one-cut style of the zone blocking scheme.

Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco
You can't ignore a player who has hit the ground running like Morgan has in 49ers camp. He has assured himself of a roster spot, next stop, a starting spot. Morgan has played a game in the vein of Brandon Marshall/Anquan Boldin - a big, rugged WR who has the agility and surprising speed to make big plays downfield, and after the catch on short passes. He has always been a great physical talent, it just took constant involvement in the passing game (something he didn't get at Virginia Tech) to unlock his potential.

Jerome Simpson, WR, Cincinnati
Simpson's path to immediate playing time has been blocked by the re-signing of Chris Henry, but he finally showed why he was a second round pick after a slow start to his Bengals career. Simpson had five catches for 114 yards in the second preseason game, and with both Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh ailing, he could get first team snaps in practice

Keenan Burton, WR, St. Louis
Burton has shown great hands and playmaking ability in camp, and he should open the season as the #4 wideout behind Torry Holt, Drew Bennett, and Dane Looker. He has a head start on Donnie Avery to be poised to replace Bennett as a starter if his woes from last year continue.

Kenny Phillips, S, New York Giants
Phillips has been making plays all over the field and turning heads at Giants camp, and he's showing the instincts to be a rookie starter in the defensive backfield. Phillips would be even higher on this list if safety wasn't a de-emphasized position in IDP leagues. He definitely has the potential to be as valuable as his predecessor, Gibril Wilson, who has moved on to Oakland.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City
Charles didn't touch the ball in the second preseason game after getting some early opportunities in the first game. He showed great speed to the line and some shiftiness, but another big 12 rookie back, Dantrell Savage, has also looked good in camp, and Charles recent shoulder injury has kept him from answering Savage's great play in the second preseason game thus far.

Early Doucet, WR, Arizona
Doucet has been missing time with a hamstring injury, allowing Steve Breaston to emerge as the #3 wideout in Arizona. It's troubling to see Doucet's brittleness from his senior year carry over to his pro career, but Anquan Boldin's continued trade demands may open up a starting spot for Doucet in the future.

Tavares Gooden, LB, Baltimore
Gooden has been sidelined by a hip injury, but on the plus side, the Ravens have not signed Ray Lewis to an extension, which would block Gooden's path to the MLB job for a while. Gooden was all over the field making big hits before the injury.

Chris Long, DE, St. Louis
Long is going to be subject to the harsh learning curve of a rookie defensive end. He was pushed around in his first two preseason games, but the hustle and instincts are still apparent.

Josh Johnson, QB, Tampa Bay
Johnson has barely seen the field in preseason, but he's a long term project, so this was expected. The Bucs will probably try to show more of Chris Simms in the rest of the preseason for possible trade partners. If they can't trade Simms, they could try to sneak Johnson through waivers to the practice squad… good luck. Johnson has the athleticism and cerebral approach to the game to be a fantasy force if he ever gets a shot.

Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona
Hightower is running with power and not dancing like he did at the Texas Vs. The Nation game. The Cards like him enough to let go of Marcel Shipp early in camp, and he should be the easy handcuff to Edgerrin James this year. I still don't buy him as a long term replacement, but all of the buzz is positive so far.

Ryan Torain, RB, Denver
Torain is out for a few more months with an elbow injury, but Mike Shanahan kept raving about the rookie even after he was out. If the Broncos still keep him on the active roster, look for him to get a shot on their RB merry-go-round later this year. Look for him to get a chance in 2009 no matter his status for this year.

Chad Henne, QB, Miami
Henne has looked solid in preseason action, and he should be the Dolphins backup QB entering the regular season. In fact, head coach Tony Sparano has not yet ruled him out as the possible starter. Whatever happens he's off to a good start and clearly ahead of Josh McCown and John Beck.

Will Franklin, WR, Kansas City
It doesn't look like Franklin will beat Devard Darling to start on opening day, but don't be surprised if he overtakes Darling at some point in the season. He's shown good hands and courage over the middle of the field, which will serve him well in his opening day role as the slot receiver.

Andre Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
Caldwell is banged up with a sprained foot, and he's in danger of losing the early ground he opened up between him and rawer 2nd round pick Jerome Simpson early in camp. It's also troubling to see the oft-injured Caldwell already on crutches this early in his NFL career.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore
Flacco looked lost in his first preseason game, but improved in his second game. Still, he's not going to start early in the season, and maybe not even late in the season. It's clear that he's a project QB, an arm that the Ravens are trying to build a field general around.

Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Tennessee
Hawkins has shown surprising strength, and he's slowly starting to stand out in a muddled Titans WR corps after his long TD in the second preseason game.

Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants
Manningham has not done much other than watch practice, and there's even rumblings that he will end up on injured reserve. It can't help that Domenik Hixon had such a sensational game last week.

Xavier Adibi, LB, Houston
Adibi started out hot in OTAs, but cooled off later in camp. Still he should be replacing Morlon Greenwood by the end of next season at weak side linebacker.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia
Jackson caught seven passes vs. the Panthers, and he's shown good routes and good hands, but he still looks too small to be more than Roscoe Parrish in the NFL.

Jacob Hester, RB, San Diego
Hester has converted the goal line carries he's gotten, and he should have the better fantasy part of a committee with Darren Sproles if LT goes down this year.

Brandon Flowers, CB, Kansas City
Flowers will start from day one, and he's shown great aggressiveness as a tackler and in coverage. He should be a very good IDP corner this year under the "pick on the rookie" theory.

Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle
Forsett is the second leading rusher in the preseason, and he's shown that great low center of gravity and burst we saw at Cal and the Senior Bowl. He's looking like a good bet to make the final roster, and with no clear feature back in front of him, he could get an opportunity to carry the ball in his rookie season.

John Carlson, TE, Seattle
Carlson had three penalties in the second preseason game, and while he'll be a tough customer over the middle who could start as a rookie, it's out of necessity more than Carlson lighting up training camp with big plays. He'll be a pedestrian option at fantasy TE a la Jeff King.

Dan Connor, LB, Carolina
Connor had a good NFL debut vs. the Colts, with six tackles, but he's buried on the depth chart, and the only opportunity in that LB corps over the next few years will likely be at SLB.

Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas
Choice looked like the tough inside runner with an engine that never quits, but like Felix Jones, he won't get a shot to play a big role without a catastrophic injury to Marion Barber.

Vernon Gholston, OLB, New York Jets
Gholston's transition to LB has been slow, don't expect much from him in year one. He's only worth drafting in sack heavy leagues, but he does have a ton of physical ability.

Paul Hubbard, WR, Cleveland
Hubbard has made an impact on special teams, and he's also turned heads with his speed and quickness in a long, lean frame. He's going to make the team and continue to get playing time in the preseason with so many injuries above him on the depth chart at WR.

Shawn Crable, LB, New England
How does a guy big enough to play defensive end look natural making an INT 20 yards downfield. That's the Pats for you. They will get the most out of Crable, look for him to be an ILB/OLB/pass rusher in this defense in the future.

Jalen Parmele, RB, Miami
The rumors that the Dolphins are not attached to Ronnie Brown could open up long term opportunity for Parmele, but first he has to beat out Patrick Cobbs for the #3 RB spot. He's been up and down as a receiver out of the backfield, and showed the ability to push the pile in preseason action.

Philip Wheeler, LB, Indianapolis
Wheeler has missed most of training camp after having surgery to clean up a knee problem that lingered from his college days at Georgia Tech.

Beau Bell, LB, Cleveland
Bell also underwent knee surgery, costing him most of training camp. He's a candidate for injured reserve because the Browns have three good ILBs

Derrick Harvey, DE, Jacksonville
Harvey is still not in training camp, holding out for a better rookie deal. Don't expect anything from him this year.

Tyrell Johnson, S, Minnesota
Johnson will be an opening day starter with the injury to Madieu Williams, and head coach Brad Childress had good things to say about the rookie, calling him a "quick study" with a very quick "see-to-do". He'll become a full time starter when Darren Sharper rides into the sunset.

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta
With Joe Horn's release, Douglas should be assured of a job as the slot receiver. He's had a great camp, one of the best of any rookie wideout, it's his size and likely permanent role in the slot that keeps him low on this list

Fred Davis, TE, Washington
Davis has struggled with drops, but he's also showed good athleticism. He'll add an extra pass catching threat in two tight end sets, but Chris Cooley ain't going anywhere any time soon.

Jerome Felton, FB, Detroit
Felton will be one of the few rookies to start on opening day now that Jon Bradley has been released. He's been a wunderkind picking up the offense, and I still have a sneaking suspicion that the Lions will give him a look in short yardage situations.

Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo
Steve Johnson has continued to get raves in Bills training camp, and he should have no problem making the opening day roster. Johnson has lined up at all the WR positions in the Buffalo offense, which means he should get on the field if any of the top three wideouts go down with an injury.

Mike Hart, RB, Indianapolis
Hart has separated from Kenton Keith and now has his sights set on Dominic Rhodes and the backup job. He's averaging over 10 yards a carry, and Hart should make the team.

Aqib Talib, CB, Tampa Bay
Talib will be the nickel corner this year, and Ronde Barber only has one or two starter quality years left - he's definitely worth stashing in leagues with taxi squads.

DaJuan Morgan, S, Kansas City
After some early word that Morgan might be pushing Bernard Pollard to start in his rookie campaign, the buzz around Morgan has cooled. Still, some insist that Morgan will start before the season is over, so it's a good idea to take Morgan if you are counting on Pollard.

Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City
Dorsey could become the premier fantasy DT eventually, and it helps that another man-mountain, 2007 draft choice Tank Tyler, is also emerging as the player who will be Dorsey's partner in crime. I am a little worried that the Chiefs will employ Dorsey to tie up double teams at the point of attack, but he's good enough to get his in any scenario.

Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis
Tamme caught two touchdowns from college teammate Jared Lorenzen in the Colts second preseason tilt, and some are calling him the "next Dallas Clark", but he'll need to learn to block if he wants to get on the field.

Thomas Brown, RB, Atlanta
Brown is battling Jason Snelling to be the #3 RB in Atlanta after a very good training camp. If the Falcons try to put him on the practice squad, I expect another team to scoop him up.

Martin Rucker, TE, Cleveland
Rucker was looking good as a receiving TE before hurting his knee. He'll be out until late September, meaning his impact likely won't come until 2009. He's still a solid handcuff to Kellen Winslow, in case the soldier's many surgeries catch up to him.

Adrian Arrington, WR, New Orleans
Arrington was having a nice camp until turf toe struck. Robert Meachem is resurgent after a lost rookie campaign, and for now it looks like Arrington is headed to the practice squad, but he could be destined for bigger things after Devery Henderson is likely gone next year.

Brad Cottam, TE, Kansas City
Cottam has shown that surprising speed for a massive tight end. He'll back up Tony Gonzalez this year, and could get a shot to start in 2010.

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay
Finley has a shot to be the #2 TE in Green Bay because of Tory Humphrey's injuries, but the Packers ask a lot of their tight ends, so he could also be submarined by a late pick after final cuts. Mike McCarthy said Finley has "huge upside"

Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis
Garcon has done well as a return man in Colts camp. He's a smooth athlete and he hasn't seemed to be in over his head at his first camp. Tony Dungy even called him out for adjusting to the NFL faster than anyone expected.

Davone Bess, WR, Miami
Bess has played himself into the slot wide receiver position in Miami. He's built more like a running back, and should do damage after the catch, but like Harry Douglas, it's hard to ever see him as more than a slot receiver.

Dennis Dixon, QB, Pittsburgh
Dixon electrified the crowd in Toronto with his 47 yard TD run on 4th and 1 vs. the Bills. He won't see action in his rookie year, and he won't become the long term starter for the Steelers, but you have to keep tabs on any NFL QB with Dixon's running ability in dynasty leagues.

Xavier Omon, RB, Buffalo
Omon is embroiled in a battle with Dwayne Wright for the #3 RB job. He looked good gaining 44 yards on 10 carries trying to milk the clock against the Steelers, and you should not write him off if he gets cut, he'll land on a practice squad somewhere.

Quentin Groves, DE, Jacksonville
Groves has had a big opportunity to make an impact with fellow rookie Derrick Harvey holding out, but his conditioning has been disappointing, and he'll likely only be a factor on special teams this year, as he was overwhelmed as a starter in the second preseason game.

Charles Godfrey, S, Carolina
Godfrey has made plays with the first team defense, and he's challenging to start as a rookie, but it's hard to see him making a big splash in the fantasy pool as a free safety. He's worth more in deep 16 team leagues.

Marcus Monk, WR, Chicago
After a good start in OTAs, Monk has failed to stand out in training camp. He's destined for a practice squad, but is still worth tracking because of his intriguing combination of a 6'6" frame and good speed and agility.

Leodis McKelvin, CB, Buffalo
McKelvin showed some ridiculous speed and moves on his kick return for a touchdown. He'll start eventually, and probably even be a top 40 fantasy corner, but like Talib, he's only worth carrying if he only costs you a taxi squad spot.

Dexter Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay
Jackson caught his first pass in the NFL in the second preseason game, and he's getting more reps as a wide receiver in practice with Joey Galloway ailing. He's been very upbeat about his future at the position, but he's still a project at WR with limited upside because of his small frame.

Kevin O'Connell, QB, New England
O'Connell has looked better than Matt Cassel, leading the team to two touchdowns, but he has also struggled and looked like a rookie at times. He should make the team as a third quarterback unless Cassel really picks it up in the last two preseason games.

Caleb Hanie, QB, Chicago
Why not Hanie? Rex Grossman looks as scared as ever, and Hanie threw a game tying TD pass on 4th down, certainly a sign that he can handle pressure. He's underwhelming, but so is Kyle Orton.

Marcus Smith, WR, Baltimore
Smith has had an erratic camp, and he's been outplayed by less heralded Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright at times. He's shown good agility for a thick former RB turned WR, but he's not assured of a roster spot yet.

Anthony Alridge, RB, Denver
Don't get your Denver RB hopes up too much for Alridge, his game is more Dante Hall than Selvin Young. Still, the injury to Ryan Torain could get him on the opening day roster.

Bryan Kehl, LB, New York Giants
Kehl has shown great poise and confidence for a rookie, and he should be a top backup LB for the Giants this year. I expect him to start at WLB eventually for the Giants, and he's athletic enough to be an every-down LB.

Sedrick Ellis, DT, New Orleans
Hollis Thomas could be out for two months with an arm injury, which opens the door for Ellis to get significant snaps from day one. He got the start in the second preseason game.

John David Booty, QB, Minnesota
Booty has to beat out Brooks Bollinger to be the #3 QB in Minnesota, and his pick six to Derrick Martin in the preseason vs. the Ravens couldn't have helped that effort. He'll end up on a practice squad if he doesn't pick it up. Tarvaris Jackson's progress has taken the edge off of his chances of getting a look with the Vikes down the road.

Chauncey Washington, RB, Jacksonville
There's no way Washington will beat out Greg Jones to be the Jags #3 RB, but maybe he could still snag a roster spot since Jones also plays FB. He's gotten a good amount of carries with Fred Taylor resting, but he's also fumbled, never good for a rookie trying to make the team, and he's only averaging a little over two yards a carry.

Cory Boyd, RB, Tampa Bay
Boyd made it through to injured reserve after hurting his knee. Remember his name at this time next year, because the Bucs are far from settled at the RB position for the long haul.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Arizona
DRC has shown that blazing speed both in camp and on the field, but as expected, he needs a lot of polish before he can start for the Cardinals. He's been bothered by a sore ankle for the last week.

Justin Harper, WR, Baltimore
Picked in the 7th round, Harper has been doing better than 4th round pick Marcus Smith, and he's got a good chance of making the team as a 5th wide receiver, but he's probably athletically limited to being a big possession receiver in the pros.

Jason Jones, DT, Tennessee
Jones has been a beast in training camp, and he could be a surprise fantasy force as a DT if he gets a lot of snaps next to Albert Haynesworth. He also has DE-like agility.

Andre Woodson, QB, New York Giants
Woodson only threw one pass in the second preseason game, and admittedly, he's a project, but his size and athleticism makes him one worth watching over the next year or two.

Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas
Bennett is a great athlete, but he's had trouble picking up the offense and handling his assignments in training camp - as seen on "Hard Knocks".

Haruki Nakamura, S, Baltimore
Nakamura has shown top instincts and playmaking ability in camp, and he's passed higher draft pick Tom Zbikowski on the depth chart.

Dwight Lowery, CB, New York Jets
Lowery could be a sneaky pickup in dynasty leagues if he continues to play the way he has in the first two preseason games. Lowery has 12 tackles, a game-icing INT, and a punt return for touchdown. He might be threatening to start opposite Darrelle Revis sooner than anyone expected.

Joe Mays, LB, Philadelphia
Mays has been a huge bright spot in Eagles camp, and some see him as a future two down MLB a la Jeremiah Trotter with the thump his tackles pack, and his nose for the ball.

Bruce Davis, OLB, Pittsburgh
Davis has not been a standout at Steelers training camp, but he's a got a lot energy and a great closing burst. You could have said the same thing about Lawrence Timmons last year, and look where he's at now - so Davis is still one to track, especially in sack heavy leagues.

Marcus Thomas, RB, San Diego
Thomas has displayed the good hands and surprising shiftiness for a big back that we saw at the Shrine Game, but he's clearly fourth on the depth chart behind LT, Darren Sproles, and Jacob Hester. He could get stolen if the Chargers try to sneak him to the practice squad, so watch out if a team like the Texans claim him.

Mike Jenkins, CB, Dallas
Jenkins has mostly been getting beat in the preseason, but that doesn't make him that much different that Adam "don't call me Pac Man" Jones. He's got big upside, but if Jones returns to form, Jenkins path to a starting spot will be blocked for a long time.