Updated Rookie Rankings

With the preseason well underway, it’s time to take a moment to re-evaluate our rookie rankings for dynasty leagues.

With various injuries and breakout performers seemingly coming every day, much has changed in the past few weeks.

1. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
He’s done nothing so far to make us believe anybody else is worthy of the top spot on the board.

2. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
His injury was unfortunate, but not significant enough to move him down a dynasty draft board. His dominance in practice was obvious.

3. Jahvid Best, RB, DET
It’s apparent that Best is going to be a huge part of this offense. If he stays healthy, he could be a very good weapon for a long time.

4. CJ Spiller, RB, BUF
Spiller is going to get more reps here now that Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch are both hurt. His short term value has gone up significantly of late. There are still questions about just how he’ll be used long-term, though.

5. Sam Bradford, QB, STL
Bradford is doing everything right so far. His preseason debut wasn’t great, but he took a hit and got back up. That’s a victory in itself. He’s shown flashes of brilliance since signing his huge contract.

6. Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
He was arguably the hottest rookie going until his injury slowed him down. The Browns expect him back in the next couple of weeks. They also expect him to win the running back  job outright.

7. Mike Williams, WR, TB
He’s easily the biggest riser in the class. The Bucs have already inserted him in the starting lineup and every outlet covering them says he has star potential. We tend to agree.

8. Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
He was just starting to show some ability in practice when his foot injury acted up on him. His short-term promise isn’t great, but he has major long-term upside.

9. Golden Tate, WR, SEA
Reports from the Emerald City have been glowing so far. Without too much competition in front of him, Tate should get some significant time as early as this season.

10. Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
He’s the big target the Bengals have been looking for what seems to be a decade. It wouldn’t be ridiculous to take him in the late first round of rookie drafts.

11. Dexter McCluster, WR, KC
It’s obvious that he’s a playmaker. It’s also obvious the Chiefs realize that.

12. Arrelious Benn, WR, TB
Benn is dropping in rookie drafts pretty quickly, but owners shouldn’t give up on him. He’s starting to come on as of late.

13. Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
He was inserted into the starting lineup for the Panthers preseason opener and subsequently dropped a sure touchdown pass. He needs to work on his consistency, but the talent and opportunity is there.

14. Ben Tate, RB, HOU
The battle for the starting running back job in Houston is over after Tate’s season ending ankle injury. Dynasty owners should be disappointed, but a knee injury would have been worse for his long-term potential.

15. Anthony Dixon, RB, SF
Dixon’s preseason debut was great for his value. The retirement of Glen Coffee didn’t hurt, either.

16. Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN
He’s a much better prospect than some may think. While Minnesota isn’t the best spot for him, it could have been worse.

17. Jimmy Clausen, QB, CAR
It’s hard not to watch Clausen and feel like he has the “it” factor.

18. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, PIT
It’s hard to say what’s more inconsistent with Dwyer when you look at his practice performance and his average draft position. They’re both all over the place.

19. James Starks, RB, GB
He may be placed on injured reserve, which would obviously dampen his short term prospects. However, Starks is a great long-term project in dynasty league circles.

20. Jordan Shipley, WR, CIN
Shipley is another fast riser on draft boards. If you’re in a PPR league, Shipley could be fantasy gold quickly.

21. Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
22. Eric Decker, WR, DEN
23. Tim Tebow, QB, DEN
24. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT
25. Damian Williams, WR, TEN
26. Colt McCoy, QB, CLE
27. Mardy Gilyard, WR, STL
28. Joe McKnight, RB, NYJ
29. Jimmy Graham, TE, NO
30. Tony Moeaki, TE, KC
31. Armanti Edwards, WR, CAR
32. Taylor Price, WR, NE
33. Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
34. Deji Karim, RB, JAX
35. Andre Roberts, WR, ARI
36. Victor Cruz, WR, NYG
37. Kerry Meier, WR, ATL
38. Charles Scott, RB, PHI
39. LeGarrette Blount, RB, TEN
40. Carlton Mitchell, WR, CLE