NFC Rookie Wrap-Up: Part Three

During the season, the weekly Rookie Focus installment followed the progress of the 2012 rookie class as they attempted to carve out roles for themselves on their respective teams.  The Rookie Wrap-Up will summarize the progress made for these players over the course of the season and determine where they stand entering the 2013 off-season.  Team members entering free agency, the current competition and depth chart layout and any public future plans will factor into their outlook in addition to their play throughout the season.

The quarterbacks of the 2012 rookie class were covered in great detail in A New Class of Quarterback, so I will focus on the other offensive positional players.  If a player wasn’t a factor during the 2012 campaign, it’s quite possible they are one of my stashes. Without further ado, here is the Rookie Wrap-Up for the NFC North and NFC South.

Editor’s Note: We covered all the other divisions earlier in the month and you can find them here.  The lead editor almost forgot to add these last few, so think of this as a quick bonus article today!

NFC North

Alshon Jeffery, WR CHI

During the 2012 season it was hard to get a good sense of what Jeffery is capable of in the Bears’ offense.  He had back-to-back injuries mid-season keeping him sidelined for six full games.  Brandon Marshall was the only fantasy option on the Bears on any given week, but Jeffery is still a big target for quarterback Jay Culter.  The 2013 season could be a big step for Jeffery as he remains the wide receiver two for a quarterback who isn’t afraid to toss it up.  Cutler has yet to prove that he can support any fantasy options beyond Marshall, but Jeffery has a legitimate opportunity going forward.

Ryan Broyles, WR DET

After Broyles sustained an ACL tear ending his college career, the Lions were cautious with his return, and thus his integration into the offense was slow.  By mid-season, he really started to pick things up and broke out with some huge games, only to tear his other ACL in week thirteen.  It’s a tough break, but for dynasty players this could be an excellent opportunity to buy low.  The good news is that the injury was sustained in the opposite leg, and chances of re-injury are pretty low.  The Lions offense and quarterback Matthew Stafford can definitely support multiple fantasy options.  Broyles is a determined player and I wouldn’t bet against him returning to full form.

Jarret Boykin, WR GB

There’s a lot of speculation that important receiving options might be packing their bags and heading out of Green Bay this off-season.  We will have to wait and see, but there is the potential for some big roles to open up in this powerhouse offense.  There is plenty of depth at the receiver position for the Packers, but Boykin would at least move up the depth chart and have the chance to earn a little playing time.  He is still a late flier, but this offense has been known to put up some big numbers and support a host of fantasy candidates.

NFC South

Doug Martin, RB TB

Coming into the 2012 season, there were some questions surrounding Doug Martin’s usage with the looming threat of incumbent LeGarrette Blount.  Those questions were quickly answered and there was no looking back.  Martin finished his rookie season with 1,454 rushing yards on 319 attempts.  Martin handled all of the goal line situations once his role was established and finished with 12 total touchdowns – he’s a first round lock in dynasty start-ups and obviously has an enormous future.

Joe Adams, WR CAR

At the start of the season, Adams was immediately used as the primary kick and punt returner for the Panthers.  After three fumbles in consecutive games to open the season, he was subsequently benched and left inactive for most of the season.  Following some injuries, he made his way back onto the active roster and handled some punt returns, but he never showed the dynamic playmaking skills for which he was drafted.  He has a lot to prove before he develops any type of consistent role in the NFL.  He will have to work hard next year just to get his return role back and prove he can hang onto the football.  Adams is a long shot regardless of the format.

NOW we’ve covered all the rookies from 2012!