Fantasy Rookie Report: NFL first year players impacted most in preseason

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Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson is an incredibly talented receiver and was one of the best route runners in the draft. He dominated in his junior year at LSU and his decision to forgo his senior season was justified when the Minnesota Vikings took him with the 22nd pick. This isn’t a Laquon Treadwell situation.

The Vikings didn’t make a mistake. But, according to The Athletic’s Chad Graff, Jefferson has been “the clear No. 3 option”. Dynasty managers shouldn’t be too concerned and it’s certainly not the time for alarm bells to be sounding, but anybody picking Jefferson was doing so with the optimism that he’d immediately challenge Adam Thielen as the team’s top receiver, rather than begin the season behind Bisi Johnson.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn

The hype for Ke’Shawn Vaughn reached its peak just before training camp started. Vaughn may not have been the most celebrated prospect, but he’s competing for playing time in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield devoid of star power. Landing on the COVID-19 list to begin camp wasn’t ideal, but there was still time to assert his claim to the starting job.

Things only went downhill from there, though. The LeSean McCoy signing and head coach Bruce Arians labeling Ronald Jones as “the guy” should make Vaughn managers nervous, although the fact that he’s likely to start the season as kick returner will at least give him the opportunity to showcase his skills.

AJ Dillon

When the Green Bay Packers followed up the questionable selection of quarterback Jordan Love by taking a running back in the second round, eyebrows were raised. It’s not that AJ Dillon isn’t a good player. He’s a physical marvel and deserves to be playing in the NFL. But running back was never a need for them and it looks as if they may be starting to realize that.

Aaron Jones is destined to be the lead back again after another impressive season and Jamaal Williams has been impressing coaches with his route running. The Packers invested enough in Dillon that they’ll want to see him touch the ball, but those expecting production out of the gate will be sorely disappointed.