Fantasy football players rarely pay much attention to National Football League rookies during their fantasy football drafts. You see, rookies aren’t usually worth much to fantasy teams. It takes most rookies a year or two, or in many cases as long as three or four, to fully acclimate to the NFL. Consequently, competitive fantasy football people often avoid them.

This year may be different. More NFL rookies are likely to appear on fantasy rosters than in the past decade, because this draft is rich with impact players. That’s right, rookies who can actually play this year and contribute to fantasy football rosters, some even starting. I see at least seven players selected in the first round of the NFL draft who can start on fantasy teams, depending on how many teams are in your league. Obviously, the smaller leagues (8-team and 10-team leagues) will be too rich in veteran talent to have rookies as starters. Below is an assessment of these players and others to watch out for as you prepare for your fantasy draft. Keep in mind that quarterbacks are left out as they won’t contribute much even if they start.

The seven NFL first-rounders to target are: Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Carnell Williams, Troy Williamson, Mike Williams, and Mark Clayton. Brown, Benson and Williams are potential starters in any fantasy league. In one of the best running back classes in recent memory, these guys will enter their rookie seasons as standout running backs for Miami, Chicago and Tampa Bay, respectively. These teams have shown that with the right guy running the mail, they can all produce fantasy stars.

Although not the best player, Benson is probably the best pick of all the rookies, in terms of fantasy football value. He’s a no-brainer in basic scoring leagues. He’ll be the starter from day one, and some pundits have called him the best goal-line running back to come out of college. If he’s healthy, Benson could easily rush for 12 or more touchdowns in his inaugural NFL season.

Edwards is an immediate starter for the Browns, and this guy is a real stud. Although he can start in some fantasy football leagues, you’ll want to have him later, as Cleveland is a team that hasn’t shown much in recent years. Edwards is a steal, if you can get him in later rounds. Then, let it rest for a few weeks and watch the production of it. The same goes for Williams, taken by Detroit, and Clayton, selected by Baltimore. Both receivers are likely to start for their new teams, but a wait-and-see attitude is indicated as both teams are on weak passing offenses, though the sky is the limit for the Lions who have selected a wide receiver with their first selection. in each of the past three seasons.

Aside from these seven, there are several players taken after the first round of the NFL draft that are worth drafting to fantasy football teams. Most notable is JJ Arrington, taken at number 12 in the second round by Arizona. Dennis Green loves this guy and hinted on draft day that Arrington will be his backup. This guy is a compact running back and has a nose for the end zone. One characteristic of an improving Cardinals team could be a great scorer for fantasy teams.

The easiest steal in your fantasy football draft will be Ryan Moats, taken in the third round by Philadelphia. Moats, a smallish running back from Louisiana Tech, could surprise an Eagles team that needs a star at the position. While he’s likely to be relegated to special teams and using third downs early on, he’ll keep an eye out for him to emerge, especially if someone gets hurt. He’s a fast runner and a true workhorse, despite his 5-8, 210-pound frame. A mind-blowing senior season saw him record 288 carries for 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 1,890 all-purpose yards set a school record, as he proved he can catch the ball with almost as much acumen. With a 6.4 run per carry average and 28 TDs, Moats is definitely worth watching. Take this hard worker in the later rounds of your draft and wait for his turn to come. If the stars align in Philly, you might get your fantasy football draft stolen.

Here are a few other notables you might want to watch for a late pick or free agency signing as the season progresses:

1 Heath Miller, TE taken by Pittsburgh: He’d be ranked higher, because he’s probably a starter, but tight ends are always a big question mark. If you’re in a fantasy league that requires you to take a tight end, Miller is a good choice.

2 Vernand Morency, RB selected by Houston: Watch for an injury to Domanick Davis and catch Morency the moment it happens.

3 Maurice Clarett, RB taken by Denver: They love him and would like to see him prove all the critics wrong. He will have the opportunity to play.

4 Matt Jones, WR drafted by Jacksonville: Many feel the former QB is the best athlete in the NFL draft. At 6-6 with 4-5 speed and good hands, who knows?

5 Roddy White, WR taken by Atlanta in the first round. Very fast and underrated. The Falcons saw little of Michael Jenkins last season, so keep a close eye on White.

6 Chris Henry, WR taken by Cincinnati. Very big and fast. Could be a factor around the goal line in three and four receiver sets.

7 Reggie Brown, WR selected by Philadelphia. The Eagles have a few question marks at the position, one of which is the bizarre antics of Terrell Owens.

8 Ciatrick Fason, RB taken by Minnesota. With the running back so restless, Fason could emerge as a starter. Look at this one very closely.