This article evaluates the top 5 picks from the 2010 NFL draft for quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions. We are evaluating their playing opportunities in 2010 and recommending where the player should be inducted in the average fantasy soccer league.

A lot of rookies come into the league every year and outside of RBs, very few make a big impact. Maximum Fantasy Sports has put its collective minds together and has ranked the top 5 fantasy football relevant rookies in the core skill positions and their projected draft round in standard 12-team fantasy football leagues.

Recipients have a chance to shine in the first year, but are usually very inconsistent and require a year or two of patience. But a lot of us play in deep keeper leagues, so we have to think about the future and the present. DO NOT hang your current season on a rookie QB. Even the great Peyton Manning had an average season. The pro game is much more complex and much faster than any team these fellas have played against or for in college. It still amazes me that they get drafted so high and paid so much money in the NFL before proving they can make the transition. I think it’s a huge stretch to imagine sans Bradford approaching the skill and success of Tom Brady, but the Rams decided he was worth more financially. Good luck justifying that to your accounting staff! Below is Maximum Fantasy Sports’ consensus rating for the current draftable NFL rookies.

Quarterbacks

• Sam Bradford (St. Louis): Bradford had a very forgetful 2009 as he was hit twice in the turf and suffered shoulder injuries. Unfortunately, Oklahoma’s OL may be better than St. Louis’. Bradford may be the only rookie QB in this class with a guaranteed starting position, but the Rams will pile the playbook with games on and you will be hard pressed to find a reason to start Bradford for a couple of years. It’s a final round pick at best.
• Jimmy Clausen (Carolina): Clausen gets the chance to start in Carolina. Should he do, he’ll have a leg up on Bradford on behalf of. Clausen could do well in Carolina if he stays humble as they have a nice RB duo and he’s coming off a pro style offensive at Notre Dame. Monitor the training camp and consider drafting Clausen in rounds 10-12 should he play well.
• Colt McCoy (Cleveland): Although McCoy fell a lot further in the draft than I would have guessed, he ended up in a nice position. Cleveland has very young players in the skills that he can easily connect with. With only INT-prone before him, he could wrestle the job this year and hold it for a very long time. I would consider putting him in keeper leagues in the final round.
• John Skelton (Arizona): I’ll admit I didn’t see Skelton play in college. My DirecTV College schedule has no Fordham games. Skelton finds itself in an enviable position in Arizona. He plays behind Matt Leinart and could throw Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. Leinart hasn’t been impressed with the opportunities he’s had since his time under the middle. It’s his job this year, but if he fails I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals gave Skelton a shot. Don’t design Skelton, but this is definitely a situation to watch out for this year.
• Tim Tebow (Denver): With Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn in front of him, he has no chance of playing for a few years and I’m not convinced he can do the job. Don’t design!

Running backs

• Ryan Mathews (San Diego): I love this kid as well as the Chargers fans. He’s big, strong, and quick for his size. San Diego needed a back force to complete and Mathews is that back. He’s the first rookie I’d watch. I would look at him late in the third round, but shouldn’t make it into the fourth round for long.
• Ben Tate (Houston): Steve Slaton was a goldmine for his owners …. in 2008. He fell off the map last year and raised a lot of doubts in Houston about his long-term credentials. They grabbed Tate at the end of the second round and give him the chance to be their franchise back. He has a chance to duplicate Slaton’s 2008 numbers and should be considered draftable in the fourth round.
• Jahvid Best (Detroit): If Kevin Smith can be productive in Detroit, Best certainly can. With Smith losing a knee injury, Best will get the kickoff. The only concern with Best ist that he’s had multiple concussions and will face bigger, stronger, tougher defenses in the NFL. Snap it in the 4th-5th Round.
• C.J. Spiller (Buffalo): Spiller electrifies on the field. He’s not an every-down-back, but he will carry 8-10 a game, catch some passes, and return kicks. If your league awards players for TDs on returns, Spiller will run into a round. However, I wouldn’t look in his direction until Rounds 7-8.