Fantasy Football 2015: 10 rookies you want to draft

Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

7. RB Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

Melvin Gordon entered the 2015 NFL Draft as one of the highest rated running backs, and his 15th overall selection backs this up. Gordon was excellent in Wisconsin and will be looking to translate his skills into the NFL.

The reason he’s further down this list than you might expect is due to a slow start this offseason. He’s found it difficult to get going, and struggled in the Chargers’ opening preseason contest.

But he has plenty of upside and talent, so he’s worth taking around midway through your draft if he’s available.

Gordon isn’t considered a three-down back by many analysts at this point, but this doesn’t mean he can’t be a strong contributor on your team if taken low enough. He’s not worth taking too early, but is worth a gamble later on.

His slow start is no reason to panic though, as rookies can take a bit of time to get accustomed to the NFL. He’s too talented to stay down for long and I expect him to be the premier back in San Diego.

To win a fantasy championship, you’ll need to take a risk on a rookie at some point. Gordon is a safer bet than some of the others.

Next: No. 6