The Fantasy 413: Never too early to look ahead to NFL season

At least 4 quarterbacks available in the draft are likely to make an impact on the next level this season.

Because it’s never too early to begin building your football dynasty, we figured we’d take a quick look into what’s going on in the world of fantasy football. Seeing as there’s an NFL draft taking place, we’re going to give you a few draftees to keep your eye on. 

THE QBs

Geno Smith: Is he RGIII lite? We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves before Smith even takes a professional snap but Smith is a true student of the game skills that will translate well to the pro game. Accuracy, arm strength and leadership – add in a good combine and pro day – Smith looks to be ready to take his game to the next level.

Ryan Nassib: This year’s Ryan Tannehill, Nassib appears poised to take the next step. His overall physical skills won’t put up crazy stats, but what is between his ears just might. A natural leader with a high football IQ, he will make some fantasy owner glad he takes a chance on the former Syracuse signal-caller.

EJ Manuel: Talk about a true draft riser, after a strong combine and impressive interview Manuel is making all the right moves. Blessed with superb mobility and athleticism, Manuel could be ideal for the fantasy owner who has lusted over the Michael Vicks and Cam Newtons in recent history.

Matt Barkley: Another USC quarterback destined to be either a boom or bust in the NFL. Is Barkley a Carson Palmer or a Matt Sanchez? Or is he somewhere in between (Matt Cassell)? He doesn’t display exceptional physical skills but his background in a pro style offense should make his transition much easier. 

THE RBs

Eddie Lacy: Widely considered to be the top running back to enter the draft, Lacy will be the next impact Alabama RB to excel at the NFL level. Quick, powerful and elusive, Lacy can step right in and become a game changer.

Giovani Bernard: A home run threat anywhere on the field, Bernard projects to be a change of pace runner in the Darren Sproles mode. A nose for the end zone makes Bernard an irresistible selection as he found pay dirt in every game he played in 2012.

Johnathan Franklin: There’s a lot to like about Franklin’s all round game. After averaging 6 yards per carry and topping out at 1,734 yards in his senior season, the former UCLA Bruin is a polished runner who should start for an NFL club in 2013. ;

THE WRs

Tavon Austin: He’s considered to be too small by many scouts but we think Austin can be the next Desean Jackson. An electric playmaker with game changing skills, Austin’s 5-foot-9, 175-pound frame can make all the catches and then turn them into big plays.

Cordarrelle Patterson: A raw guy with a ton of upside. Translation: draft at your own risk. The junior college product’s resume isn’t awe-inspiring but if you’re a general manager who likes to take some risks, he could reward.

Robert Woods: The Southern Cal product wasn’t 100 percent healthy in ’12 but he still is the most prolific wideout in school history. Woods runs solid routes, has above average hands, and is a yards-after-catch machine. 

THE TE

Tyler Eifert: The consensus No. 1 tight end, Eifert can do it all. Combine great hands and the ability to make the tough catch. At 6-6, 250 pounds, this guy is going to be a potential nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs.

The Fantasy 413 column appears in The Republican and on MassLive each Saturday. The Republican’s fantasy guys can be reached at thefantasy413@gmail.com, Twitter @TheFantasy413 or through the Comments section below. 