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NFL DraftWatch: The Best Rookie Fantasy Football Picks For Week 9

NFL DraftWatch: The Best Rookie Fantasy Football Picks For Week 9

We do the research so you don't have to

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You sense this season is a real transitional season in the NFL. A passing of the torch seems to be happening with rookies stealing the headlines so far, whether it be Jerry Jones's youth culture revolution down in Dallas or various young Quarterback's providing good copy for the blogosphere and NFL analysts.

The Sherriff Payton Manning has exited stage left, Aaron Rodgers is struggling for consistent rhythm in Green Bay and as touched on previously, Tony Romo's crown in Texas looks poised to be handed over. Now, seemingly more than ever we need to focus on these prospects as they're quickly becoming lynchpins in certain rosters. In European-style 'Football' we eulogise over 'youth policy' and nowhere is it fostered and cultivated better than in the NFL and its draft process. Let's take a look at three rookie 'Draft Picks' to focus on in this week's DraftWatch...

1. Michael Thomas - New Orleans Saints

Thomas, a young Wide Receiver from California, was taken in the 2nd round by the Saints from Ohio State. He's been thrown into the swashbuckling Sean Payton-Drew Brees dominated offense down in 'Mardi Gras-land' and hasn't disappointed. The Saints are almost a showcase NFL-designed team. Awful on defense, awesome on offense.

Often their games develop into high-scoring, shootout-style contests with heavy points totals on both sides. It's what the NFL wants as the modern fanbase increasingly seem to turn their noses up at classic 'defensive' showdowns (see reaction to Seahawks vs. Cardinals).

CREDIT: PA Images

Thomas has been a borderline revelation at WR, slotting into the cast along with Brandon Cooks, Willie Snead and Coby Fleener. It's an all-star cast with varying skillsets that seem to mix for a nice flavour in the passing game. More often than not they've dazzled in games, pulling an inept defense out of many a mire.

It helps when Brees is slinging the ball but the frame of Thomas and his big hands have provided a reliable target. Currently he has three touchdowns and over 400 receiving yards. This week they play at San Francisco who are no great shakes in the secondary. I strongly fancy the Saints on the road in this one and Thomas just might have his best game to date.

2. Hunter Henry - San Diego Chargers

Hunter Henry is a great name, bettered only by Hunter S. Thompson and Hunter Hearst Helmsley - before he became Triple H. 'Double H' is a tight end plying his trade over at San Diego and another guy who came into this season slightly under the radar, going in the 2nd round of the draft yet again.

He's no longer under the radar, only a couple of weeks ago he starred in a 21-13 victory over at Denver. Henry is a beautifully smooth and patient route runner with the catalogue-type frame from what you would want from a TE.

Last few years with players like Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez and now Rob Gronkowksi gracing the position it seems trendier than ever. The way the short passing game has developed to form the foundation of most teams offense, finding game-changing pieces at the position are now a priority more than ever.

CREDIT: PA Images

Gronk can literally complete 30yard play after 30yard play such is his dominance. If Hunter Henry can be half the player Gronk is, he'd be some find. He's missed a couple of practices this week but I fancy if he makes the line-up come Sunday vs. the Titans, he could have a field day with the Linebacking Corps down in Tennessee. Keep a close eye on the 'Rivers to Henry' connection this Sunday.

3. Carson Wentz - Philadelphia Eagles

A more obvious one if you know your onions, Wentz has shook things up over at the 'City of Brotherly Love'. Ok, he wasn't born and raised in west Philadelphia but Carson Wentz looks like a passing prince at the moment.

Granted, his schemes are rarely complex but he's another guy that has been thrown in at the deep end and swam like Michael Phelps. With the 'King of the Butt Fumble' Mark Sanchez quickly jettisoned pre-season and Sam Bradford traded for future options to the Vikings, it was clear the Eagles senior management had an inkling they had a decent hand in Wentz. He hasn't disappointed showing poise, strength and intelligence under centre and in the pocket for the Eagles.

CREDIT: PA Images

His audibles are clever, his ball management has been largely excellent and the guy can take a hit. He's built nicely, not too big upstairs, relatively nimble and looks set to lead the Philadelphia franchise for some time. Many a shrewd judge are pinpointing Wentz as the sort of man to build a franchise around with many preferring him to the more 'Hollywood' Dak Prescott down in Dallas.

It's a sound call as he's looked sure footed despite the absence of reliable weapons at his disposal. Coming off a tough loss to the Cowboys, the Eagles now travel to the New York Giants and I predict their expensive defense and in/out pass rush might struggle to contain Carson Wentz. I fancy he bounces back this week with aplomb.

Words by: Jamie Morrall

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