Fantasy football: Rookies worth a look

The 2014 season will forever be remembered as "The Year of the Rookie Wideout," with Odell Beckham, Jr. setting the pace.

Last year's freshman WR class also featured top-25 campaigns by Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin and Jordan Matthews, while Sammy Watkins and Jarvis Landry pitched in meaningfully to their fantasy owners.

So what does 2015 have in store? Are we about to witness another bumper crop of rookie wideouts, or will we return to normalcy? Let's examine the Class of 2015 and assess its members' likelihood of soaring during their inaugural seasons.

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams. Gurley is expected to miss some regular-season games while he fights back from the serious knee injury that derailed his final season at Georgia. He comes with risk but also superstar upside.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers. This rookie dazzled with his explosiveness in Wisconsin, but he's been criticized for his shaky pass-protection skills and bouts of fumblitis. Gordon is also expected to give way to Danny Woodhead on passing downs. Invest in him as a backup, not a week-to-week starter.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions. Hailed for his quickness, rather than blazing straight-line speed, Abdullah is expected to step into Reggie Bush's change-of-pace role behind Joique Bell.

Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders. His draft position pivots on how big a step you believe Derek Carr will take in his second year as Oakland's quarterback. Cooper has all-pro talent, but will it be squandered in the Raiders' perennially inept offense?

Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles. Selected with the 20th overall pick to replace free agent Jeremy Maclin, Agholor steps into a high-octane offense as arguably the most talented receiver on the Eagles' roster. How quickly he builds rapport with Sam Bradford, and whether the new quarterback can master Chip Kelly's system, are the big unknowns.

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers. Assuming he can put his maturity issues to rest, Winston has all the physical tools to be great in this league. But despite being blessed with two outstanding receivers, this rookie has at least a season of growing pains ahead.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans. Maybe next year. But given all the work that needs to be done with Tennessee's offense, probably not even next year.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars. He's expected to start the season in a crowded backfield committee, but Yeldon has the skills to emerge as the lead back.

Duke Johnson, RB, Browns. At best, he earns the starting job in Cleveland. At worst, his preseason hamstring injury lingers and he's relegated to spot duty behind Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons. He was once thought to be the heir apparent to Steven Jackson, but Coleman's progress has been disrupted by a bum hamstring.

DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins. After early June foot surgery, Parker is expected to miss the entire preseason and will need to work his way onto the field once he's healthy.

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Colts. He's a first-round talent with blazing speed, and he appears to be a lock for the third WR role in Indy. But barring injury to a starter, Dorsett's fantasy value will be limited to weekly boom-or-bust status.

Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens. Perriman has been hampered by a knee injury in camp and he isn't exactly joining a pass-happy offense.