Time to roll out another new feature.

Marc Budyach, a long-time member of the Haze fantasy football league and friend of mine (read more about Marc here), will be updating the progress of the 2008 NFL rookie class with this feature every Tuesday.

So for those of you in keeper or dynasty leagues with an ever-vigilant eye on the rookie pool, make sure to subscribe via RSS or via email to The Hazean to get these updates in your inbox every Tuesday.

For this week’s report, Marc walks through a few of the bigger names in this year’s rookie class after the jump. Consider it your orientation.

1.  Darren McFadden RB, Oakland Raiders: McFadden should be able to step in right away and take the starting job away from Justin Fargas.  His draft value will be high after seeing what Adrian Peterson did last year.

Redraft Prediction:  2nd round.

2.  Matt Forte RB, Chicago Bears: I liked Forte coming into the off-season because of his versatility.  Now that Benson is gone Forte should be the No. 1 running back in Chicago.  His draft status is rising, but cannot really be determined until we find out if the Bears are gonna bring in a veteran running back like Kevin Jones or Shaun Alexander.

Redraft Prediction: TBD

3.  Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons: Ryan has been dubbed the quarterback of the future in Atlanta.  I do not foresee the Falcons waiting long to give him the starting gig.  He will probably be starting from day one and could be a good quarterback to draft in a dynasty or keeper league.  I do not think he is draft worthy in redraft leagues.

Redraft Prediction: Not drafted.

4. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers: Stewart is a bruising back that will push DeAngelo Williams for the starting spot from the start of training camp.  The Panthers love to run first and if inside the 10-yard line look for Stewart to get most of the opportunities to score.  Draft him higher in keeper leagues and touchdown-only leagues.

Redraft Prediction:  5th round.

5. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: I know the Steelers already have Willie Parker, but I love Mendenhall.  Mendenhall will slowly steal carries from Parker throughout the season.   Keeper and dynasty leagues players should not be surprised if Mendenhall is the new starting running back by next season.  He could pay huge dividends in a few years.

Redraft Prediction: 7th round.

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