It should come as no surprise that there is a stigma that comes with drafting rookies in fantasy football. Let’s face it — predicting which rookie will have an explosive inaugural campaign is similar to trying to predict the winner of American Idol after the first round of auditions. Most fantasy experts will advise you not to draft rookies if you can help it, but let’s throw all caution to the wind here. Owners in keeper leagues pride themselves on being able to pick the stud rookie who will turn into the cream of the crop, so why shouldn’t you be able to indulge in that pride as well? In fact, if you are in a large league with more than 12 teams, chances are you will have to keep a couple of first-year players on your roster. Here are the ones you should watch.

Kevin Smith

running back,

Detroit Lions

Smith proved that he could carry an entire offense and still be effective in his time at the University of Central Florida. Smith carried the ball 450 times in his final year of collegiate ball and now he is ready to carry the load for an NFL team. According to NFL.com, the Lions signed Rudi Johnson to be Smith’s backup on Monday. The Lions rely on a pass-heavy offense, but Smith has all the tools that can help balance the offense out.

Joe Flacco

quarterback,

Baltimore Ravens

NFL.com reports that Ravens coach John Harbaugh has named Flacco the starting quarterback. It was no secret that the team wasn’t pleased with the way that Kyle Boller had progressed, and Troy Smith is more likely a career backup than a viable option as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Ravens had faith enough to reach up and take Flacco in the middle of the first round in last April’s draft. He is the obvious choice to start with the skill set he has, which easily beats that of either of his competitors at the position. He will be a guy to watch as the season progresses.

James Hardy

wide receiver,

Buffalo Bills

When your two starting receivers don’t measure over six feet, it isn’t a bad decision to draft a 6-foot-5 rookie. That is exactly what Buffalo did when they drafted Hardy. He isn’t listed as a starter, but he could become second-year starting quarterback Trent Edwards’ best friend if wide receiver Lee Evans struggles as he did last year. Hardy could be a big target in the end zone for Edwards and may see his playing time increase the farther the Bills get into the red zone and the further the season goes on.

Jonathan Stewart

running back,

Carolina Panthers

Stewart had injury problems at the end of his career at the University of Oregon, but don’t let that scare you. He proved he was a strong, powerful back in his performances at the NFL combine before the draft. DeAngelo Williams tops the depth chart at running back for the Panthers right now, but he hasn’t had much more experience than Stewart in the NFL. Williams is more of an elusive back, but Stewart is a workhorse that could turn into a fantasy stud like the Arizona Cardinals’ Edgerrin James back in his prime. The two will likely share carries in the first weeks of the season, but don’t be surprised if Stewart eventually carries the load and takes over the starting spot.