Rookies to target in fantasy

The 2019 NFL Draft has been in the books for weeks but for a large portion of football fans, another important draft is right around the corner. Fantasy football drafts.

While dynasty league drafts always feature rookies, many first-year pros have made large impacts on fantasy leagues regardless of format.

The 2019 class features plenty of interesting options at the skill positions.

Here are some players to target throughout your draft.

Kyler Murray can be a steal if waiting on QB 

The first overall pick is going to be an ideal option for owners that choose to wait on quarterbacks.

Quarterbacks in fantasy are like running backs in real life. While they are important, a serviceable one can be found in all rounds of the draft.

They don't have to be elite signal-callers in real life to be good fantasy starters.

Bills QB Josh Allen was a top-four fantasy quarterback the final six weeks of the season thanks in large part to his eight rushing touchdowns.

Kyler Murray can be this year's version of Allen or even Ravens QB Lamar Jackson if not better.

In his only year as starting QB for Oklahoma, Murray ran for over 1,000 yards. Not to mention he is a much more advanced passer heading into the NFL compared to what Allen and Jackson were.

Investing an early pick in Josh Jacobs is a smart investment

Running backs go early and often. Particularly in keeper leagues, elite RBs are hard to come by without using top picks on the position.

Waiting for a round or two could force an owner to invest in runners stuck in committee backfields but Jacobs has the star potential that can be found late in the first or early in the second round.

Not only is he a do-it-all weapon as both a punishing runner and an explosive receiver (huge for PPR scoring), but landing with the Oakland Raiders will allow him to become a bell-cow back.

With the departure of Marshawn Lynch and the season-ending injury to Isaiah Crowell, the backfield is Jacobs.

Investing in the Alabama product is a smart short-term and long-term investment. We saw what a high-volume, versatile RB could provide in his rookie year with Barkley last season.

David Montgomery could be a nice consolation prize for missing on Jacobs 

For owners that prioritize WR early in the draft, Bears rookie RB David Montgomery is a safe option in the middle rounds.

With Jordan Howard now in Philadelphia, Montgomery will share the Chicago backfield with Tarik Cohen. While Cohen is still the RB to own with the Bears, Montgomery is a good bet to get a ton of work as the traditional first and second down back.

Expect a high floor for the third round pick who has proven production coming out of Iowa State.

Pair of Chiefs rookies could be late-round/UDFA gems

The Chiefs are going through a transition period at wide receiver and running back thanks to off the field issues with now Browns RB Kareem Hunt and WR Tyreek Hill.

That opens a window of opportunity for two rookies in WR Mecole Hardman and RB Darwin Thompson.

Hardman was taken in the second round most likely to replace Hill's deep threat ability if the Chiefs move on. While speed demons are always good for a couple of big games throughout the season, Hardman could be the feature WR for Patrick Mahomes in Andy Reid's pass-heavy offense.

When Kansas City is running the football, it wouldn't be surprising to see Darwin Thompson overtake Darrel Williams and Carlos Hyde.

Even as the 214th overall selection, the 5'8 RB could be a dangerous piece for Reid to deploy. At Utah State, Thompson was impossible to take down breaking 48 tackles and running for 765 yards after contact.

He is a dangerous receiver in open space too.

Follow Louie on Twitter @DiBiaseLOE