The offensive rookies of the 2013 season have not exactly been over producing. Some have been ridden with injuries like Le'Veon Bell and Eddie Lacy. Some rookies are under performing like Montee Ball and Cordarrelle Patterson. Even the rookies on this list haven't been top of the line fantasy performers. But do not worry because there is a lot of season left to play and the rookie class of 2013 will make their mark. The top performers so far this year are as listed:
1. Giovani Bernard, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals
The rookie Bengals running back has been a big treat for fantasy owners who took a shot drafting him. Every game Bernard gets more touches over BenJarvus Green-Ellis and has proved he can catch passes and run away with the ball which makes him even more valuable in PPR leagues. He has become a solid flex starter and possible moved up to a RB2 position as long as he keeps up the good work.
2. Kenbrell Thompkins, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
The undrafted rookie receiver from Cincinnati has been the biggest surprise so far this year. He has been a huge asset for Tom Brady since Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski have been ailing with injuries early this season. Thompkins has three touchdown catches the past two weeks and is a big redzone threat for Brady. Even when Amendola and Gronk return, do not expect Thompkins to disappear. But if you don't have good depth in the wide receiver position I would strongly consider starting him before Brady's other receivers return.
3. E.J. Manuel, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Manuel was a big surprise in the draft being taken in the first round by the Buffalo Bills. He won the starting job and has not been too disappointing so far this year with five touchdowns and averages over 200 yards per game. He has some turnover problems with three picks and two fumbles but every rookie quarterback gets his bumps and bruises. I do not expect Manual to over perform at any time of the season but he is a very serviceable backup quarterback in any fantasy league.
Editor's Note: Due to torn LCL, Manuel will miss about six weeks
4. Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
Austin was the first receiver taken in this past NFL Draft. He gets plenty of targets, as he should, but does not get the yardage and touchdowns that us fantasy owners hoped for. He had a big game week two vs the Atlanta Falcons where he found the endzone twice. He hasn't done much since but in PPR leagues we are happy that Austin gets his receptions.
5. DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
Hopkins, like Austin, has been seeing plenty of targets which gets him receptions and decent yards. He has only one touchdown catch but it was a big one to help the overtime win for the Texans vs the Titans. Again, like Austin, he is more valuable in PPR leagues due to his receptions but can be a serviceable flex play for your team if other starters are on bye weeks.