Rookie seasons in the NFL can go a number of different ways. Some players pick up the speed of the game quickly, for others it takes time. Cam Newton showed that rookie QB's could in fact come in and take the league by storm. While he was the most impressive rookie of the year, the 2011 Draft Class was not short on valuable Dynasty talent that did not yet have a chance to show their full potential on the field. Some rookies did not play as much as expected or got injured and missed time, but it's too soon in their careers to pass judgement after one underproductive season. The following prospects get an Incomplete for 2011 and we'll be monitoring their development closely this summer.



Jake Locker looked the part of franchise QB in limited duty this season. He'll open the summer in a battle with Matt Hasselbeck for the starting job, but we expect his talent and upside to eventually win out during the regular season.

After quickly realizing that Donovan McNabb had nothing left in the tank, Christian Ponder was at the helm of the Vikings ship. He saw action in 11 games, throwing 13 TD's/13 INT's. He has QB2 upside moving forward, but needs to convince the Vikings front office in 2012 or the pressure will be on. 2nd year raw prospect Joe Webb is also waiting in the wings.

TJ Yates was pressed into duty with season-ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. He showed solid poise for a 3rd string rookie and he'll enter 2012 as a must-have handcuff for Schaub owners.

Jacquizz Rodgers has the profile of a high upside change of pace back. He's small, runs low to the ground and packs a nice punch with his rushing style. He only received 78 touches as Michael Turner's handcuff, competing with Jason Snelling. 2012 should find him worked into the gameplan more and although his upside is that of a Flex player, he's worth watching closely.

Stevan Ridley flashed major ability at times for the Patriots, but also found himself with inconsistent playing time. He averaged 5.1 a carry and has the skillset to be a valuable RB2/3 in future seasons. 2012 could be a lucrative one for him if Benjarvus Green-Ellis and his pedestrian talent leave through free agency. He'll also need to fend off fellow 2011 Draftee Shane Vereen.

Delone Carter was billed by some as an instant impact talent, given the mediocrity of Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. Much like the entire season for the Colts, though, things did not go according to plan. In reality, Carter's skillset is slightly above average, but the emergence of Brown limited his touches as a rookie. He's a long term committee type but could see increased opportunities in the next couple seasons.

Evan Royster played 2nd fiddle to another exciting Redskins rookie RB, Roy Helu for much of the season. He only played in 6 games and didn't score a TD, but showed enough through the air and on the ground to factor in the team's plans moving forward. With Shanahan at the helm, you really never know.

Mikel LeShoure gets a medical redshirt, but he is one to watch in 2012 with only an injured Jahvid Best and average Kevin Smith standing in his way.

Ryan Williams had upside to be a solid flex player in 2011, but he also gets a medical redshirt for his patellar tendon tear. He needs to get back to full health, but could compete with Beanie Wells for carries next season and even push him for the featured role.

Randall Cobb flashed playmaking ability from Week 1 and has the makings of an explosive WR2 in future seasons, but he is caught in a numbers game at the moment. Patience will be required, but the upside is worth it.

Jonathan Baldwin started his NFL career by getting beat up by Thomas Jones and injuring his wrist, causing him to miss the first 5 weeks of the season. When on the field, he profiles as a physically dominating receiver who could be a touchdown machine. That could be as soon as 2012.

It took Leonard Hankerson 7 games to get on the field, but he was worth the wait...for the 4 weeks he was healthy.  He saw extensive playing time in Weeks 9 and 10, going for 12 catches and 140 yards, along with a 2 point conversion. He was injured in Week 10 after going for over 100 yards and placed on IR shortly thereafter. With a real QB in Washington, he could have major upside for 2012 and beyond.

Vincent Brown flashed his ball skills in limited 2011 opportunities. He showed a strong rapport with Philip Rivers and with Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates aging and Vincent Jackson possibly moving on, he might find himself pressed into more duty this year. He profiles as a fantasy WR3 with his precise route running and excellent hands.

Kyle Rudolph has TE1 upside and could find himself in a lucrative situation within the next few years. He has the size, deceptive speed and hands to be a force.

Lance Kendricks entered his rookie year with some deep league fantasy fanfare, but ended it with just 28 catches, 352 yards and no TD's. With a full training camp, Kendricks could be in line for a nice statistical bump in 2012.

A few other notable prospects that got very limited to no field time in 2011, but are worth a deep Dynasty stash: Colin Kaepernick, Ricky Stanzi, Ryan Mallet, Taiwan Jones, Alex Green, Da'Rel Scott, Johnny White, Bilal Powell, Clyde Gates, Cecil Shorts, Niles Paul, Jerrel Jernigan, Jeremy Kerley, Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Cameron and Julius Thomas.