The end of NFL Draft season is the beginning of fantasy football draft season. Keeper and dynasty leagues around the country are now gearing up to select the next class of stars and inevitable busts. Hopefully this group of running backs proves deeper than last year's weak overall crop.

Rotoworld has ranked all the rookies at each skill position based on where we'd select them in dynasty leagues. Remember this is projecting who has the best career – not the most value in 2008. I break it down by position first, then the top-40 overall.

Running Backs

1. Darren McFadden, Raiders
2. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers

Not an easy decision. I don't expect McFadden to be Adrian Peterson, but Oakland's effectiveness with their new zone-blocking scheme is a nice tiebreaker. Stewart will be higher than McFadden in the 2008 rankings, but McFadden is worth the gamble long-term.

3. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
4. Matt Forte, Bears

Forte landed in the best spot of any rookie back. He should be more valuable than Mendenhall over the next two years while Fast Willie Parker is still around. Despite my Tulane homerism and belief Forte will prove to be a great pick, dynasty leagues are about thinking long-term. Mendenhall has a better chance to be a top-ten back, even if it takes a few years.

5. Kevin Smith, Lions
6. Felix Jones, Cowboys
7. Chris Johnson, Titans
8. Ryan Torain, Broncos
9. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
10. Steve Slaton, Texans
11. Ray Rice, Ravens
12. Mike Hart, Colts

A lot of great complementary backs in this draft. Smith and Torrain have the best chances here to become primary runners, but they are riskier prospects. Smith's 450 carries are a concern for 2008. Eric Shelton and Brandon Jackson were drafted into great situations too.

13. Tashard Choice, Cowboys
14. Marcus Thomas, Chargers
15. Tim Hightower, Cardinals
16. Chauncey Washington, Jaguars
17. Thomas Brown, Falcons
18. Jacob Hester, Chargers
19. Jerome Felton, Lions

Thomas is an interesting flier as the next Michael Turner.

Quarterbacks

1. Matt Ryan, Falcons
2. Chad Henne, Dolphins
3. Joe Flacco, Ravens
4. Brian Brohm, Packers

Ryan and Brohm were taken almost 60 picks apart in the real draft, but there isn't a huge gap between these four in keeper leagues. Ryan may have the most talent and the longest leash, but it's tough to lift a franchise on your back. Brohm has the longest road to starting. But if he gets there, he'll be in a system made for quarterbacks that perfectly suits his skills. He looks like a great value pick for owners who can be patient.

5. John David Booty, Vikings
6. Kevin O' Connell, Patriots
7. Josh Johnson, Bucs
8. Andre Woodson, Giants
9. Colt Brennan, Redskins
10. Dennis Dixon, Steelers
11. Erik Ainge, Jets

Booty could have the quickest path to starting, but he doesn't project as a fantasy factor. O' Connell, Johnson, and Woodson have some long-term upside, but they have a year or two before they are backups.
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