Back in early January, I posted my initial run of 2016 fantasy football rankings.
However, there is a key demographic of the NFL missing from those rankings: incoming rookies.
Since we don't know which teams they will play for, we can't lump them in with the veterans just yet. So for those of you who want to look deeper than my top 25 rookies overall, I've broken them down by position as well.
NOTE: Each player's overall rank among rookies appears before his name.
Top fantasy rookie wide receivers
1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Treadwell stands out as the top wide receiver in this class and, not unlike Amari Cooper last season, he will slide right into an every-down role as a rookie. Treadwell is big (6-2/221), strong, has long arms and is already a competent blocker. He's not a burner, but will dominate in the intermediate areas with his body control, playmaking ability and post-catch production. He might not have quite the ceiling, but in terms of style, think Dez Bryant and DeAndre Hopkins. Treadwell doesn't turn 21 until June, so there's a ton of room for growth here.
3. Corey Coleman, Baylor
One of the fastest incoming wide receivers, Coleman will be on the radar of teams looking for an explosive offensive playmaker. He averaged 18.4 yards per reception and caught an FBS-high 20 touchdowns (the next closest had 17) at Baylor in 2015. Standing 5-11/194, Coleman is on the small size, which, despite his collegiate success, may cost him scoring opportunities at the NFL level, especially if he doesn't land in a quality passing offense. Of course, as we've seen from players with similar builds and skill sets -- think Emmanuel Sanders and Steve Smith Sr. -- high-end fantasy production is attainable. Coleman will need to cut down on drops and improve his route running, but his big-play ability and inevitable contributions as a rusher and especially as a returner will guarantee him a hefty role right out of the gate.
4. Josh Doctson, TCU
Doctson is on the lean side at 6-2, 202 pounds, but there aren't many receivers in this draft who can match his athleticism and play-making ability. Doctson ranked out well in nearly every combine event, including top-end performances in the vertical and broad jumps, and the short shuttle. He doesn't have game-breaking wheels, but sports excellent hands and only a few incoming rookie wideouts can match his ball skills and jump-ball ability. Doctson will see plenty of deep balls on perimeter routes and will certainly be busy near the goal line at the pro level. His measurables and skill set remind me of Allen Hurns, but he's also been compared to Justin Hunter and DeAndre Hopkins. Doctson is best served as a secondary target in a similar role to the one Hurns has enjoyed a ton of success in Jacksonville, but he does enjoy a high ceiling. Doctson's 120.6 receiving yards per game were second-most in FBS in 2015.
5. Michael Thomas, Ohio State
A well-rounded, NFL-ready prospect, Thomas has good ball skills and big-play ability. About an inch taller than top-rated Treadwell, Thomas' 6-3/212 frame will generate plenty of targets near the goal line at the pro level. Not quite speedy enough to take the top off defenses (4.57 40-yard dash), a majority of Thomas' damage figures to come in the intermediate and screen game, not unlike the role Demaryius Thomas thrived in with Peyton Manning in Denver. Also a good blocker, run-first teams in need of a starting perimeter receiver figure to give him a long look in the second round.
6. Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Sans high-end speed and standing 5-10, 194 pounds with short arms, Shepard's height/weight/speed combo are going to turn off some scouts, but he more than makes up for it with great hands, quickness and excellent route running. Considering that three wide receivers are on the field for 70 percent of pass plays these days, Shepard's skill set will certainly lead to a significant offensive role as a possession receiver. Per Pro Football Focus, Shepard lined up in the slot on 71 percent of his snaps at Oklahoma last season. Shepard has drawn comparisons to Randall Cobb and Antonio Brown, and he certainly has that upside, but he very well could be destined for a role similar to that of Kendall Wright or Julian Edelman. Shepard didn't show well in the speed drills at the combine, but he dominated in the bench press and vertical jump. The versatile Shepard will also contribute on punt returns.
7. Will Fuller, Notre Dame
Fuller's 4.32 40-yard dash was fastest among wide receivers who attended the combine, but his pedestrian performance in all other categories furthers concerns that he's a one-trick pony. Among the top incoming deep threats, Fuller has drawn comparisons to the likes of DeSean Jackson and John Brown. Considering his tiny frame (6-0, 186 pounds) and offensive role, the comps make sense, but that doesn't necessarily mean he sports the same ceiling. Fuller's hands need work (he led the FBS with 21 drops the past two years, per Pro Football Focus), and his ball skills are far from spectacular. Fuller's lean frame makes him a liability as a blocker and in press coverage. He obviously has some road blocks, but he plays tough for his size, which figures to lead him to a No. 2 gig at the NFL level. Of course, the floor here is that of a situational deep threat. Fuller's big-play ability puts him in play on Day 1 of April's draft.
8. Leonte Carroo, Rutgers
Carroo doesn't stand out in the size (6-0/211) or speed (4.50 40-yard dash) department, but he's a well-rounded receiver who can play on the perimeter and in the slot. He sports solid hands, is a good route runner and has excellent ball skills. Targeted deep quite often at Rutgers, Carroo averaged a massive 20.7 yards per reception in 2015. His game reminds me of DeAndre Hopkins and, although he's likely to settle in as a No. 2 receiver, there's plenty of upside here.
14. Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Originally a quarterback at Ohio State, Miller converted to wide receiver/H-Back late in his collegiate tenure. Considering that he has the early looks of a Day 2 pick, the conversion obviously went well. A lack of experience at the position makes him a raw prospect, especially as a route runner, but he proved explosive in this area at the Senior Bowl. Of course, any drawbacks are easily offset by his frame (6-1/201), elite athletic ability and speed. Miller underwhelmed in the 40-yard dash at the combine (4.50), but dominated in the agility drills, pacing the position in both the short and long shuttle. Miller struggled with fumbles and injuries (albeit many while at quarterback) at Ohio State, which will be another red flag for scouts. Considering his raw skills, the sky is the limit for Miller, but expect him to start out as a gadget player with most of his work coming on end arounds, screens and occasional deep shots. It's also worth noting that Miller turns 24 in May and is entering the league a bit older than his counterparts.
15. Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina
It's hard to watch this kid and not think of Randall Cobb. They're a similar build, play a comparable role, and are extremely explosive. Cooper stands at 5-foot-11, 203 pounds and will contribute as a receiver, ball carrier and impact punt returner at the pro level. His small frame won't allow a ton of work near the goal line, which will limit scoring opportunities, but his electric playmaking skills combined with some refined route running will lead to a long NFL career as a No. 2 target. Cooper averaged 8.0 yards after the catch last season, which is highest among wide receivers likely to be selected during the first half of April's draft.
19. Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh
One of this year's most-intriguing wild cards at the position, Boyd had a highly productive career at Pittsburgh, but was a letdown at the combine. At 6-foot-1, 197 pounds, Boyd could use some bulk, which may improve his blocking, but won't help his pedestrian speed (4.58 40 yard dash). He fumbled five times last season, which is the most among incoming wideouts. Boyd offsets some of his limitations with strong hands, route running and post-catch production. Having lined up in the backfield, out wide and in the slot, Boyd is a versatile player. A candidate for a role similar to that of free agent Mohamed Sanu, Boyd will spend most of his time at receiver, but figures to handle some carries, returns and maybe even throw a pass or two on a trick play. Boyd is likely to eventually emerge as an every-down receiver, but his versatility will make him valuable right out of the gate. His fantasy ceiling very well could be limited by a significant amount of work near the line of scrimmage and not quite enough near the goal line. Boyd's 2015 average depth of target (9.4) and yards-per-reception (10.2) marks rank on the extreme low end among wide receiver prospects.
20. Rashard Higgins, Colorado State
Identical to Boyd in nearly every measurable tracked the the combine, Higgins is a lean 6- foot-1, 196 pounds, and has the tools to produce at a high level in the pros. Higgins was absolutely dominant during his 2014 campaign at CSU, hauling in 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. He wasn't quite as productive this past season, but still put up 1,062 yards and scored eight times. Higgins has excellent hands, is a smooth route runner and can do damage with the ball in his hands. Despite a disappointing combine, Higgins has serious upside.
26. Kenny Lawler, California
Jared Goff's top target at Cal, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound Lawler is a highlight-reel machine, but his paper-thin frame is cause for some concern as he converts to the pro game. Lawler has long arms and big, solid hands, but doesn't offer much after the catch and isn't particularly fast (4.64 40-yard dash). He posted the shortest broad jump among wide receivers at the combine. Lawler projects as a possession/slot receiver, but will need to bulk up a bit.
27. Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia
Especially after his strong combine, teams eyeing a quality secondary receiver figure to give Mitchell a look in the middle rounds. He'll enter the league a bit older than his counterparts, as he turns 24 in July. Without much size (6-0/198) and solid but unspectacular in most areas, Mitchell's ability to play both outside and in the slot gives him the look of a versatile receiver at the pro level. Mitchell has solid hands and will contribute as a returner, but has work to do as a blocker. Mitchell's medical history, which includes a torn ACL, may scare some teams away. Mitchell has big mitts, ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and posted one of the longest broad jumps at the combine.
28. Charone Peake, Clemson
Peake has a few red flags that are sure to hurt his draft stock, but he's one of a few wide receivers in this class with No. 1 upside. He has good wheels (4.45 40-yard dash), long arms and a solid frame at 6-2 and 209 pounds. Peake is a productive deep threat, but has the ability to work in the short-to-intermediate range as well. On the negative side, he has already had two knee surgeries, his small hands have led to drops and he turns 24 in October. Despite the quick 40, Peake struggled in both the short and 60-yard shuttle.
33. Demarcus Robinson, Florida
Robinson is loaded with talent and has a high ceiling, but four suspensions while at Florida is a major red flag. If he's able to convince teams that his problems are a thing of the past, Robinson's plus acceleration and play-making ability will make him attractive in the middle rounds. The long-armed Robinson showed well at the combine, posting one of the better three-cone times. His hands are a question mark, but Robinson is only 21 and has the upside to be a productive deep threat at the pro level.
34. Roger Lewis, Bowling Green
Lewis enters the NFL after an absolutely dominant 2015 campaign. He finished second in the FBS with 1,544 receiving yards and was third with 16 receiving touchdowns. The high-end production is inflated by lesser competition, but Lewis was a top-end high school recruit prior to legal issues back in 2012. Not helping his cause was a poor combine showing, which included a position-worst eight bench press reps. The 6-foot, 201-pounder's route tree will need to be expanded, but he's one of the top incoming deep threats.
35. Marquez North, Tennessee
Still a bit of an unknown, but highly intriguing, North declared early for the draft despite a disappointing 74 receptions, 874 yards and five scores during three years at Tennessee. That included six receptions for 58 yards during an injury-plagued 2015 season. North's size (6-2/223), age (turns 21 in April) and blocking ability add to his intrigue, but his underwhelming collegiate production is a major concern. North helped his stock quite a bit at the combine, finishing in the upper percentile of the position in nearly every category. His big hands, long arms and strong bench press combined with 4.48 40-yard dash and 4.12 short shuttle adds up to a strong strength/speed/agility combo. North is a high-ceiling name to keep on your radar.
40. Cayleb Jones, Arizona
Standing 6-3, 209 pounds, Jones' strong hands and impressive leaping ability have provided him with dominant production on deep throws. Despite underwhelming top-end speed (4.65 40-yard dash), his wide frame and big-play ability supply him with some upside. Expect an NFL team to take a late-round flier.
41. Tajae Sharpe, UMass
Sharpe has taken some heat for his small hands (8.4 inches), but that didn't stop him from posting one of the nation's best drop rates last season. Per Pro Football Focus research, Sharpe dropped three (or 2.6 percent) of 114 catchable targets in 2015. Weighing in at 194 pounds despite standing 6-2, Sharpe will need to add some weight, but he was already a tough matchup while at UMass. Sharpe is big, athletic and a smooth route runner. His 111 receptions were three more than any FBS player last season. A disappointing combine won't help Sharpe's cause, but he was productive enough to attract a team on Day 3 of the draft.
42. Kolby Listenbee, TCU
Listenbee was a winner at the combine, posting a 4.35 40-yard dash, which trailed only Will Fuller for tops at the position. He also showed well in the vertical jump, bench press and especially the broad jump. Listenbee is on the small side at 6-foot, 197 pounds and his hands tied for smallest among receivers. A long-strider with elite speed and good ball skills, his 20.9 average depth of target last season was easily highest among this year's rookie class. Listenbee figures to find a home in the middle rounds of April's draft.
43. Devon Cajuste, Stanford
This time last year, Devin Funchess was the wide receiver prospect who seemed more like a tight end. This draft season, it's 6-4, 234-pound Cajuste, who has drawn comparisons to both Funchess and Rams tight end Lance Kendricks. Cajuste is obviously big, but has the toughness to go with the big frame. He lacks long speed (4.62 40-yard dash), but posted the best three-cone (6.49) at the position during February's combine. Cajuste has good hands, which isn't surprising when you consider that his mitts measured out as largest among receivers at the combine. Cajuste's stock is on the rise, but it's possible he never emerges into a conventional perimeter receiver, and instead a wide receiver/tight end/H-Back hybrid.
44. Keyarris Garrett, Tulsa
Paced the FBS with 1,588 receiving yards and averaged 122.2 per game in 2015. Poor route running and small hands are concerns, but his 6-3, 220-pound frame and 34.6-inch arms (largest among wide receivers at the combine) makes Garrett intriguing.
49. Chris Moore, Cincinnati
Quick, good hands and a quality route runner who will do his damage as a situational deep threat and possibly as a kick returner. Averaged 21.8 yards per reception last season. Terrific combine was highlighted by strong showings in the vertical and broad jumps, and the three-cone.
50. Ricardo Louis, Auburn
Primarily a wide receiver, but also chipped in with 29 carries in 2015. Hands are a concern and overall receiving ability is pedestrian. Projects as a "big slot" target at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. Helped his stock with the longest broad jump at the combine. Also showed well with a 4.43 40-yard dash, 18 bench press reps and a 38-inch vertical.
52. Trevor Davis, California
Raw and undersized at 6-1 and 188 pounds, but is an ex-long jumper and sprinter with excellent return ability. One of the biggest risers at the combine after showing well in nearly every category. That included a 4.42 40-yard dash, 6.60 three-cone, 10.94 60-yard shuttle and 38.5 vertical. Figures to land a gig as a situational offensive weapon and returner at the pro level.
53. Michael Thomas, Southern Miss
One of this season's most notable combine snubs. The "other" Michael Thomas doesn't have top-end speed or great hands. Productive 2015 campaign at Southern Miss, hauling in 71 receptions for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns. Averaged 19.6 yards per reception, 7.9 of which came after the catch. Aggressive, high-motor player who adds value as a kick returner. Likely to land a role as a depth receiver and special teamer.
54. Jalin Marshall, Ohio State
Complementary role in Ohio State's deep offense led to 36 receptions and two carries in 12 games in 2015. Brings speed, versatility and return ability to the table. Figures to find a home in the slot, especially after a strong combine.
55. Bralon Addison, Oregon
On the small side at 5-9, 197 pounds, but makes up for it with versatility and play-making ability. Speed and explosiveness will make him an asset as a situational target and punt returner, but offensive coordinators may have trouble finding an every-down role for him. Not a good blocker and his small frame is unlikely to allow much progress there. Has drawn comparisons to fellow former Oregon Duck Josh Huff.
56. Cody Core, Ole Miss
Strong receiver with good leaping ability, but not particularly athletic. Has pedestrian, albeit big, hands and needs polish as a route runner. Posted a healthy 4.47 40-yard dash. Likely headed for special teams.
57. De'Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State
Tallest wide receiver at the combine at 6-foot-5, and weighs in at 224 pounds. Massive specimen, but more finesse than physical and struggled badly at the combine. Posted the worst 40-yard dash (4.85) and vertical jump (28.0). Huge frame will appeal to teams in the mid-to-late rounds, but the long-strider has work to do in order to become a competent receiver. High-touchdown upside makes him worthy of a flier in rookie drafts.
58. Jordan Payton, UCLA
Posted a 4.47 40-yard dash at the combine, but isn't particularly quick and not a great athlete, which limits his ability to create separation. Caught a hefty 78 passes at UCLA in 2015.
59. Aaron Burbridge, Michigan State
Showed his strength with position-high 20 bench press reps at the combine, but showed poorly in every other category. Isn't particularly explosive or athletic, and without much size (6-0/206). Limitations figure to lead to a possession role at the NFL level, but he was effective when targeted deep at Michigan State. Low ceiling, but expect Burbridge to find a home on Day 3 of the draft.
60. Byron Marshall, Oregon
It's not often you come across a player who has a 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving season on his collegiate resume. Marshall pulled off the improbable feat, however, converting from running back to wide receiver following the 2013 season. At just 5-9 and 201 pounds, Marshall enters the NFL listed as a wide receiver, but like Dexter McCluster and De'Anthony Thomas, he figures to play a tweener role while also returning kicks. The versatility will make him more useful to his NFL team than he will be for fantasy owners.
65. Daniel Braverman, Western Michigan
Snubbed from the combine, but only Tajae Sharpe exceeded Braverman's 108 receptions in 2015 among FBS wide receivers. Undersized (5-10/180) possession receiver who has a future in the slot and as a returner. Average depth of target (5.3) was lowest and catch rate (76 percent) highest among wide receivers who could be drafted this year.
66. Paul McRoberts, SE Missouri State
Lack of a combine invite hurts, but McRoberts is 6-2, 205 pounds with long arms and big hands. He needs polish as a route runner and doesn't have top-end speed, but his frame and return ability are intriguing. His acrobatics and frame remind me of Brandon Lloyd.
73. Demarcus Ayers, Houston
The 5-9, 182-pound Ayers had a productive 2015 campaign at Houston, hauling in 98 passes for 1,222 yards and six scores. Used primarily as an underneath target, Ayers sported a miniscule 7.9 average depth of target and caught a strong 74 percent of balls thrown his direction. Expect similar usage at the pro level. Ayers projects as a depth slot receiver who chips in as a punt returner and via the occasional designed run.
74. Nelson Spruce, Colorado
Small and slow with short arms, but a terrific, tough slot receiver. Caught 89 passes for 1,053 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. Figures to carve out a Danny Amendola-like NFL role, which will limit scoring and big plays, but makes him an intriguing PPR sleeper.
75. Hunter Sharp, Utah State
Speedster who looks more like a running back than a wide receiver at 5-11, 198 pounds. Didn't impress at the combine, but showed well in the shuttle events. Didn't get a ton out of his targets in 2015 (as shown by his poor 11.8 yards per reception), but his versatility, wheels and return ability may attract an NFL team on Day 3.
76. Johnny Holton, Cincinnati
A 6-1, 190-pound finesse, perimeter receiver with good long speed reminiscent of Nate Washington. Needs work as a blocker and route runner, but, at the very minimum, figures to help a team as a situational deep threat and kick returner.
77. D.J. Foster, Arizona State
Initially a running back, but converted to slot receiver. Racked up 55 carries and 59 receptions at ASU in 2015, but struggled to catch the ball and convert the touches into much production. Posted a receiver-best 4.07 short shuttle at the combine.
83. Chris Brown, Notre Dame
Ex-track star who stands 6-2 and 194 pounds.
84. Alonzo Russell, Toledo
Intriguing specimen at 6-4, 206 pounds with big arms, but failed to emerge as a significant threat at Toledo. Caught 48 percent and dropped 14.3 percent of his targets in 2015, both of which were dead last among wide receivers who attended the combine. Performed poorly in nearly every combine drill.
85. D'haquille Williams, Auburn
A big target at 6-2, 229 pounds, but isn't a great athlete or run blocker. Has serious character concerns and will likely be limited to "big slot"/possession duties at the pro level. A disappointing combine likely means he won't be on many draft boards.
92. Mekale McKay, Cincinnati
Stands 6-4, 207 pounds and was used as a situational deep threat at Cincinnati (15.6 average depth of target). Hands are a concern and needs work as a route runner. Poor combine showing won't help his cause, but will be a post-up target near the goal line if he lands an NFL gig.
93. Geronimo Allison, Illinois
At 6-3, 196 pounds, he's at the extreme when it comes to "lean" receivers. Shows well as a blocker, but a lack of speed has limited downfield production. Caught only 51 percent of 128 targets in 2015 despite a manageable 11.3 average depth of target.
94. Rashawn Scott, Miami
A 6-1 speedster with a track background, but his hands, route running and durability are problematic.
99. Jakeem Grant, Texas Tech
Obscenely undersized at 5-6 and 160 pounds, but racked up 90 receptions for 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015. Averaged 14.1 yards per reception, despite an average target depth of just 7.0. His 9.9 yards-after-catch-per-reception mark is tops among wide receivers on the draft radar.