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Another Sunday, another Fantasy Notebook -- this one with a bit of a purpose. The 2007 NFL Draft is in our rear-view mirror and we now know where those selected will be plying their trade. And that means we can start to get a feel for who fits in best where, who gets the opportunity necessary to make immediate contributions and who might have to sit a spell before getting their shot.

In other words, it's time to start assessing the Fantasy potential of this year's incoming rookie crop.

As in past seasons, I'll approach this first pass with a position-by-position overview. I will also advise you now that this isn't meant to be an all-inclusive review. The primary focus is on players I expect to have immediate and legitimate Fantasy value -- or a reasonable chance of achieving that status.

That doesn't preclude others from jumping into the mix. I will make an effort to point them out via future Notebooks and other articles posted here as they come to my attention in the coming weeks.

Those looking for longer term prospects might want to visit the FootballDiehards.com message board. You'll find an ongoing thread ranking rookie Dynasty and keeper prospects HERE.

Otherwise, I believe the categories below are self-explanatory. So, with the preliminaries out of the way, let's get busy, shall we?

QUARTERBACKS -- Top Prospects
JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders; 6-6 263; LSU
According to the Contra Costa Times, the Raiders contemplated drafting Brady Quinn, Calvin Johnson and tackle Joe Thomas. However, Russell's rare physical attributes and athletic ability made it a "no-brainer," head coach Lane Kiffin admitted after choosing Russell with the first pick overall last weekend.

The enormous Russell has incredible arm strength and above-average accuracy, especially on long throws. He makes good decisions, both pre- and post-snap, although he has been known to force balls into coverage.

He's not a running quarterback by any means, but his speed is good and his size and strength make him a tough QB to bring down. He also throws well on the run.

Perhaps even more important than the tangible skills, the Raiders believe Russell to be a true leader.

Indeed, after extensive investigation, Kiffin and the Raiders discovered that Russell's former teammates -- although back to the QBs childhood -- marched to his beat, hung on his every word and trusted in him to get things done the desired way.

"He just does it by example," Kiffin said. "That's what you're looking for. You want a leader that doesn't have to tell you he's a leader."

And the Raiders need a leader. Russell's unique physical attributes and abilities will come in handy, too -- something teammates were already starting to believe after Friday's first workout.

"Man, it looks like someone hired (an automated throwing) machine and put a jersey on it," receiver Jerry Porter said. "Man, he can throw the ball."

Fantasy Bottom Line: Kiffin will have Russell compete with Andrew Walter and Josh McCown this summer and it's conceivable the youngster could begin the regular season as the starter. It depends upon how well Russell grasps the offense and whether he outperforms the other hopefuls. The coach stressed, however, that he doesn't have a timetable for ushering Russell into the starting lineup.

But all three QBs selected in the first round last year -- Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler -- finished the season as starters and I fully expect Russell to do the same.

Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns; 6-3 226; Notre Dame
Having thrived the past two seasons with the Fighting Irish in a pro-style offense under former Patriots coordinator Charlie Weiss, Quinn put up good numbers, except in games when his offensive line left him scrambling for cover.

And with all due respect to incumbent starter Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, Quinn is NFL-ready now, the Notre Dame head coach said.

"I was as fortunate to be affiliated with Brady Quinn as he was to be affiliated with our system," Weis said. "He's one of those special guys who very, very rarely comes along."

Weis dismisses reports that Quinn is inaccurate. He completed about 63 percent of his passes over his final two seasons under Weis, with 69 interceptions and 14 interceptions.

The Browns had to give the Cowboys their second pick in 2007 and their first in 2008 to move back in the first round to get Quinn, but GM Phil Savage believes it was worth it to get a long-term answer at quarterback -- something he didn't have in Frye and Anderson.

Fantasy Bottom Line: Quinn has experience in a pro-style system and reads the field well, but there's a reason he dropped to No. 22. Still, head coach Romeo Crennel said the competition will be open between Quinn and Frye, the starter for 13 games last year.

Quinn is confident he will win and fully plans on being the starter when Cleveland opens the season on Sept. 9 against the Steelers. I'm with him.

The Best Of The Rest: Considering they used a second-round draft choice to obtain him, the Dolphins clearly feel that John Beck could be their quarterback of the future. Depending on circumstances, the 6-2, 216-pounder could wind up being their quarterback of the present. Indeed the Dolphins felt so confident about Beck's abilities they passed on Quinn with the No. 9 overall selection.

Beck has a reputation for being precise with his passes. That's a big reason the Dolphins had him rated higher than Quinn. ...

The Eagles traded out of the first round, then surprised observers by taking Houston's Kevin Kolb four picks into the second round (four picks ahead of Beck). The Eagles insist taking Kolb has nothing to do with the future of Donovan McNabb. They say Kolb simply was their highest rated player on the board at the time. That said, Trenton Times staffer Mark Eckel is among the notable observers insisting the team didn't draft Kolb to be a backup or holder -- it expects him to be McNabb's successor and that could happen sooner than many people expect. ...

Detroit snared Michigan State's Drew Stanton in the second round. Although he has to learn one of the league's most complicated offensive systems, the 6-3, 226-pounder have time as he learns from veteran Jon Kitna. With McCown traded to Oakland, Stanton and Dan Orlovsky will contend for the backup role. ...

The Bills went with Stanford's Trent Edwards in the third round. The 6-4, 231-pound Edwards has a big arm and will push third-year pro J.P. Losman, who emerged as the undisputed starter last year but will benefit from the competition. ...

Wild Card: The Ravens selected Ohio State's Troy Smith, the runaway Heisman Trophy winner, with the last pick of the fifth round. Smith is a dual-threat who has the ability to burn defenses with his arm and his feet. He is a natural leader, guiding the Buckeyes to a pair Big Ten championships and an 11-2 record against ranked opponents, but his height (6 feet), character issues and a horrible performance in the BCS title game caused Smith to plummet in the draft. Still, Smith completed 62.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 54 touchdowns (third best in Buckeyes history) and running for 14.

If he shows promise, Smith could be the eventual successor to Steve McNair.

RUNNING BACKS -- Top Prospects
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills; 5-11 217; California
Although he wasn't the first running back drafted, Lynch sits atop my initial list due primarily to opportunity. The Bills drafted Lynch to take over for Willis McGahee, who was traded to Baltimore in March after three inconsistent seasons.

Lynch hasn't had his first carry in a Bills uniform yet, but he already has a few steps on McGahee in the public relations department. Besides showing up in Buffalo in April, Lynch plans to live in town full time.

That's a big switch from McGahee, who rarely attended spring mini-camps; spent most of his offseason in his native Miami; and raised the ire of Bills fans when he suggested the franchise's relocation to Toronto and then, upon his departure, panned the community.

But it's not all about attitude.

The 12th pick overall, Lynch finished his collegiate career with 3,230 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns, while adding 600 yards receiving and six TDs in 35 games spread over three years at California.

He's an elusive, nimble runner who sees the field well -- especially the cutback lanes. He tends to run a bit high at times, but can punish potential tacklers when he runs with proper pad level.

The Bills particularly like Lynch's versatility as a receiver, an added dimension that fits offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild's scheme. Lynch, who played quarterback in high school, even showed off a strong arm in college, completing three passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns.

Who does he compare himself to? "With [Cal coaches] splitting me out at receiver, lining me up in the slot and throwing the ball a bit, I'd say L.T.," said Lynch, referring to LaDainian Tomlinson. "But I also like Marshall Faulk. He started to line up in the slot like that, so I'd say those two running backs."

Nothing like setting the bar high, eh?

Fantasy Bottom Line: Although others might be better long-term prospects, Lynch will step in and start immediately, most likely in a traditional featured role.

With his receiving skills, Lynch gives Buffalo its most versatile weapon since Thurman Thomas. Those in point-per reception leagues will want to keep an especially close eye on Lynch this summer to see exactly what kind of role he might play in Buffalo's passing attack.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings; 6-2 218; Oklahoma
As the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported last week, one of the best running backs in Vikings history is among those who can't wait to see Peterson, the seventh pick overall, carry the football this season.

Robert Smith, now a college football analyst for ESPN, said Tuesday that the former Oklahoma star was his favorite player to watch the past three seasons.

"I could not be more excited that he's going to Minnesota," Smith said. "He plays with so much fury and fire; he's so motivated. I will watch every game very closely."

Peterson also got a ringing endorsement from current Vikings fullback Tony Richardson, a 12-year NFL veteran who has blocked for such 1,000-yard rushers as Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson in Kansas City and Chester Taylor with the Vikings last season.

"Obviously, this kid is a tremendous talent," Richardson said. "I look at him on film, and he has the size of Eddie George, the speed of a LaDainian Tomlinson. He's shifty. He can do it all."

No doubt about that.

Peterson has excellent speed, strength and field vision. He has good acceleration, but is happier to run over defenders rather than juke them. Most of his yards come after contact. He doesn't have much experience as a receiver, but he's shown soft hands and seems able to pick it up.

The question, of course, is durability.

In addition to a broken collarbone suffered last October, he had a dislocated shoulder and an ankle sprain in earlier seasons.

The good news? The collarbone made it through a Friday practice -- Peterson's first workout in Minnesota unscathed. Peterson said his right collarbone, reinjured Jan. 1 in the Fiesta Bowl, is "feeling good right now." The Vikings will re-evaluate his condition after today's conclusion to mini-camp, which by NFL rule is noncontact.

The team has not ruled out surgery if the injury does not fully heal on its own.

Peterson said that decision will be made "eventually" but added: "Right now, I'm just focusing on me."

Fantasy Bottom Line: And that's a concern. So is Taylor, who rushed for 1,216 yards last season and is expected to split time with the rookie. Head coach Brad Childress said he could see using Peterson and Taylor in the same backfield at times. Peterson is bigger and faster, but the 5-11, 213 pound Taylor is better at making tough yards.

All that said, health will be the biggest issue. If Peterson has to have surgery to repair his injured collarbone, he'll need three or four months of rehab before being cleared for contact.

The Best Of The Rest: As one observer suggested this week, the Titans have been criticized for the past week for trying to tap too much potential in players like second-round selection Chris Henry. The 6-foot, 228-pounder had four of his six starts in his final four games at the University of Arizona. He had 269 carries for 892 yards. He caught only 26 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown.

But he repeatedly showed off the 4.4-second speed he achieved in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in passing drills during his first workout as a Titan on Friday. He also displayed soft hands in a catch where he never broke stride, turning his head back over his left shoulder and pulling the ball in for a smooth reception.

"It's always been evident that I would be a better NFL running back than I was in college," Henry said. We'll see about that -- perhaps literally. Remember, Henry will be competing with last year's second-round draft pick, LenDale White, for touches this summer.

And White, who is admittedly still working on weight and conditioning issues, isn't much more proven at the pro level than Henry. ...

During Green Bay's first rookies-only practice on Friday, second-round pick Brandon Jackson received the bulk of the workload. "There's an opportunity here to come in and play right away and even an opportunity to start," Jackson said. "There's a big responsibility just because they've put a lot on me."

Jackson appears to be a good fit for the Packers' zone-blocking running scheme; he played in a similar system at Nebraska. Of course, once Jackson and the rest of the rookies get thrown in with the full roster of veterans at the mandatory mini-camp in two weeks, he likely will split time with third-year pro Vernand Morency.

As PackersNews.com suggested Saturday, Jackson and Morency seemingly are similar backs. Both played in zone-blocking schemes in college (Morency at Oklahoma State). They have similar builds and both are listed as 5-foot-10, 212 pounds. And, barring injury, they are the top candidates to replace free-agent defector Ahman Green. ...

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, it's entirely possible that Penn State's Tony Hunt, a third-round pick by the Eagles, could replace Correll Buckhalter as soon as this season. The 6-1, 233-pound Hunt is a much more powerful runner than Buckhalter, who has had three knee operations, and the newcomer seems likely to draw heavy duty in short-yardage and goal-line situations behind Brian Westbrook. ...

Never a workhorse during his time at Florida State, third-round pick Lorenzo Booker is destined to fill a niche role for the Dolphins as a third-down back. He has good receiving skills and speed to the outside, which could allow him to make a quick impact as a rookie. One observer suggested the 5-10, 193-pounder is essentially a faster version of former backup Travis Minor.

But could Booker be more? While suspended veteran Ricky Williams is eligible for reinstatement and awaiting a decision on his future, his status with Miami remains uncertain. Could the fact that Booker was assigned Williams' locker be a clue as to the team's plans? It'll be worth watching. ...

At the end of the third round the Bears pulled a surprise by taking Northern Illinois' Garrett Wolfe with the first of back-to-back selections. Wolfe was a very productive college player, who offensive coordinator Ron Turner compared to Warrick Dunn. "He has the same kind of burst," Turner explained. "The same kind of quickness and acceleration to get through the hole."

While Wolfe is undoubtedly viewed as an exciting prospect at Bears headquarters, Turner's comparison seems a bit over the top although the 5-7, 177-pound Wolfe could pose a dangerous threat on third down, whether as a change-of-pace runner or lining up in the slot as a receiver. He could emerge as a productive complement to Cedric Benson. ...

The Bengals selected Auburn's Kenny Irons is the second round -- one pick ahead of Henry. Much like Atlanta's Jerious Norwood, he 5-11, 195-pound Irons is at this best in the open field, where his speed is makes him a threat. This selection probably says something about the Bengals faith in oft-injured Chris Perry. Working behind fellow Auburn alum Rudi Johnson, Irons should serve as the third-down back and get a shot to return kickoffs. ...

With the 52nd pick, the Rams select Rutgers' Brian Leonard. The 6-1, 231-pound fullback isn't a physically imposing blocker but he generates excellent quickness out of his stance, has precise cutback agility and great hands. With the Rams looking to cut back on Steven Jackson's touches, Leonard might make a nice complimentary player.

Wild Card: The Raiders selected Michael Bush with their first pick on Day 2 -- the 100th pick overall. The 6-3, 253-pounder entered last season as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate on the strength of his 1,123 yards rushing and school-record 23 touchdowns in 2005.

However, he sustained a broken right leg in Louisville's opener last season -- he rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns before the injury -- and missed the rest of the season. He required two surgeries to repair the two broken bones in his right leg and won't be ready to compete seriously until July at the earliest.

But Oakland has the luxury of giving Bush all the time he needs to recover from his injury because they already have LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes and Justin Fargas on their roster. That said, those looking for a long-term, dynasty or keeper league prospect might find value in Bush.

In an article published last Monday, SI.com insider Peter King wrote: "Bush will win a rushing title -- if the Raiders ever get their offensive line fixed. Maybe around 2011."

WIDE RECEIVERS -- Top Prospect
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions; 6-4 237; Georgia Tech
As the Associated Press put it last weekend: "Simply the most jaw-dropping talent in the draft." The Lions drafted Johnson second overall last Saturday and all involved, coaches, teammates and those without vested interests in the Lions' success all seem to share the opinion he'll bring Detroit's offense a new dimension.

Johnson's size and strength let him close off defenders in traffic, though he's not quite as stellar at jump balls as he could be, despite his height and long arms. He ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and has the physical attributes needed to defeat press coverage -- and outrun most defenders.

Johnson is tough to bring down after the catch, though he's more strong and fast than elusive. And Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz can't wait to unleash the big youngster.

Last season, Martz couldn't find a reliable third receiver, let alone a fourth. He had to pare down the playbook. Martz has a full deck now.

And according to the Detroit Free Press, Johnson might be the ace.

Martz expects Johnson to team with Pro Bowler Roy Williams, holdover Mike Furrey, who will work out of the slot, and new No. 4 receiver Shaun McDonald to give the Lions the best quartet of pass catchers he's ever had.

Fantasy Bottom Line: Discussing Johnson's imposing physical stature, Kitna said that was "basically Kalimba Edwards playing receiver." Not quite. Edwards, a defensive end, is listed at 6-6, 265. But the point stands; Johnson is a full-grown man with as unique a combination of size, speed and talent as we've seen come down the pike.

As the Sports Xchange framed it: "If you believe the hype, [Johnson] has the body of Terrell Owens, the speed of Randy Moss, the attitude of Marvin Harrison and the hands of Spiderman."

Combine those attributes with Martz' scheme, a starting assignment and a capable, patient QB like Kitna and you have all the ingredients for immediate success. All Johnson has to do is take advantage of the opportunity.

My bet is he will.

Best Of The Rest: That's right. Only one wideout earns "Top Prospect" status here -- and with good reason. Receivers rarely deliver high-end numbers as rookies. The list of those who have is short: Since Moss' phenomenal 1998 rookie campaign, Anquan Boldin, Michael Clayton and Marques Colston are among the handful that come immediately to mind.

Others have done well, but few emerge as front-line Fantasy starters.

So, with that explanation out of the way, let's check out the list of wideouts -- not named Calvin Johnson -- who will try to buck the trend.

Kansas City selected LSU's Dwayne Bowe with the 23rd pick overall and the Chiefs need the 6-2, 217-pounder to come through in the worst way. His presence is expected to help open up the running game for Johnson while taking some of the pressure off tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Plus, other than the aging Eddie Kennison, the Chiefs lack a high-quality receiver. Bowe could be that -- with a bit of effort. Thanks to his imposing physical presence, Bowe is able to overcome his relatively slow acceleration by overpowering defenders. He's a tough receiver willing to go over the middle, but he needs to improve his technique and ability after the catch. ...

The Panthers select USC's Dwayne Jarrett in the second round (45th overall) and quickly telegraphed their plans for the newcomer by releasing veteran Keyshawn Johnson. While his work ethic and lack of speed remind some of another former Trojan, Mike Williams, the 6-5, 213-pound Jarrett's ability on fade and corner routes and timing on his leaps for the jump ball rival that Johnson.

Jarrett still needs to show that he is maturing off the field and must improve his overall strength and hand usage against press coverage to excel as a pro, but it looks like Carolina is willing to give him a shot at starting right away. I rate Jarrett a little ahead of some drafted before him based on that opportunity. ...

The Colts closed out the first round by selecting Ohio State wideout Anthony Gonzalez, a 6-0, 195-pound speedster with good hands who occasionally looks upfield before securing the ball. Gonzalez struggles against physical coverage but is a very hard worker.

And as the Xchange suggested, he's a perfect fit for a team that was looking to replace Brandon Stokley. Coordinator Tom Moore likes using a slot receiver, but was forced to go more with a two tight-end alignment last season due to numerous injuries incurred by Stokley that left him sidelined for most of the year. Gonzalez could change that.

If so, he could also be surprisingly productive. Hard to go against a guy working with Peyton Manning. ...

The Saints snared Tennessee's Robert Meachem with the 27th pick overall. According to observers, the 6-3, 211-pounder is much faster getting into his routes than Boldin, but he is similar to the Cardinals receiver when it comes to gaining valid yardage after the catch and coming up with the key reception in crucial situations.

For a large receiver he possess good speed, but struggles going over the middle and needs to improve his route running. He joins a receiving corps looking to compliment Marques Colston following Joe Horn's departure. Meachem will face plenty of competition from Devery Henderson and Terrance Copper. ...

Craig Davis, selected in the first round by the Chargers (30th overall), runs precise routes and has excellent hands, but isn't as athletically gifted as former LSU teammate Bowe. That said, he also drops fewer passes and shows a willingness to block aggressively.

According to NFL.com, the 6-1, 207-pound Davis is capable of making things happen -- when his head is in the game. Indeed, some believe Davis was a bit of a reach here. In fact, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock had Davis ranked 11th among this year's incoming receivers before the draft began.

That said, the Chargers aren't exactly loaded at wideout. ...

Minnesota's Sidney Rice, drafted in the second round, might benefit from similar circumstances as a Viking. But the 6-4, 200-pounder out of South Carolina is only 20, so he might need time to develop. ...

Jason Hill, selected by the 49ers in the third round, will compete with Ashley Lelie at split end. The coaching staff says Hill is fast enough to stretch the field but at 6-0 and 210-pounds, he also has the upper-body strength to be an effective blocker. ...

According to the New York Daily News, Steve Smith, a second-round pick, provides the Giants with an insurance policy for No. 2 man Amani Toomer, who is on track to return from a torn ACL. If Toomer returns as expected, the 5-11, 199-pound Smith will challenge Sinorice Moss for the No. 3 receiver job. ...

The Titans added three wideouts -- Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Joel Filani to the roster this past weekend. Initially, Williams, a third-round from Fresno State, will play outside, while Florida State's Davis, a fourth-rounder, will play the slot and handle return chores. Filani, a sixth-rounder who played in Texas Tech's pass-happy offense, can play inside or outside, according to Fisher.

They'll be counted on to replace the production of departed veterans Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade -- and perhaps David Givens, who might not be recovered from last year's knee injury in time to open the season. ...

Instead of trading for Moss, the Packers added depth by selecting little-known James Jones, a powerful, middle-of-the-field threat who lacks game-breaking ability, and David Clowney, who gives the team speed but isn't physically ready to compete in the NFL in the third and fifth rounds respectively. Keep your expectations in check. ...

Wild Card: If healthy, Dolphins first-round pick Ted Ginn injects lightning into returns and fear into opponents. The philosophical question, however, is whether a return man is worth the ninth pick overall. We have Miami's answer.

The 5-11, 178-pound Ginn certainly has tremendous speed (4.3 in the 40). But other than a truncated private workout, he hasn't done much since he returned the opening kickoff of the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 8 and current speculations puts him at 80 to 85 percent healthy.

The former Ohio State standout will spend at least the next month in a protective boot. The right foot sprain could keep him out a total of three months. Asked last Sunday if he would be ready for the start of training camp in July, he said: "I hope I will be able to be there Day 1." Pressed for a guarantee, Ginn wouldn't go further. "I don't know," he said. "It's whatever the training staff says."

Hardly comforting, especially for a guy Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron admits is a bit of a project as a wideout.

TIGHT ENDS -- Top Prospect
Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears; 6-4 252; Miami (Fla.)
Olsen, who possesses a rare combination of size, speed and athleticism was the top tight end in the draft.

He promises to add a weapon to Rex Grossman's arsenal that has been missing. As much as helping Grossman, though, Olsen figures to help the wide receivers, such as Bernard Berrian.

Fantasy Bottom Line: Olsen may not revolutionize the Bears passing game, but he will give the team a downfield threat at the position, which should result in more 1-on-1 situations for the wideouts.

Best Of The Rest: The Raiders used three tight ends last season, a project that went so well, Kiffin made that position the second priority addressed in the draft -- ahead of the offensive line. Arizona State's Zach Miller has the sure hands needed in this offense, which likes to find open spaces for the tight end to sit.

Although he's not a strong blocker, Oakland reportedly had the 6-5, 259-pound Miller rated higher than Olsen. ...

PLACE KICKERS
While we tend not to get especially excited about rookie placement men, two of this year's newcomers have a shot at landing full-time jobs.

Incumbent Lawrence Tynes said he was surprised by the Chiefs selection of another kicker, UCLA's Justin Medlock, in the fifth round. Although Tynes felt his job might be safe considering discussions about a long-term contract late last season, it suddenly looks like the job is Medlock's to lose.

There's also going to be competition in Green Bay. Sixth-round selection Mason Crosby, a strong-legged place-kicker who played in the thin air at the University of Colorado, will try to unseat Dave Rayner. Crosby, who has a soccer background, was rated by some scouts as the top kicker in the draft but was the third and final kicker selected.

He went after Arizona's Nick Folk, who will compete with Martin Gramatica in Dallas.

That's it for this week's Notebook. I'll check in again next Sunday. ... In the meantime, keep an eye on the News & Views section of this site for late-breaking news and other tidbits of interest. Watch the Headline News section for more in-depth reviews of current events -- including the Fantasy Notebook.