Rookie Week continues with a look at this year’s batch of signal-callers.  2008 was a banner year for rookie quarterbacks, as Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both started from week 1, leading their teams to the postseason and putting up passable fantasy numbers.  Flacco was at the helm of a team that made a deep playoff run, and Ryan instantly became one of the league’s biggest stars.  This year’s class enters the league with as much hype as the previous one, but it’s hard to imagine they will be able to duplicate their early success, especially from a fantasy standpoint.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (1st round, 1st overall).  Stafford won’t be worth a roster spot in 2009, as he will begin the year in a learning role, gaining valuable experience from starter Daunte Culpepper.  (!)  Keeper leagues players should take note, because Stafford has all the physical tools to be a star in the league, even though his lukewarm college performances led some to question his decision-making abilities.   Even if he does get significant reps this season, do not expect much fantasy impact;  the Lions have a great set of young skill position players but their offensive line leaves their quarterbacks about as well protected as the Dallas Cowboys at a mid-day workout.