Fantasy Football: 14 Under-the-Radar Rookies to Target in 2017

Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Doug Martin serving a suspension to start the season, there's an opportunity for a running back to step up and take over the starting job for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The logical running back on the roster to do so is Jacquizz Rodgers.

But what if it's Jeremy McNichols?

McNichols -- who played in Snoop Dogg’s youth football league and is nicknamed "McWeapon" -- was a high school wide receiver who made the move to running back at Boise State. There, he posted big numbers in both the run and pass game in the Broncos' potent offense, finishing with 1,709 yards rushing yards (sixth in the nation among running backs) and 27 total touchdowns (second in the nation) in his senior year alone.

Plus, he proved to be a capable receiver: in three college seasons, he had 101 receptions for 1,089 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Going as the RB40 in drafts, Rodgers is expensive. If you take a late chance on McNichols instead of spending a mid-round pick on Rodgers, and if the rookie flashes, then just maybe, it's the lottery ticket to a big-time fantasy player at a monster discount. —Peter Lawrence