In the mold of the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson and the Saints’ Marques Colston, there are a bunch of rookies on the verge of making an immediate impact on fantasy leagues everywhere. Obviously, individual talent is key, but it’s really all about location, location, location. In order for these rookies to shine on the stat sheet, they need opportunities to make plays. So in the wake of the 2008 NFL Draft, the following players are most likely to stand out in fantasy football.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh
Every year it seems the Steelers have a top-shelf player fall into their lap. It probably has more to do with the franchise being a perennial playoff team, because with less holes to fill in its lineup, the team has the luxury of taking the best available player. And the 5-foot-9, 210-pound Mendenhall will more than reward the Steelers for not passing on him as he slipped down the board. Mendenhall will get lots of opportunities in the Steelers offense, and his combination of size-and-speed should translate to a lot of touchdowns. Even if Willie Parker returns 100 percent from injury, you can bet on Mendenhall being the better goal-line option.

James Hardy, WR, Buffalo
The Bills offense is horrible, but that’s just the point. The Bills actually moved the ball well last year between the 20s with rookie running back Marshawn Lynch and fellow rookie quarterback Trend Edwards. The problem was finding the end zone after reaching the red zone. So with the 6-foot-6, 220 pound Hardy, Edwards should have a field day throwing jump balls to this rookie. And after averaging 10 TDs in three seasons at Indiana, look for double-digit TDs again from Hardy at the next level.

Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, WRs, Washington
Washington made out like bandits by drafting arguably the two best receivers in this year’s draft. The 6-2, 215-pound Thomas and the 6-4, 218-pound Kelly should be a dynamic duo for years to come. The only problem here is they are playing in the same offense, and there’s only one football to go around. And they have to share it with Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and Chris Cooley. The immediate impact of Thomas and Kelly will be limited only by the talent around them.

Limas Sweed, WR, Pittsburgh
Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger proved he could do more after stepping out from under the shadow of retired coach Bill Cowher. And with the addition of the 6-4, 212-pound Sweed, Big Ben will look a whole lot better throwing the ball down field. For a quarterback that never gives up on a play, the long-bodied Sweed could quickly become his favorite target.

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland
McFadden was widely considered the best talent in the draft. He comes complete with a pedigree perfect for the Raiders, but the 6-2, 210-pound runner might find his first year in the NFL a bit frustrating. With a suspect line in front of him, and essentially a rookie quarterback in JaMarcus Russell leading the offense, running room will be difficult. His numbers will be good, and he should prove to easily be the best back in this draft class, but Mendenhall is poised to have the better immediate impact.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia
If your league counts return yards, the Jackson will make a difference for you. If not, this 175-pound Smurf should make a difference out of the slot and on screen plays. If this West Coast attack can get Jackson the ball in space, he will be a feared player. It remains to be seen if his size will be his downfall.

John David Booty, QB, Minnesota
The only quarterback on the list, Booty is considered the most NFL ready of all the quarterbacks. And if the Vikings’ Tavaris Jackson stumbles out of the gate, this playoff-ready team with a strong running game and stout defense shouldn’t hesitate to turn the ball over to Booty and let him manage the game. That said, even if Booty gets on the field, impact fantasy numbers are not likely. He could be a sleeper and worth a late-round pick.