Want to get a jump on your fantasy football team? Here’s the first of a series of articles to give you an edge.

Fantasy Football Fix is back, and in the first edition of the summer we’ll spotlight rookies to remember once you’re on the clock. 

Derrick Henry

Tennessee RB

The Tennessee Titans seem committed to improving its running game. Henry, who was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, could go a long way in those efforts. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner ran for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 attempts for Alabama in 2015, and will likely share carries with starter DeMarco Murray in Nashville. 

A sixth-year veteran, Murray is best known for his open-field ability while leaving much to be desired in short-yardage situations. At 242 pounds, Henry should get ample opportunities in the red zone this year. Improvements up front, including the acquisitions of offensive tackle Jack Conklin and center Ben Jones, gives hope to a previously hopeless Titans running game moving forward. 

Likely place in a 12-team draft: Round 8.

Jordan Howard

Chicago RB

Howard is a home-grown prospect, but that’s not why he’s on this list. The former two-star recruit out of Gardendale has shined in every transition he’s made and there’s no reason to expect less this time. 

Howard ran for nearly 900 yards in his freshman season at UAB before taking the Big 10 by storm in 2015. Following the UAB fallout, he transferred to Indiana where he posted 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his first game with the Hoosiers. He marched on to an All-Big 10 season (196 carries, 1,213 yards and nine scores in nine games) before declaring early for the NFL Draft, where he went in the fifth round to Chicago.

Likely place in a 12-team draft: Round 10.

Hunter Henry

San Diego TE

Tight ends are becoming increasingly active in professional passing games, and none is more dangerous among this class of rookies than Henry. He was easily the first tight end selected (35th overall) in this year’s NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5 target pulled in 51 receptions for 739 yards and three scores last season in Arkansas’ run-heavy attack. 

Be patient with Henry, as he will be learning from 14-year veteran Antonio Gates. But, despite his No. 2 position on the depth chart, Henry is expected to see action early and often in 2016. Head coach Mike McCoy loves utilizing two-tight end sets, and the rookie is sure to be aligned opposite Gates. 

Likely place in a 12-team draft: Undrafted.

Sterling Shepard

New York Giants WR

Shepard, a former standout at Oklahoma, is pretty good in his own right, but his fortunate position — lined up opposite Odell Beckham — makes him valuable. The second round draft pick went for 86 grabs, 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season with the Sooners. 

Shepard now steps in an already profitable offense under the guidance of 35-year-old quarterback Eli Manning, who led the Giants to a seventh-place finish in passing offense last year. With NFC East defenses locked in on Beckham and his 1,450 yards from last season, Shepard could find himself in many one-on-one scenarios. 

Likely place in a 12-team draft: Round 7.

Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas RB

I couldn’t discuss rookies and not mention Elliott. That being said, his situation in Dallas isn’t the most pleasing to the eye. The former Ohio State ball carrier was a priority for the Cowboys, who picked him fourth overall, but he steps into perhaps the most crowded backfield in the league. 

Elliott will battle these guys for playing time: Darren McFadden, who finished 2015 fourth in the NFL in rushing yards; Alfred Morris, who holds three 1,000-yard seasons in four years in the league; and Lance Dunbar, who served as the team’s best pass-catching option out of the backfield last fall before a knee injury. With that traffic in Dallas and the early pick needed to obtain him, Elliott is one to avoid come draft day. If he’s still on the board in Round 5, grab him. 

Likely place in a 12-team draft: Round 1.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.