The 2008 NFL Draft is in the books, which brings to an end an offseason of player trades and acquisitions. Rosters are not 100 percent settled yet, and there are no guarantees that rookies will be at training camp on time. Things are firm enough, though, that we can set our sites on the 2008 fantasy football season and decide which rookies will make an immediate impact.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a skill position player that will make an immediate mark on his team. No wide receivers were selected in the first round, which could be a blessing because they tend to tease fantasy owners with ability and fizzle out during the year. Darren McFadden headlines the running back crop, but other first rounders Jonathan Stewart (Carolina), Felix Jones (Dallas) and Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh) all find themselves on the wrong end of a time share.

Defenses around the league got some big boosts to their fantasy fortunes, with players like Glenn Dorsey, Jerod Mayo, Phillip Merling and DeSean Jackson all capable of adding great value to their units.

Here’s a breakdown of who we think can have the biggest fantasy impacts in 2008. In reverse order:

10. Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Falcons quarterback Chris Redman proved last season that he was capable of getting receivers involved in the offense, at least to the point where fantasy value was a possibility. Redman will have to fight for his job with No. 3 pick Matt Ryan in training camp, but figures to win it early and make for a better fantasy play for receivers Douglas, Roddy White, Michael Jenkings and Joe Horn. Douglas could have rare value for a rookie receiver because he is smart, runs crisp routes, and can play in the slot.

9. Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Tennessee Titans
There were better receivers selected that did not appear on this list, but Hawkins can pay immediate dividends for quite possibly the least talented receiving corps in football. Opportunities will be there, and Hawkins, who is on the small side at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, could carve out an immediate role.

8. Phillip Merling, DE, Miami Dolphins
Merling was a big score for the Dolphins with the first pick of the second round. He is the prototype acquisition for Parcells, combining big-time size and ability to bring pressure off the edge. Teams shied away from Merling after a sports hernia injury, from which he spent three months recovering leading up to the draft. Merling is the type of versatile lineman - he could play end or tackle - that Parcells loves, and he could have an immediate impact on the Dolphins defense.

7. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson’s presence may not be felt immediately in the passing game, but the Eagles’ special teams should get a nice boost with his big-play ability in the return game. Philly suffered from an astounding lack of playmakers for quarterback Donovan McNabb last season, and the team’s return game has been in tough shape since Brian Westbrook was the regular return man in 2003. With Jackson returning kicks and new cornerback Asante Samuel locking down opposing receivers, the Eagles will be among the top three defenses selected in fantasy drafts next season.

6. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles will provide valuable insurance for starting running back Larry Johnson, which will change the franchise’s fortunes should L.J. miss time again in 2008. Johnson also has not been a model employee for the Chiefs, holding out to start training camp last season and never seeing a problem with expressing his displeasure towards the Chiefs coaching staff. Even if Johnson does not miss time or fall out of favor with coach Herm Edwards, Kansas City will want to lessen the burden on him, which should mean about 10 carries per game for Charles.

5. Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
John Beck is not the answer in Miami, and Parcells is not kean on inheriting players from the previous management regime. Henne should take the reins to the offense in the middle portion of the season and make a smooth transition to the pro game. He will have a trusted former teammate, No. 1 pick Jake Long, protecting his blind side, and he should have a quality enough running game to slow opposing pass rushes.

4. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mendenhall was the most polished running back in the draft, and he arrived in a situation where he can make an immediate impact. Steelers starting running back Willie Parker’s slight build will free up carries in third-down and goal-line situations, which should translate into decent fantasy production. And let’s not forget, Parker is far from a sure thing; he’s seen his rushing average fall from 4.7 yards per carry in 2005 to 4.4 ypc in 2006 and 4.1 ypc in 2007.

3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City Cheifs
A dominant interior lineman can reverse any defense’s fortunes, and Dorsey can certainly step in right away and do that for the Chiefs. Kansas City ranked 28th against the run and fifth against the pass last season, which should even out with the arrival of Dorsey and departure of NFL sack leader Jared Allen to Minnesota. Keep in mind, though, that a player like Dorsey can also be disruptive in the pass, either by overpowering a center or by absorbing double teams and freeing up blitzking linebackers.

2. Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots
The Patriots properly addressed their lack of youth and athleticism at the linebacker position by bringing in one of the best athletes in the linebacker class. Mayo can play inside or outside in New England’s 3-4 scheme, and he can be a punishing tackler in either position. Head coach Bill Belichick will get some kicks out of adding new wrinkles for Mayo to a defense that was one of fantasy’s elite in 2007.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
McFadden is the most likely candidate to make an Adrian Peterson-like impact on the fantasy landscape, but it may not happen right away. McFadden runs a similar, straight-up style to Peterson’s, but without the elusiveness. He’ll have a little to learn, most likely the hard way from opposing linebackers, but talent will win the day. No way owner Al Davis will let his new toy get fewer than 15 touches per game.

Other opinions …

Bo Knowz breaks down the Cowboys’ first-round selection of running back Felix Jones.

Even though football isn’t in the mix, Sheep compares and contrasts the merits of poker versus other, real sports.

Stampede Blue doesn’t get what CBS writer Pete Prisco was thinking when he gave the Colts a B- grade for their draft.

Outside the Beltway assigns some grades of its own.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryGridiron.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.