Did you use a late pick to nab Bengals rookie running back Joe Mixon last year? If you listened to Dave Richard, you might have -- and were happy you did. 

The CBS Sports Senior Fantasy Writer identified Mixon last summer as, ultimately, the go-to guy in a crowded Bengals backfield. Mixon finished the season with 913 total yards and four TDs -- just 22 yards and two scores off Richard's preseason projection. 

That was just one of several spot-on predictions for the 2017 rookie class. He was on-board with Christian McCaffrey prior to his spectacular rookie season, that Deshaun Watson would be the No. 1 rookie QB in the league, and to stay clear of Patrick Mahomes, who wouldn't get a chance in Year 1 in Kansas City. 

Now Richard has released his introduction to the Class of 2018, offering projected statistics and when to draft the top players at at QB, RB, WR and TE. 

We can tell you Richard is high on Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones, noting Jones should immediately get No. 1 back carries but could be had with a mid-round pick. 

"Easily the best running back on the Buccaneers' roster, Jones should hog carries and targets in an offense with an improved O-line," notes Richard. "Dirk Koetter's offense ranked in the top-10 in rush attempts in two of the past three seasons and should become more stable and efficient with Jones."

He has also identified a rookie quarterback that will be starting by mid-season and will explode as soon as he's under center. A late pick on this QB could be the difference between winning your league and going home with nothing.

Which rookies do you need to jump on right now? Join SportsLine now to see Dave Richard's 2018 rookie class projections, all from the CBS Sports Senior Fantasy Writer recognized by Fantasy Pros as one of the nation's most accurate Fantasy football draft experts!   

***LIMITED TIME ONLY: Use promo code RICHARD to get your first month at SportsLine for just $1!