Courtesy Notre Dame University

It may be only April, but ardent fantasy football fanatics are already preparing for their August drafts.

With the NFL draft approaching, there will be plenty of NFL rookies with fantasy football impact. The key for fantasy football people is to distinguish the standouts from the also-rans. A future great NFL player may not be a rookie star.

Here is what to consider in some of this year's NFL rookies with potential fantasy football impact, when watching the 2007 NFL draft.

First, beware of rookie quarterbacks. JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn look like great NFL prospects, but both will likely struggle in their rookie seasons, if they play at all. Be sure to watch the situation with each; you'll know in training camp if a rookie QB will start, but make sure there's talent around him, before you even consider drafting him on your fantasy football team.

Second, running backs have the most fantasy football impact as NFL rookies. Keep your eye on thoroughbreds like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch.

Depending on the situation, either or both of these running backs could have instant fantasy football impact. Peterson will step right into a starting role, no matter where he plays, and Lynch is a big-play runner. Both could get heavy carries in 2007 and put up solid statistics.

Third, rookie wide receivers usually struggle in their first seasons, no matter how highly-touted they are. Even though Calvin Johnson is everyone's choice as the top player in the draft, if he lands in a place like quarterback-poor Tampa Bay, Johnson could struggle as a rookie.

You might do better with Ted Ginn, since he has a good chance to score some touchdowns as a punt returner, even as a rookie.

There will certainly be plenty of fantasy football impact players in the NFL draft. Finding them, though, takes great scrutiny and a little bit of luck.