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In the past couple of years, we have seen several situations where rookie quarterbacks were declared their team's starting quarterback for the season opener. And, for the most part, their level of success has changed the view of what is expected from a rookie quarterback.

Now that the 2010 NFL Draft is in the books, I am about to begin my series on fantasy rankings for rookies, starting with quarterbacks.

Even in the case of Sam Bradford, this year's overall first pick, it seems unlikely that any of the rookie quarterbacks will be under center in week one. Then again, the Ravens anticipated bringing Joe Flacco along more slowly two years ago and training camp injuries/illnesses made him the starter, ready or not.

Unless you're in a very deep league or a keeper/dynasty league, you will likely (hopefully) look past this year's group of rookie QBs on draft day. (Note: I will release keeper rankings for all positions in the summer.)

That said, here are my top five for 2010:

1. Sam Bradford, Rams: Coach Steve Spagnuolo recently said that he liked how Donovan McNabb was brought along as a rookie. So, if Bradford sees a similar plan of action, expect him to be under center around mid-season. Bradford is incredibly accurate, but he played primarily in a spread offense in college. He is clearly the quarterback of the future and once he gets the starting job, it'll be his to keep. The receiving corps is weak (Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson and fellow rookie Marty Gillyard), but Steven Jackson is a good receiver out of the backfield as is Brian Westbrook, who is mulling an offer from the Rams.

2. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers: In the final five games (four of which were wins), Matt Moore threw eight touchdowns and only one interception. That said, Clausen very well could have been drafted in the top ten overall and the Panthers are likely his team at some point in the future (perhaps sooner than later). One of the biggest plusses for Clausen is his NFL readiness as he played in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. If Clausen gets on the field, he has a better (overall) running game, offensive line and group of receivers than Bradford has in St. Louis.

3. Tim Tebow, Broncos: It was surprising that Tebow was the second quarterback drafted. And he clearly isn't NFL-ready as a quarterback. Yet he's likely to see the field in wildcat formations and could score 5-10 touchdowns running and passing this season. That likelihood to see the field, even if it's not as a traditional passer, makes him more valuable in 2010 compared to any of the other QBs not named Sam or Jimmy.

4. Josh Skelton, Cardinals: Do you have faith in Matt Leinart? How about in Derek Anderson? Me neither. That's one of the reasons why I rank Skelton ahead of McCoy. Another is his size (6-foot-6, 243 pounds) and arm strength. And if he does see the field, you could argue that he would have the league's top receiving corps at his disposal.

5. Colt McCoy, Browns: Partly due to his height and lack of a big arm, he often gets compared (unfairly...for both) to Saints quarterback Drew Brees. In either case, he just won at Texas as a four-year starter. He's accurate and mobile and could turn into a good pro quarterback. In fact, he was a relative draft value for the Browns. With Mike Holmgren bringing in Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, however, it's unlikely McCoy does anything other than hold a clipboard on Sundays in 2010.

Check back tomorrow for my fantasy rankings for rookie running backs. Also, next week I will make an update to my top 25 quarterbacks for 2010.