While NFL seems to stand for ‘Not For Long’ more and more every year, players entering the league with decent draft capital tend to get at least three years to show their ability. Of course, some break out earlier, while others don’t get even a third year to prove themselves. Let’s take a look at third-year players, including rankings and player notes.
Player rankings based on our redraft Expert Consensus Rankings for half-PPR leagues.
- Third-Year Players Rankings & Notes: Quarterbacks
- Third-Year Players Rankings & Notes: Running Backs
- Third-Year Players Rankings & Notes: Wide Receivers
Notable Third-Year Fantasy Football Players: Tight Ends
Cole Kmet (CHI): TE14
Cole Kmet ranked inside the top 12 amongst tight ends in targets (93, eighth), target share (17.7%, 11th), receiving yards (612, 12th), and air yard share (17.6%, 11th). With the depth chart devoid of receiving talent outside of Darnell Mooney, Kmet should see a similar share of the passing offense (if not more) in 2022. With touchdown regression poised to strike his box scores, Kmet is a high floor and ceiling option in fantasy.
Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN): TE19
Albert Okwuegbunam tied for the third-highest target rate per route run in the NFL last season (23%). Now entrenched as the presumed full-time starter with Noah Fant traded to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, the uber-athletic tight end can break out in Year 3.It bodes well in Albert O’s favor that Noah Fant finished last season as the TE12 while the duo played in 14 games together.
Adam Trautman (NO): TE27
Adam Trautman missed three games last season due to an MCL sprain, but his season was still a massive disappointment outside of the injury. His 1.05 yards per route run and 4.1 yards after the catch per reception won’t get anyone excited for his 2022 prospects. Last year’s depth chart was a perfect storm scenario for him to step forward if that was in the cards for his career arch. Sadly he only logged one top 12 tight end fantasy finish last year. The hope helium has been drained from his balloon. He’s waiver wire fodder or a streaming option should injuries strike the Saints depth chart.
Other third-year tight ends:
- Harrison Bryant (CLE): TE37
- Josiah Deguara (GB): TE47
- Brycen Hopkins (LAR): TE79
FantasyPros Staff Consensus 2022 Redraft Fantasy Football Rankings
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