Fantasy Football Player Notes
2022 Draft Rankings
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1.
Cooper Kupp
LAR (at SEA)
What else is there to say about Cooper Kupp's historic 2021 campaign? The guy was essentially lapping the other wide receivers, finishing No. 1 overall in points per game, receiving yards (1,947) and target share (31%) with over 200 targets total in 21 games played.
New quarterback Matthew Stafford elevated Kupp back inside the top-5 fantasy WRs - as he previously was in 2019. Stafford's arrival in L.A. was the code to cracking Kupp's untapped potential especially with touchdowns. After catching just three the year prior, Kupp led the league with 16 TD scores - a feat that has happened only six times since 2007. However, regression will also certainly hit Kupp's production in 2022, just because it's near impossible for him to repeat his once-in-a-lifetime production. Of the five WRs that caught at least 16 touchdowns, they averaged just 6.6 TDs the following season. Only two (Davante Adams, Randy Moss) were able to haul in double-digit scores. |
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2.
Ja'Marr Chase
CIN (vs . BAL)
Ja'Marr Chase broke Justin Jefferson's record for most receiving yards by a rookie, finishing 2021 as the WR5 in fantasy points per game and the WR22 in expected fantasy points per game. Only Deebo Samuel scored more fantasy points above expectation (+74.3) than Chase - a testament to his home-run hitting ability. Chase's 18.0 yards per reception ranked second-best in the NFL behind only Samuel.
The Bengals wide receivers' dominance continued in the postseason with back-to-back 100-yard games in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Chase commanded a 27% target share when it mattered most during postseason play, a 5% increase from his regular season target share. |
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3.
Justin Jefferson
MIN (at CHI)
Justin Jefferson has been a revelation since entering the league. He has the most receiving yards in NFL history (3,016) in a player's first two seasons and is PFF's second-highest-graded receiver over that span (91.7).
The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver finished 2021 as the WR4 in fantasy points per game (19.5 PPR) and expected fantasy points per game (18.8). Jefferson was the model of consistency at just 22 years old, finishing as a weekly top-20 wide receiver in 76% of his games (13 of 17) while commanding the league's third-highest target share (27%) and No. 1 air yards share (44%). |
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4.
Deebo Samuel
SF (vs . ARI)
Deebo Samuel made me pay the price for overlooking him, as the talented wideout finished last season as the WR2 overall and in points per game (18.8). His receiving production alone would have him placed inside the top-10.
But there's reason to believe that Samuel won't be able to sustain that same elite production from last season. Natural regression is firmly in play considering no WR earned more fantasy points above expectation than Samuel did in 2021. And that number doesn't come as a surprise considering nearly 30% of Samuel's fantasy points came from rushing alone. |
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5.
Davante Adams
LV (vs . KC)
A healthy Davante Adams has finished no worse than WR5 attached to Aaron Rodgers since 2018, and he ended 2021 third in fantasy points per game at age 29.
Adams' high level of play won't stop in Las Vegas, but his fantasy stock does get slightly dented going from Rodgers to Derek Carr. It's unlikely that Carr hyper-targets Adams to the length of a 28% target share as Rodgers has done for so many seasons. Incumbent Raiders pass-catchers Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow represent more target competition than Adams has ever played with since becoming the alpha in Green Bay. |
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6.
Stefon Diggs
BUF (vs . NE)
2021 was a somewhat odd season for Stefon Diggs as his fantasy production took a step back from his first season in Buffalo. His 29% target share fell to 24% as did his yards per route run (2.5 versus 1.8). This resulted in Diggs finishing with just two games with at least 90 receiving yards, a dramatic decrease from his ten 90-plus yard outings during the 2020 regular season.
He finished as a top-15 WR just once through the first nine weeks of the season but improved down the stretch as Buffalo's offense hit its stride. He had three top-10 finishes as the WR8 in fantasy points per game in half-point scoring (14.8). Still, top-5 upside still exists with Diggs in this explosive Bills offense even if his target share holds at 24% in 2022. Because his command of high-value targets in the Buffalo offense was unmatched by almost every other WR in the NFL. He was one of just two WRs to hit over 2,000 air yards (Justin Jefferson). Diggs also commanded the most end-zone targets in the NFL (25) during the regular season - six more than the next closest receiver (Justin Jefferson). |
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7.
CeeDee Lamb
DAL (at WAS)
No more Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson can only spell great things for CeeDee Lamb in 2022. The biggest issue with Lamb was that he never was seeing the requisite target volume in an offense that had a surplus of playmakers.
Lamb boasted just an 18% target share last season - which ranked outside the top-30 among all pass-catchers. But with the 8th-most vacated targets left to be distributed between Lamb, tight end Dalton Schultz, ACL-injury returning Michael Gallup, veteran James Washington and third-round rookie pick Jalen Tolbert, I'd bet Lamb crests at least a 20% target share in 2022. His 21% target rate per route run bested anybody in Dallas last season. And that means more fantasy production will be on its way. Only once did Lamb fail to score double-digit fantasy points in a game where he commanded fewer than six targets in 2021. |
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8.
Mike Evans
TB (at ATL)
Mike Evans commanded just a 16% target share throughout the regular season and playoffs, but still finished eighth in both fantasy points per game and overall in half-point scoring.
The Buccaneers wide receiver achieved his eighth consecutive 1,000-yard season and set a new career-high with 14 touchdown grabs, breaking his record from 2020. Double-digit touchdowns accompanied by a low target share is usually a sign to fade a wide receiver, but that's hardly the case in a pass-happy offense led by Tom Brady. |
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9.
Tyreek Hill
MIA (vs . NYJ)
Heading into 2021, Tyreek Hill was a consensus top-three receiver option. But he came in slightly under expectations. The 'Cheetah' wrapped a bow on the year as the WR6 overall and in points per game (14.2).
It's worth noting that Hill posted a career-low in yards after the catch per reception (4.3, 42nd) and yards per route run (2.14, 11th). Hill's aDOT also dipped dramatically to 10.6, which was the lowest it's been since his rookie season. And It's undeniable that going from Patrick Mahomes to Tua Tagovailoa is a massive downgrade for Hill. Tagovailoa has yet to show that he can properly fuel a fantasy WR1, so it's hard to expect Hill to deliver a top-5 season with a lesser passer. Especially with Tagovailoa's lack of a confident deep ball, a prominent running game, and Jaylen Waddle also heavily involved in the offensive game plan. Sure, Hill will have his weeks when he is peppered with low-value targets in PPR formats, but the massive downfield touchdowns will happen much less frequently. |
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10.
A.J. Brown
PHI (vs . NYG)
The veteran has never played in a pass-happy offense, and that doesn't necessarily project to change too drastically if the Eagles run back their operation ground and pound from a season ago. Still, Brown's talent has yet to hold him back amid a poor situation - WR5 in fantasy points per game in 2020 - and that shouldn't stop in Philly.
He will be the alpha dog for the Eagles and remain a fantasy WR1 in 2022 fantasy leagues. Brown finished fourth in yards per route run (2.72) and in target rate per route run (28%) despite battling injuries last season. |
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11.
Tee Higgins
CIN (vs . BAL)
Tee Higgins' 23% target rate per route run was higher than Ja'Marr Chase's 21% during the 2021 regular season as was his 25% target share in the games they played together when healthy.
There's no denying that WR1 overall upside exists with Chase in 2022, but Higgins' constant command of targets in a loaded Cincinnati offense will make him a screaming value in 2022 fantasy drafts. |
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12.
Keenan Allen
LAC (at DEN)
The 2021 season represented the latest installment of Keenan Allen just being straight a baller and one of the most perennially underrated wide receivers in the NFL. He caught 100-plus passes for the fifth straight season and finished as the WR14 overall and in fantasy points per game (12.8).
The Chargers slot receiver remained Justin Herbert's go-to option as his 17th-ranked 22% target share led the Chargers. But it's worth noting that Mike Williams out-scored Allen in half-point scoring in the season's totality, and that Allen posted his lowest yards per route run (1.78) since 2014. |
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13.
DK Metcalf
SEA (vs . LAR)
The difference between having Geno Smith/Drew Lock at quarterback versus Russell Wilson cannot be overstated enough. It's a horrible situation to be in and puts D.K. Metcalf in a tough spot.
Although the alpha wideout did rise to occasion under a small sample size last season, averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game (15th - same as his final season-long standing) without Wilson at quarterback for three games. But I am suspect that removing their quarterback that led the NFL in yards per attempt (10.4), passer rating (133.6) and passer rating from a clean pocket (130.9) before his finger injury is going to create a much larger impact over a 17-game sample size. |
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14.
Michael Pittman Jr.
IND (vs . HOU)
Pittman got the true WR1 treatment from the Colts coaching staff in 2021, running a route on 96% of offensive dropbacks - third to only Cooper Kupp (WR1) and Ja'Marr Chase (WR4) through 17 weeks. He also finished the season tied for the league's eighth-highest target share (24%), which was 11 percentage points higher than the next closest Colt, Zach Pascal, at 13%.
He also made 18 highlight-reel contested catches - fourth most in the NFL. And his 31% target share from Weeks 13-18 cemented his place in Indy's WR1 chair heading into 2022. With Matt Ryan under center Pittman has the volume potential to be a top-12 fantasy option. Ryan has a history of fueling top-end fantasy WRs like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, making a top-five finish not all that crazy for Big Mike in 2022. Don't forget that last season, Ridley as the Falcons' No. 1 receiver owned the sixth-highest target rate per route run and ranked second among all wide receivers in expected fantasy points per game (16.5). |
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15.
DJ Moore
CAR (at NO)
There's no denying D.J. Moore's talent or elite usage for the Carolina Panthers. He was just one of 11 WRs to run a route on at least 90% of their team's dropbacks to go along with a top-three air yards share (36%) and seventh-ranked target rate per route run (25%).
Most wideouts that own this usage are no-doubt top-12 fantasy options, but Moore's abysmal quarterback play continues to hold him back. He only finished as the WR19 last season in half-point scoring, as his QB play was graded out as the stone worst in the NFL per PFF. |
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16.
Diontae Johnson
PIT (vs . CLE)
The ADP market believes that Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett can take the Steelers to the fantasy promised land. I am not as optimistic.
The best-case scenario for the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver is seeing a boatload of targets - albeit inefficient like last season when he ranked second in that category - to deliver for fantasy. Whether it's Trubisky or the rookie under center, that is the reality with DJ. Let's not forget that last year's heavily-coveted rookie quarterback class produced almost zero reliable options outside of Brandin Cooks (WR20), Jakobi Meyers (WR33) and Kendrick Bourne (WR30). So with a top-15 early best ball ADP in an offense with more competition for targets between Chase Claypool, Pat Freiermuth, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, I would need Johnson to fall significantly in drafts before selecting him. |
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17.
Terry McLaurin
WAS (vs . DAL)
Terry McLaurin got the WR1 treatment for Washington in 2021. He ran a route on 91% of offensive dropbacks and finished second in the NFL in air yards share behind only Justin Jefferson (37%).
But the horrible quarterback play in the nation's capital limited McLaurin's fantasy production to fantasy WR25 status. Many will point to new Washington quarterback Carson Wentz as just another retread of bad quarterback play coming TMC's way, but I am much more optimistic. The former No. 2 overall pick has a proven track record of sustaining fantasy viable weapons - most notably Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. from a season ago. His 27 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions and 67.9 PFF passing grade are miles better than Washington's 20 passing touchdowns, 15 interceptions and 58.3 PFF passing grade in 2021. |
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18.
Jaylen Waddle
MIA (vs . NYJ)
Jaylen Waddle looked primed to make the leap into the top-12 conversation after a stellar rookie season. Along with breaking Anquan Boldin's rookie reception record, Waddle commanded a 22% target share and 24% target rate per route run - 18th-best in the NFL.
But with the expensive addition of veteran Tyreek Hill, it is less likely that Waddle is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver in Miami. Hill is coming off a season where he commanded the league's seventh-highest target rate per route run (27%). The trade moves Waddle down from a fringe WR1 to mid-range fantasy WR2 after seeing almost zero target competition last season. |
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19.
Amari Cooper
CLE (at PIT)
Amari Cooper finished last season 27th in half-PPR per game (11.2), which was in line with his career average.
There is hope that he can provide a higher floor as the clear No. 1 wide receiver in Cleveland. And that floor will be accompanied by an extremely high ceiling with Deshaun Watson entrenched under center. The ex-Texans quarterback fueled top fantasy WR finishes for the likes of Brandin Cooks (WR16, 2020) and Will Fuller (WR8/game, 2020) the last time he played. And prior to that, he supplemented DeAndre Hopkins as the fantasy WR4 and WR10 from 2018-2019. |
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20.
Courtland Sutton
DEN (vs . LAC)
Entering Year 3, it looked like Courtland Sutton was on the cusp of true elite fantasy WR1 production, but his 2020 season was lost due to a torn ACL in Week 2. It was unclear how productive Sutton would be returning from the devastating knee injury.
But to start the 2021 season, the Broncos wide receiver looked like his old self. He averaged 13.8 fantasy points per game (17th) and had a 27% target share in Weeks 2-7 during the regular season. It wasn't until Jerry Jeudy's return from injury that Sutton - and the rest of the Broncos pass catchers - became obsolete in a crowded, run-heavy offense led by a combination of Lock/Teddy Bridgewater. Nevertheless, Sutton finished the season as the fantasy WR46. However, even in the anemic offense, Sutton still finished seventh in air yards (1,756), cemented in between Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, in 2021. Sutton has a real chance to recapture his elite form another year removed from his ACL injury. It also helps substantially that he has received an ultra upgrade at the quarterback position with Denver's trade for Russell Wilson. Wilson has always been an elite downfield passer - he had the sixth-highest passer rating on throws of 20-plus air yards last season - which plays heavily into Sutton's strengths as a vertical threat. |
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21.
Mike Williams
LAC (at DEN)
Mike Williams had the opportunity to take his talents elsewhere this offseason in free agency, but decided to stay in Los Angeles with quarterback Justin Herbert. Hard to argue with the choice to sign a three-year deal worth $60M attached to a young superstar quarterback, especially when that quarterback fueled a career-year.
He stormed out the gate in 2021 as the WR2 in fantasy through the first five weeks of the season, averaging 94.2 receiving yards and 1.2 receiving touchdowns per game. Big Mike finished the season as the WR23 in fantasy points per game despite cooling off considerably in the later weeks in addition to leaving a boatload of touchdown production on the table. He finished sixth in end-zone targets (16) but caught only five for touchdowns. With positive TD regression on his side, Williams looks like a sneaky candidate to repeat his WR12 overall finish in the half-point scoring format. |
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22.
Jerry Jeudy
DEN (vs . LAC)
Entering Year 3, Jerry Jeudy finally has a quarterback who can take full advantage of his ability to separate from defenders - 96th percentile separation percentage in 2021 - with Russell Wilson taking the reins.
With Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick operating from the outside, Jeudy figures to become Wilson's go-to target in the slot unless K.J. Hamler pushes him out. Jeudy's efficiency metrics should also see a massive boost now that he's catching passes from a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, but it remains to be seen if Jeudy will play an ancillary role as a red-zone threat. Upgrading from Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater to Wilson is great for Jeudy, but we have to remember that he is still an unproven fantasy commodity. Great route-running and separation skills aside, he hasn't scored many fantasy points the last two seasons. And that's not the case with every Denver receiver, because Patrick's production last two seasons earned him a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension. Even so, Jeudy should easily experience his best NFL season to date in 2022, but it may not be as great as some die-hard Jeudy stans would care to admit. There are a lot of weapons in Denver, and predicting Wilson's best option on a week-to-week basis was often a challenge when it was only between DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. As with those Seahawks receivers, there are going to be inconsistent weeks from Jeudy. And his lack of red-zone usage makes him more susceptible to bust games without having a touchdown opportunity to fall back on. |
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23.
Chris Godwin
TB (at ATL)
Chris Godwin ranked second in receptions (92, career-high) and eighth in fantasy points per game (18.1) while leading Tampa Bay with a 21% target share through Week 14.
Once deemed healthy, it's hard to envision Godwin not returning top-12 fantasy value in an aggressive aerial assault led by TB12. |
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24.
Brandin Cooks
HOU (at IND)
Brandin Cooks has finished worse than the fantasy WR20 only once since 2015, and that was due to injury. He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards six times with four different teams during that span.
At just 28 years old, Cooks shows little signs of slowing down. Last season, he was a target and air yards hog, finishing fourth in air yards share (36%) and ninth in target share (24%). And during the final four games of the season with Davis Mills at quarterback, Cooks was top-10 in fantasy points per game (15.0) to go along with a top-5 target rate per route run (33%). |
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25.
Elijah Moore
NYJ (at MIA)
Elijah Moore ranked as the fantasy WR2 over his last stretch of six games played.
His 16.1 fantasy points per game would have ranked fifth had he continued the production the remainder of the season. Unfortunately his season was cut short due to injuries and COVID-19 implications. The addition of Garrett Wilson makes Moore's second-year ascension less certain as he did not have much target competition during his scorching finish outside of veteran Jamison Crowder. |
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26.
Michael Thomas
NO (vs . CAR)
When Thomas was healthy in 2020 from Weeks 11-14, he commanded a 33% target share, earned a 90.5 PFF receiving grade and averaged an elite 2.86 yards per route run - a mark that bested his career average (2.45).
With Thomas now readily available after Round 4, he's the quintessential middle-round WR that could make the massive leap back atop the fantasy leaderboards. |
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27.
Darnell Mooney
CHI (vs . MIN)
Darnell Mooney is already a star in the making. The third-year receiver looks primed to cement himself as the Chicago Bears' true No. 1 wide receiver. He already operated as the team's No. 1 for most of the 2021 season, ranking as the WR27 in half-point fantasy scoring through 17 weeks. Mooney also finished the last four weeks of the season ninth in target share (27%) and fifth in route participation (95%).
With nobody worth much outside of third-year tight end Cole Kmet as legitimate competition, Mooney should build off his 8th-ranked 24% target share from last season. Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown and 25-year-old rookie Velus Jones Jr. should only encourage targeting the 24-year-old Mooney in 2022 drafts. |
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28.
Marquise Brown
ARI (at SF)
Marquise Brown seems slated for a massive target share in the Arizona Cardinals' pass-heavy offense.
Brown posted a top-12 target share last season (23%) with Baltimore. The speedy wideout also commanded a whopping 27% target share back in 2018 at Oklahoma - the last time he played with Murray. Christian Kirk was WR12 during the last four weeks without Hopkins in the lineup. The Cardinals paid a premium to acquire Brown, so fantasy managers should expect them to use him plenty. Brace yourself for Brown to skyrocket up 2022 best-ball rankings as a top-20 fantasy WR option. |
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29.
Allen Robinson II
LAR (at SEA)
Before Robert Woods hit the IR, he was the WR17 in half-PPR scoring per game. Van Jefferson saw elite usage playing on every down as the No. 3 receiver but didn't follow up his playing time with any worthwhile production. Jefferson was WR35 overall on the season and outside the top 40 in points per game despite a top-tier 86% route participation.
The likely scenario for Allen Robinson is that he steps up into the No. 2 role behind Cooper Kupp and operates the way Woods started the year and/or by how Odell Beckham Jr. ended the season. Down the playoff stretch, Beckham Jr. averaged a 19% target share and 12.4 fantasy points per game from Week 12 through the divisional round (fantasy WR2). |
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30.
DeAndre Hopkins
ARI (at SF)
DeAndre Hopkins is being suspended six games for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Drug policy.
The alpha WR falls into the WR3/4 range for redraft purposes. He won't fall as much in best-ball based on the format, but it's hard to imagine drafting Hopkins over Marquise Brown with the six-game suspension baked in. |
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31.
DeVonta Smith
PHI (vs . NYG)
DeVonta Smith didn't have the record-breaking rookie seasons like Ja'Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle, but he was still extremely solid. He finished 10th in overall team air yards share and top-20 in PFF receiving grade among WRs with at least 100 targets.
So Smith's WR29 finish and WR42 standing in points per game hardly does the rookie justice while playing in a run-heavy offensive attack. From Week 7 onward, Smith never saw more than six targets in any game. I don't necessarily believe that Smith's targets per game will increase substantially after the team added A.J. Brown this offseason; that puts Smith firmly in the fantasy WR3 tier. |
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32.
Gabriel Davis
BUF (vs . NE)
Gabriel Davis averaged 19.8 fantasy points per game (PPR) and 16.0 expected fantasy points per game in his last six games while running a route on 88% of dropbacks as the Bills finally emphasized his playing time in the offense.
As a strong bet to earn the No. 2 wide receiver job come opening day, Davis has a legitimate shot to be a reliable fantasy option in a Josh Allen-led offense in 2022. |
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33.
Rashod Bateman
BAL (at CIN)
The Baltimore Ravens traded Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, opening the WR1 role on offense. Bateman has the opportunity to step in and be the true No. 1 wide receiver for Lamar Jackson (QB - BAL) in 2022 and beyond.
With Brown's 23% target share departure, Bateman can seize a massive role for fantasy as a high-end WR2. 2022 is Shoddy B breakout SZN. |
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34.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
DET (at GB)
Amon-Ra St. Brown cannot be denied. The Day 3 rookie silenced the doubters with an incredible hot streak down the stretch for the Detroit Lions commanding a 33% target share - 11 targets per game - en route to a WR3 PPR finish from Weeks 13-18.
But the elite late-season production comes with the caveat that De'Andre Swift and T.J. Hockenson were not healthy. Before their injuries, ASB was an essential non-factor outside a stretch from Weeks 4-6 where he commanded a 22% target share. The Lions' rookie wide receiver was an extreme outlier as he not only finished top-50 but 21st overall; that almost never happens with fourth-round picks. The path for upside St. Brown showed last season is what we should be pursuing, but be mindful that it will likely take more injuries with first-round pick Jameson Williams and veteran D.J. Chark added to the roster this offseason. |
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35.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
KC (at LV)
It always seemed more probable than not that JuJu Smith-Schuster would find his way to Kansas City in free agency. The Chiefs were interested in him last season, and the landing spot is perfect to revive Smith-Schuster's fantasy football value. He's just one year removed from a WR17 finish in PPR between two injury-plagued seasons.
Let's not forget JuJu had an elite sophomore campaign - 1,400-plus receiving yards - and he is still just 25 years old. With the most vacated targets available in Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes his new quarterback, 2022 will be a return to form for Smith-Schuster. He can operate from his natural position in the slot and benefit from the playmakers around him. After all, Smith-Schuster was at his best as a Pittsburgh Steeler during his first two seasons playing opposite of Antonio Brown. |
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36.
Tyler Lockett
SEA (vs . LAR)
I can't cultivate a likely scenario where the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver accrues any type of worthwhile fantasy value in 2021.
He is turning 30 years old this season and finds him in a situation with Geno Smith/Drew Lock at quarterback. Lockett's infamous for his roller coaster production - four top-5 finishes, seven outside the top-36 in 2021 - and I expect no less based on his current situation in 2022. The major difference being the bad games will be more frequent than ever with the massive QB downgrade. Lockett averaged just 9.0 fantasy points per game (47th) without Wilson last season. With Lockett competing for targets alongside Metcalf in a run-heavy offense, he looks like a straight-up fade unless his ADP falls dramatically. |
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37.
Treylon Burks
TEN (at JAC)
Treylon Burks finished first in his class in yards per route run (3.57) while also ranking No. 1 in yards per route run when lined up outside (6.08) among all receivers. It's an encouraging sign that a size-speed specimen delivered when aligned on the perimeter, as he spent 77% of his career in the slot.
The rookie's 8.5 yards after the catch rank 14th among 169 qualifying wide receivers (92nd percentile) over the past two seasons.His elite college production and top-notch 32% dominator rating speak for themselves. And the best part is, he should produce from Day 1 after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. There's hardly any competition for targets outside of Robert Woods), who is coming off a torn ACL. And with a similar YAC-ability to A.J. Brown, Burks should be able to step on the field on day one and offer immediate fantasy football appeal as a top-30 fantasy option. |
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38.
Adam Thielen
MIN (at CHI)
The 32-year old wideout has made his hay in fantasy because of his "ability" to find the end zone 24 times since the start of 2020, but it's something that just isn't sustainable in the long term. Based on Thielen's targets and yardage totals, his total TD number should be closer to 16.
Justin Jefferson is an ascending rocketship that will only see his TDs rise entering Year 3, most likely coming at the detriment of Thielen. Not to mention, AT's age may finally be catching up to him after he posted his lowest PFF receiving grade and yards per route run since he first became a starter back in 2016. |
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39.
Brandon Aiyuk
SF (vs . ARI)
Fantasy managers are still trying to figure out what went wrong with Brandon Aiyuk during the first half of last season. He was hyped up after an impressive rookie campaign, but suffered a hamstring injury during training camp that made him unreliable in the starting offense. Through Weeks 1-7, Aiyuk had just one weekly finish inside the top-25. He also averaged an abysmal 0.63 yards per route run - a mark that ranked 98th out of 102 qualifying WRs. Woof.
But give credit to Aiyuk for turning his season around during the second half. His yards per route run increased substantially (2.16, 13th) and he averaged 13.1 PPR fantasy points per game as the WR24. If Aiyuk can roll over his second-half production into 2022, he could end up as a smashing fantasy value in a similar way that Deebo Samuel was viewed in 2021. |
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40.
Hunter Renfrow
LV (vs . KC)
There's really not much left to say when it comes to Hunter Renfrow. The kid's a certified stud and doesn't get the respect he deserves. The Raiders slot receiver hung a WR13 overall finish last season due to a spectacular late-season surge.
He went over 100 receiving yards in three straight games (Weeks 12-14) while maintaining a 25% target share. From Week 12 onward, his production generated a WR8 standing in half-point scoring. Renfrow made the most of the opportunities he got in 2021, and that won't change in 2022. Adding Davante Adams and Darren Waller will make targets for Renfrow harder to come by, but stay rest assured that the shifty wideout will perform if either guy is forced to miss time. |
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41.
Drake London
ATL (vs . TB)
Drake London boasts all the skills to be an alpha possession receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-4 and 219-pound towering USC wide receiver only played in eight games due to an ankle injury but made every game count. He commanded a 38% target share, led all WRs in contested catches (19) and in receptions per game (11.0).
London concluded the year third in yards per route run (3.52) in his draft class. Even if London's final 2022 stat line doesn't turn heads based on potential shoddy quarterback play from Marcus Mariota /Desmond Ridder, a high target share will provide London a solid weekly floor. |
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42.
Garrett Wilson
NYJ (at MIA)
After enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign in 2020 that saw Garrett Wilson earn a 34% dominator rating - which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within their offense - at 20 years old, the Ohio State product ran it back in impressive fashion in 2021.
The Buckeye scored 12 receiving touchdowns, compiled over 1,000 receiving yards and generated the FBS' 12th-highest passer rating when targeted (141.7). He also proved to NFL teams that he was more than just a shifty slot receiver, averaging 3.00 yards per route run despite operating on the outside on 83% of his routes run, which nearly matched his same yards per route run average from 2020 when he spent most of his time inside. And although Wilson's 2021 24% dominator rating was less than his sophomore campaign, that's really due to Ohio State's talent in the wide receiver room. He was competing for targets with senior Chris Olave and sophomore standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the nation in PFF receiving grade (91.7). Going beyond the box score reveals that Wilson is a versatile route runner who can align anywhere on the field and still win. He was selected by the New York Jets 10th overall and joins a somewhat crowded WR room. And nobody can be sure Zach Wilson can support one or multiple fantasy assets. There are definitely question marks. However, Wilson is worth betting on because he's shown the ability at Ohio State to command targets and produce in an offense littered with other elite talents. Doesn't hurt his chance that he was deemed open on 84% of his targets last season. |
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43.
Chase Claypool
PIT (vs . CLE)
Chase Claypool's second-year breakout was inevitably halted by Ben Roethlisberger's lack of downfield throwing ability: On throws with 20-plus air yards, Big Ben graded 31st out of 38 qualifying QBs.
Claypool commanded a 27% air yards share on the season and led the team in the metric over the final four weeks. Better days should be ahead of the Notre Dame product if Pittsburgh can get better downfield quarterback play from Kenny Pickett/Mitchell Trubisky. Claypool is also due for positive touchdown regression after catching just one of his 12 end-zone targets last season. The 6-foot-5 monster is no stranger to hitting paydirt, after being one of eight wide receivers to score double-digit touchdowns as rookies since 1998. However, Claypool's range of outcomes is quite wide heading into his third season with 2022 second-round pick George Pickens, chomping at the bit to be the No. 2 on the offense behind Diontae Johnson. |
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44.
Allen Lazard
GB (vs . DET)
Aaron Rodgers trusts Lazard after they have spent the last four seasons together, and their chemistry was on full display over the final 5 weeks of the 2021 regular season.
Lazard was the WR8 in PPR scoring on the back of 21 receptions for 290 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Someone on Green Bay will have to replace Davante Adams' elite red-zone production, and Lazard looks to fit the mold at 6-foot-5. |
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45.
Robert Woods
TEN (at JAC)
Robert Woods was traded to the Titans after the Rams signed Allen Robinson in free agency. The move was less about Woods' ability, but rather his salary cap hit that the Rams were looking to free themselves from.
Still, entering his age 30-season fantasy managers should question whether Woods has the juice left to continue producing for fantasy. Often viewed as a safe fantasy WR2 during his time in L.A. - he was WR17 before his injury in 2021 - Woods might be subject to some poor game conditions in the Titans' run-heavy approach that could nuke his weekly fantasy appeal. He's got a chance to be the No. 1 receiver if rookie Treylon Burks fails to hit the ground running, but anything less will not be fruitful for the seasoned veteran. Over the past two seasons, production has not been kind to WRs over 30 years old. Only three receivers over 30 - Cole Beasley, Adam Thielen, and Marvin Jones Jr. - finished as top-40 fantasy options. If he stays healthy, Woods could easily beat his ADP. But I'm just not sure how high his fantasy ceiling is based on the situation. |
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46.
Michael Gallup
DAL (at WAS)
Michael Gallup's late season injury will almost certainly hurt his chances of being available for Week 1, with some diagnoses saying the Cowboys WR won't be ready until October.
The 2018 third-rounder averaged just 10.2 fantasy points per game in 2021 (47th), less than his 2020 season (10.8). It \doesn't help Gallup's case either that the team re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz, who figures to compete for top targets with CeeDee Lamb. Third-round rookie Jalen Tolbert also figures to get plenty of reps in training camp with Gallup rehabbing. Be careful to not overinvest in Gallup for fear that you'll be wasting a roster spot for a player that falls into the fantasy WR3 with upside tier, that just doesn't move the needle. |
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47.
Christian Kirk
JAC (vs . TEN)
Everything came together for Christian Kirk in 2021 because he was finally used from the slot. Unsurprisingly, Kirk established career highs across the board in targets (112), receptions (83), and receiving yards (1,035) while filling the void left by an injured DeAndre Hopkins.
Kirk commanded a 21% target share without Hopkins in the lineup and averaged 13.8 fantasy PPR points per game - a top-10 per-game average. In addition, he finished with the second most receiving yards from the slot among all wide receivers. Kirk should stay kicked iside with the Jaguars after they got little production from that position in 2021. Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault ranked in the bottom 10 with 1.30 yards per route run from the slot. Kirk ranked 13th with 1.80 yards per route run from the slot. He is shaping up to be the new Amari Rodgers for Trevor Lawrence, operating from the inside. At worst, Kirk takes shape as a strong WR3 asset who can elevate to WR2 status quickly with an up-and-coming quarterback. |
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48.
Chris Olave
NO (vs . CAR)
Even with Michael Thomas presumably back in the fold, there was still a gaping hole at the wide receiver position in the Big Easy. Long-time general manager Mickey Loomis has had zero issues spending high-end draft capital on WRs in the past, so it's not surprising the Saints traded up to draft Chris Olave at No. 11.
The former Buckeye doesn't offer the same skill set as Thomas, but he can separate from defenders at an elite level downfield. Olave wrapped up his 2021 season in the 96th percentile in separation versus single coverage and caught seven touchdowns on throws of 20-plus air yards. Olave draws parallels to Calvin Ridley with his impressive route running ability. But like Ridley coming out of school, Olave doesn't offer much after the catch. His forced broken and missed tackle rate ranked 43rd among 43 qualifying wide receivers in the class. His yards after the catch per reception (4.2) ranked 37th. Without much YAC-ability in an offense that ranked fifth in that YAC/reception last season and a firm seat in the WR2 chair behind a healthy Thomas, I have trouble getting overly excited for Olave in New Orleans as nothing more than a boom-or-bust WR4. |
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49.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
KC (at LV)
Just less than a day after trading Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs have signed his replacement Marquez Valdes-Scantling. It's a three-year deal worth up to $36 million. Essentially the same money that Russell Gage got from the Buccaneers and what Zay Jones got from Jacksonville.
The ex-Packers field stretcher has ranked inside the top-5 in yards per reception over the last two seasons, so he will feel right at home catching bombs from Patrick Mahomes. He is sure to experience spiked weeks of production attached to the Chiefs' big-armed quarterback, but valuing him more than a weekly boom-or-bust fantasy WR3/4 would be malpractice. MVS does get a bump up in the WR rankings with a slight upgrade at QB and the opportunity to see a larger target share, but I wouldn't view him too dissimilarly to how he was perceived in Green Bay for the past four seasons. He has never commanded 75 targets in a season. His 2022 wide receiver ranking is comfortably behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore. |
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50.
Russell Gage
TB (at ATL)
Gage is coming off a stellar year after posting career-highs in yards per route run (1.96) and PFF receiving grade (76.0) while playing more on the outside. Often thought of as a "slot-only" wideout, Gage split snaps 50/50 from the slot versus outside in 2021.
He also led the Falcons with a 29% target share since Week 11 - playing 53% of his snaps for the outside - showcasing his ability to earn passing volume alongside the talented Kyle Pitts Any receiver in a Tom Brady-led offense should be a sought-after commodity - so consider me in on Gage in 2022. There are plenty of scenarios where Gage continues his success from the tail-end of last season. |
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51.
Kadarius Toney
NYG (at PHI)
It remains to be seen how the Giants new coaching staff is viewing Kadarius Toney heading into Year 2. They were rumored to trade the polarizing wide receiver before the NFL Draft, and the selection of Wan'Dale Robinson early in Round 2 isn't a vote of confidence that is going to see an ultra-expanded role in Year 2.
However, what is clear with Toney is the talent. He flashed future target-magnet potential after commanding a 25% target rate per route run in 2021 - tied for 7th best in the NFL in 2021. |
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52.
DeVante Parker
NE (at BUF)
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53.
DJ Chark Jr.
DET (at GB)
I'd stay far away from D.J. Chark. His vertical game with Goff does not project well. Goff's average depth of throw has decreased over the last four seasons, with his most recent 2021 mark (6.8) ranking dead last among 38 qualifying quarterbacks.
During Chark's fantasy WR17 season in 2019, he ranked sixth in the NFL in catches of 20-plus air yards (13) before his injury. Goff has averaged 13 completions of 20-plus air yards the last two seasons. Chark screams like he will be used more like a vertical field stretcher decoy that will open up targets for St. Brown, running backs, and tight ends underneath. |
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54.
Skyy Moore
KC (at LV)
Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore is being undervalued versus other Round 1 rookie WRs because he was a second-round pick as the 13th wide receiver selected in the draft. But Moore has a chance to hit the ground running in the post-Tyreek Hill era, competing for targets with fellow newcomers Juju Smith Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His impressive YAC ability - tied for first with 26 forced missed tackles in 2021 - and ability to play both inside/outside helps him stand out from the other Chiefs WRs. With Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback, Moore could smash his current ECR into the stratosphere. It's not that outlandish to think a second-rounder can make an immediate impact considering six of the 12 highest-scoring Round 1 & 2 rookie WRs selected since 2017 were second-rounders.
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55.
Tyler Boyd
CIN (vs . BAL)
Tyler Boyd was a victim of circumstances more than anything else in 2021, with two alpha wide receivers in the Bengals offense leaving him nothing but scraps. The Bengals slot receiver commanded just a 15% target share and target rate per route run.
The target rate per route ranked dead-last among 73 qualifying players last season that commanded at least 100 targets. It's clear that Boyd can't be viewed as much working as a clear ancillary piece of the Cincinnati passing attack. Tight end C.J. Uzomah's departure does open up the potential that Boyd could shoulder a larger target workload, but his upside remains extremely limited while Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are healthy. |
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56.
Kenny Golladay
NYG (at PHI)
Poor Kenny Golladay. The New York Giants' prized offseason acquisition failed to score a single touchdown with his new team despite seeing 13 end-zone targets. It was the most end-zone targets of any player to go scoreless this season.
We have an extremely large sample size of Golladay catching touchdowns at the NFL level, though - he led the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns in 2019. So the big-bodied wideout has nowhere to go but up in 2022. |
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57.
Christian Watson
GB (vs . DET)
The worst-case scenario with Christian Watson is that he becomes Marques Valdez-Scantling in the Green Bay Packers offense. The elite athleticism and big-play ability present a sky-high ceiling as Aaron Rodgers' future WR1, but a lack of refinement and focus drops reveal a somewhat scary floor.
MVS' 73-target rookie season in 2018 is the most a first-year WR has ever earned from Rodgers, which further bolsters the case for a Valdes-Scantling floor for Watson. Davante Adams led that team with 169 targets. Either way, he's worth a middle-to-backend Round 1 pick in rookie drafts. The opportunity he could see from Day 1 amid a lackluster receiving corps of Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers is salivating. |
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58.
Jameson Williams
DET (at GB)
Williams may not hit the field until October, making him a tough guy to stash in redraft formats. Furthermore, Williams' vertical ability cannot be capitalized with Jared Goff under center.
Goff's average depth of throw has decreased over the last four seasons, with his most recent 2021 mark (6.8) ranking dead last among 38th qualifying quarterbacks. He has also averaged just 13 completions of 20-plus air yards the last two seasons. Williams finished top-seven among all college wide receivers in receiving yards on 20-plus air yard throws in 2021. However, Williams does also possess top-tier YAC-ability so he should be able to salvage some production when he returns from injury. And although Goff's lack of deep game isn't ideal, we have seen him fuel top fantasy WR seasons before in Los Angeles and Detroit. Most recently with Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was the fantasy WR3 to close out last season. Williams commanded a 31% dominator rating last season by hanging 1,561 receiving yards, 20 yards per reception and 15 touchdowns - all achievements that ranked top-three among his 2022 NFL Draft class. Nobody will be shocked to see Williams out-produce the combination of St. Brown and T.J. Hockenson once he is fully acclimated into the offense. |
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59.
Jakobi Meyers
NE (at BUF)
Jakobi Meyers is easily the most slept on wide receiver in fantasy football. The former undrafted free agent has been the Patriots target leader for the past two seasons, with his most recent accomplishment finishing top-12 in target share (23%) in 2021.
The high-end target share also aligned with Meyer's deployment in the Patriots passing attack, where Meyers was running a route on 92% of team dropbacks - the sixth-highest mark in the league. New England's No. 1 receiver just needs to cash-in on more touchdowns to unlock his fantasy ceiling. He has been extremely underused in that category; his 866 receiving yards resulting in two touchdowns were the lowest of any WR in 2021. |
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60.
Corey Davis
NYJ (at MIA)
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61.
Tim Patrick
DEN (vs . LAC)
Pairing Tim Patrick with Russell Wilson is the best way to find fantasy value in the later rounds of drafts. Patrick is seriously underrated despite the fact that he has out-produced Jerry Jeudy in the fantasy points column the last two seasons and has seen a featured role as a red-zone threat.
His production the last two seasons earned him a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension. Like it or not, Patrick will be on the field as much - if not more - than Jeudy in 2022 as the boundary receiver opposite Courtland Sutton. And their two ADPs couldn't be more different. |
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62.
Van Jefferson
LAR (at SEA)
Van Jefferson Jr. didn't necessarily take off during his second season, but he earned the trust of the coaching staff to earn a near every-down role - unhead at the position for a No. 3 wide receiver.
Jefferson finished 20th in route participation (86%) and should maintain that high-end usage heading into the 2022 season. In that role last season, Jefferson finished as WR35 overall on the season and outside the top 40 in points per game. The Rams vertical threat is the rare WR handcuff that would see his production spike should an injury occur to either Cooper Kupp or Allen Robinson. |
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63.
Jarvis Landry
NO (vs . CAR)
Jarvis Landry signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, providing much added depth to the team's wide receiver room.
The 29-year-old's best season with the Browns came back in 2019 when he averaged 12.2 fantasy points per game in half-point scoring as the WR13. The former LSU star's production fell off in the last two seasons amid quarterback Baker Mayfield's struggles. However, Landry displayed a higher fantasy ceiling in games that Odell Beckham Jr. missed from 2020-2021 averaging 11.2 points per game in 2020 (nine games) and 9.5 points per game in 2021 (ten games). So although his WR56 and 8.9 fantasy points per game in 2021 suggest Landry may be on the decline, he was more a victim of bad circumstances. His 25% target rate per route run ranked top-12 last season - tying him with the likes of D.J. Moore, D.K. Metcalf, Brandin Cooks and Stefon Diggs. He'll compete for his fair share of targets in an offense alongside what now appears like a sneaky good pass-catching corps between veteran Michael Thomas, first-round rookie Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara. There's a clear path for steady fantasy WR2 production with Landry if Thomas doesn't overcome the remaining hurdles stemming from his ankle rehab. |
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64.
Rondale Moore
ARI (at SF)
Rondale Moore is entering his second season with a straightforward path for an expanded role in the Cardinals' offense. He flashed his potential early on for Arizona in 2021, with 182 receiving yards in his first two NFL games. But Kliff Kingsbury never opted to go back to Moore with the likes of A.J. Green and Christian Kirk playing solid roles. We should see Moore - and his dead-last 1.3 aDOT - experience significant growth in Year 2 especially with DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six weeks of the season.
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65.
Jahan Dotson
WAS (vs . DAL)
Terry McLaurin is in the midst of a contract dispute, Curtis Samuel has struggled to stay healthy and 2021 third-rounder Dyami Brown failed to fire as a rookie.
Jahan Dotson's biggest strengths to me are his reliability and the floor that he can offer the Commanders, and that is going to translate into target volume. That's what he did during his final season at Penn State, posting an absurd 43% dominator rating while racking up the 8th-most receptions in his draft class. |
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66.
Odell Beckham Jr.
FA (BYE)
Let OBJ's resurgence with the Rams be a reminder that a situation can tank a wide receiver's stats. Case in point: Beckham owned the second-worst catchable target rate in the league since joining the Cleveland Browns. Of course, his numbers weren't great.
But as a Ram, Beckham was PFF's 33rd-graded wide receiver (72.2), averaging a 19% target share and 12.4 fantasy points per game from Week 12 through the divisional round. OBJ had his best game with the Rams in the NFC title game, hauling in nine of 11 targets for 113 receiving yards (24% target share). And he looked well on his way to another massive game in the Super Bowl after catching two passes for 52 yards and one score in the first half alone. Unfortunately for Beckham, he tore his ACL - tanking his free agency stock and putting his entire 2022 season in doubt. It's reported that OBJ will re-sign with the Rams or the Packers, which will significantly impact where his ADP ultimately rests at. |
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67.
Mecole Hardman
KC (at LV)
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68.
William Fuller V
FA (BYE)
The one-year, $10.6 million contract Will Fuller signed with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason did not go according to plan for any party involved. Fuller battled through injuries - as he often does- and finished the season with just four catches for 26 yards.
The big-play wideout did nothing to boost his free agency stock after 2021 but will likely be added by someone with hopes he can regain 2020 form. He finished as PFF's 10th-highest-graded wide receiver that season and was ninth in yards per route run (2.28) and eighth in fantasy points per game (17.2). |
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69.
Robbie Anderson
CAR (at NO)
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70.
Sterling Shepard
NYG (at PHI)
Simply put: When Sterling Shepard is healthy and on the field, he gets peppered with targets.
He has been a top-40 wide receiver in terms of fantasy points per game (PPR) over the past three seasons, commanding nearly eight targets per game. But with his health status off the Achilles tear a major concern and the Giants featuring highly-competitive wide receiver room, 2022 might be the year Ol' Shepard falls to the wayside as nothing more than bench depth with a decent floor in PPR formats as his main selling argument. |
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71.
Marvin Jones Jr.
JAC (vs . TEN)
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72.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
CLE (at PIT)
Donovan Peoples-Jones is an intriguing late-round dart throw as the Browns' other primary "X" receiver - assuming they don't also bring in free agent Will Fuller. DPJ finished 2021 second in yards per catch (17.6) last season.
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73.
Kendrick Bourne
NE (at BUF)
Kendrick Bourne didn't absorb the same high-end target share that Jakobi Meyers did in the Patriots offense in 2021, but he posted career-high efficiency marks across the board. He caught 83% of his targets (2nd) and finished 14th overall in yards per route run (2.01).
After such an impressive first season in New England, it wouldn't be outlandish to see Bourne earn more targets in Year 2. After all, his 70% route participation has room to grow. |
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74.
George Pickens
PIT (vs . CLE)
The Steelers selected George Pickens at pick No. 52 in the 2022 NFL Draft, with WR3 an area of need and Diontae Johnson (slated for free agency in 2023. I absolutely love the fit for Pickens here with the Steelers, who seem to never miss selecting wideouts on Day 2.
Injuries and off-field issues plagued Pickens' draft stock, but he looks fully healthy based on his testing at the NFL Combine. And Pittsburgh seems like the right spot for him to get his head on straight. I already can't wait for the heated training camp fights between him and Chase Claypool as the gloves come off - well not really - for target supremacy. Pickens' college profile screams that of a true alpha, so I'd be looking to stash him across the board before he is fully unleashed. The Georgia Bulldog WR broke out as a true 18-year old freshman, finishing 2019 as PFF's the 17th-highest-graded receiver in the nation (88.0) - ahead of future NFL wideouts like Jerry Jeudy, Justin Jefferson, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. |
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75.
Jamison Crowder
BUF (vs . NE)
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76.
Joshua Palmer
LAC (at DEN)
Mike Williams' return to the Chargers in free agency puts a slight damper on the sophomore breakout for Josh Palmer. But, there's still fantasy appeal to rostering the No. 3 option in a Justin Herbert-led offense.
As a rookie, Palmer averaged over seven targets per game and scored a touchdown in his three games with a 60% snap share. He was also extremely efficient in the end zone, catching three of his five total end-zone targets for TDs. |
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77.
Laviska Shenault Jr.
JAC (vs . TEN)
Laviska Shenault looks like the odd-man-out entering Year 3 with Christian Kirk, Marvin Jones and Zay Jones ahead of him in the target pecking order. Viska-stans might need a trade for him to revive his plummeting fantasy value.
Because his team-leading 21% target rate per route run on 99 targets does suggest that maybe he's not as bad as the market perceives him. Especially considering the wide receivers going into Year 3 drafted in Round 2 that have eclipsed 170 targets since 2018 is a solid group to be associated with. Those names include JuJu Smith-Schuster, D.K. Metcalf, Tee Higgins, Chase Claypool, Courtland Sutton, A.J. Brown, Michael Pittman Jr. and Christian Kirk. |
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78.
Curtis Samuel
WAS (vs . DAL)
Curtis Samuel is just one year removed from a top-25 fantasy finish and 23rd-ranked 1.94 yards per route run.
The Washington slot receiver is basically free in early best ball ADP, despite not finishing worse than WR42 in any season he has played at least 13 games. |
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79.
Marquez Callaway
NO (vs . CAR)
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80.
Nico Collins
HOU (at IND)
Nico Collins commanded end-zone targets and high air-yard throws in 2021 but ultimately never put together a true breakout game. He finished behind Brandin Cooks in air yards and all other receiving categories. Still, he should open the 2022 season at worst as the de facto No. 2 option - if John Metchie is not fully back from his torn ACL - for up-and-coming second-year quarterback Davis Mills.
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81.
David Bell
CLE (at PIT)
David Bell might be my favorite WR to draft from Day 3 of the real NFL draft. He has an awesome landing spot with the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson .
The Browns understand his limitations as an athlete, but his strengths as an underneath wide receiver can help him produce after the catch. Bell finished third in the FBS in receiving yards on the outside (1,097), second in total forced missed tackles (25) and 10th in PFF receiving grade (86.9) among his draft class. He's a perfect fit alongside prototypical No. 1 WR Amari Cooper and the speedy duo of Donovan Peoples-Jones/Anthony Schwartz. |
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82.
A.J. Green
ARI (at SF)
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83.
Braxton Berrios
NYJ (at MIA)
Braxton Berrios ran a route on 88% of the Jets' dropbacks and commanded a 23% target share in Jamison Crowder's absence in Week 16. The plucky Berrios stepped up again with Crowder out in Week 17, commanding a 35% target share without even leading the New York Jets in routes run. He finished the day catching eight of 12 targets for 65 yards to go along with two touchdowns (one rushing and receiving).
He's worthy of as a depth stash because of his ability to command targets at a high rate: Berrios' 24% target rate per route run over the last two seasons ranks 14th among WRs with at least 100 targets. |
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84.
Terrace Marshall Jr.
CAR (at NO)
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85.
Julio Jones
FA (BYE)
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86.
K.J. Osborn
MIN (at CHI)
K.J. Osborn flashed at times during the 2021 season, but never more so than when he filled in for Adam Thielen. From Weeks 13-17, the second-year pro averaged 12 half-PPR fantasy points per game to go along with six targets.
If Thielen starts to break down entering his age 32-season, Osborn would be the prime benefactor. |
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87.
John Metchie III
HOU (at IND)
The Houston Texans traded multiple picks to move up for John Metchie during the 2022 NFL Draft in a similar fashion to how they acquired Nico Collins a season ago.
The former Alabama wide receiver caught 96 balls for over 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final junior season. He just happened to be overshadowed by Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams. But don't sleep on Metchie because he possesses a nice skillset that will translate well with the Texans. He's a savvy route runner that understands how to get leverage and create separation from defenders. His game reminds me of Eddie Royal. He probably won't ever be a true No. 1, but that doesn't preclude him from carving out a niche role starting from the slot. |
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88.
Parris Campbell
IND (vs . HOU)
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89.
Bryan Edwards
ATL (vs . TB)
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90.
Tre'Quan Smith
NO (vs . CAR)
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91.
Byron Pringle
CHI (vs . MIN)
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92.
Wan'Dale Robinson
NYG (at PHI)
The high second-round draft capital commitment from the The New York Giants are going to get Wan'Dale Robinson on the field sooner rather than later. Considering the same can't be said for guys like Kadarius Toney or any other leftover Giants skill players from the previous regime, we could see Robinson step in Day 1 and offer an immediate impact.
I'm also more optimistic than most that Brian Daboll understands how to use a shorter receiver like Robinson, based on his prior experiences with Cole Beasley and Isaiah McKenzie in Buffalo. And the Giants don't seem overly concerned about listing him at 5-foot-11 after he measured at 5-foot-8 at the NFL Scouting Combine. Go figure. In his first season playing wide receiver, Robinson finished second in the FBS in yards per route run (3.56). The Kentucky product also owns PFF's No. 1 career receiving grade (93.4) in the 2022 draft class. |
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93.
Emmanuel Sanders
BUF (vs . NE)
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94.
KJ Hamler
DEN (vs . LAC)
K.J. Hamler possesses enticing upside as a speedy slot receiver that could be Russell Wilson's new version of Tyler Lockett, but he could be a total zero with his inability to stay healthy the past two seasons.
Had it not been for the two-touchdowns game versus Carolina back in 2020 - Hamler would probably be viewed closer to Parris Campbell despite the latter being an actual starter on his offense. |
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95.
Nelson Agholor
NE (at BUF)
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96.
Cedrick Wilson Jr.
MIA (vs . NYJ)
Cedrick Wilson will be facing an uphill battle when it comes to demanding targets in an offense with Waddle, Hill, Edmonds and Mike Gesicki Injuries lit the path for Wilson to be productive last season in Dallas and may be required for a second straight year.
After all, Wilson is a 27-year old wide receiver that has yet to total 1,000 total receiving yards since being drafted in 2018. Leaving a high-powered Dallas offense for a Miami offense led by an unproven quarterback makes it less likely Wilson delivers as many spike weeks as he did in 2021 - even as a more full-time player. |
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97.
Cole Beasley
FA (BYE)
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98.
Zay Jones
JAC (vs . TEN)
Zay Jones played better down the stretch than second-year receiver Bryan Edwards, which earned him a three-year $30 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jones averaged a 25% target share, 10.7 half-point fantasy points per game (27th) and 12.8 expected half-point fantasy points per game (18th) in the team's final five games including playoffs. He also led the team in total air yards (1,136). The former Raider is bound to be overlooked in fantasy despite a strong 2021 finish, so consider me a buyer in the very late rounds and in dynasty. Jones will be a starter on the outside and inherit the wide receiver role previously occupied by Laquon Treadwell. The former first-round pick finished the final six weeks of the fantasy season 10th in receiving yards with 381 - 64 per game. Jones, like Treadwell, also finished the last five weeks top-10 in PFF receiving grade versus man coverage - further bolstering Jones' case as a future playmaker on the boundary. |
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99.
Alec Pierce
IND (vs . HOU)
Alec Pierce earned solid Day 2 draft capital with the Indianapolis Colts, but I'd be hard-pressed to admit I like the landing spot with Matt Ryan. Pierce figures to slide-into that vertical field-stretching role for the Colts vacated by veteran T.Y. Hilton based on the rookie's speed and vertical profile from his college career at Cincinnati. But how valuable of a role is that with the team committed to both Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. as the clear touch hogs of the offense. Not to mention, Ryan's deep ball rate (9.1%) ranked 32nd out of 38 qualifying quarterbacks in 2021.
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100.
Josh Reynolds
DET (at GB)
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101.
Randall Cobb
GB (vs . DET)
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102.
Darius Slayton
NYG (at PHI)
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103.
Jalen Reagor
PHI (vs . NYG)
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104.
Dyami Brown
WAS (vs . DAL)
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105.
Quintez Cephus
DET (at GB)
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106.
Jalen Tolbert
DAL (at WAS)
The Dallas Cowboys needed a No. 3 receiver and Jalen Tolbert fits the bill to a tee.The South Alabama product was a mega-producer in the small school college ranks.
The 6-foot-1 and 194-pound deep-ball specialist earned a career 31% dominator rating - top-three in the class - factoring in a redshirt freshman season. Tolbert posted dominator ratings of 35%, 42%, and 42% from his sophomore year onward. He torched defenses downfield as the nation's leader in targets (99), catches (38), and receiving yards (1,402) on targets of 20-plus air yards. Tolbert also boasts a 19-year-old breakout age - his player profile stacks up with some top wideouts from his class. And although Tolbert doesn't possess elite speed - 57th percentile 40-yard dash time - he still understands how to get open deep. He's similar to Adam Thielen in that fashion. If Tolbert can beat out James Washington - on a one-year $1.2M contract - in training camp, he could offer immediate value with Michael Gallup unlikely to be ready for Week 1 coming off a torn ACL. He's got big-play ability that should gel well with quarterback Dak Prescott. |
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107.
Quez Watkins
PHI (vs . NYG)
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108.
Isaiah McKenzie
BUF (vs . NE)
Isaiah McKenzie looked primed to take on the starting slot role after the team moved on from Cole Beasley. After all, McKenzie showed up big-time in his last two starts with Beasley sidelined.
But the dream of a full-time role for McKenzie will have to wait after the team signed former Jets slot wide receiver Jamison Crowder (WR - BUF) to a one-year $4M deal. He is making almost as much money in 2021 alone as McKenzie is over two years ($4.4M). Needless to say, Crowder will likely be the Day 1 starter in the slot and fantasy gamers will have to wait for another injury for McKenzie to see a fantasy-worthy role. Remember this coaching staff is the same unit that played 33-year-old Emmanuel Sanders (WR - BUF) over Gabriel Davis (WR - BUF) for 80% of the 2021 season. I don't doubt they will do the same with Crowder and McKenzie in 2022. |
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109.
T.Y. Hilton
FA (BYE)
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110.
Sammy Watkins
GB (vs . DET)
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111.
Antonio Brown
FA (BYE)
|
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112.
Demarcus Robinson
LV (vs . KC)
|
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113.
Tyquan Thornton
NE (at BUF)
|
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114.
Khalil Shakir
BUF (vs . NE)
|
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115.
James Washington
DAL (at WAS)
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116.
Tyler Johnson
TB (at ATL)
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117.
Jalen Guyton
LAC (at DEN)
|
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119.
Justyn Ross
KC (at LV)
|
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120.
Calvin Austin III
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
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121.
Dee Eskridge
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
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122.
Anthony Schwartz
CLE (at PIT)
|
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123.
Velus Jones Jr.
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
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124.
Danny Gray
SF (vs . ARI)
|
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125.
Laquon Treadwell
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
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126.
Tyrell Williams
FA (BYE)
|
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127.
Romeo Doubs
GB (vs . DET)
|
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128.
Devin Duvernay
BAL (at CIN)
|
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129.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
TEN (at JAC)
|
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130.
Zach Pascal
PHI (vs . NYG)
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131.
Jamal Agnew
JAC (vs . TEN)
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132.
Olamide Zaccheaus
ATL (vs . TB)
|
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133.
Amari Rodgers
GB (vs . DET)
|
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134.
Jauan Jennings
SF (vs . ARI)
|
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135.
James Proche II
BAL (at CIN)
|
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136.
Kyle Philips
TEN (at JAC)
|
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137.
Deonte Harty
NO (vs . CAR)
|
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138.
Rashard Higgins
CAR (at NO)
|
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139.
Ashton Dulin
IND (vs . HOU)
|
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140.
DeSean Jackson
FA (BYE)
|
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141.
Denzel Mims
NYJ (at MIA)
|
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142.
Equanimeous St. Brown
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
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143.
Erik Ezukanma
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
|
144.
Tylan Wallace
BAL (at CIN)
|
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145.
Freddie Swain
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
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146.
Damoun Patterson
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
147.
Jalen Nailor
MIN (at CHI)
|
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148.
Breshad Perriman
TB (at ATL)
|
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149.
Antoine Wesley
ARI (at SF)
|
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150.
N'Keal Harry
NE (at BUF)
|
|
151.
Miles Boykin
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
152.
John Ross
FA (BYE)
|
|
153.
Anthony Miller
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
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154.
Bo Melton
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
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155.
Tutu Atwell
LAR (at SEA)
|
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|
156.
Samori Toure
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
157.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette
MIN (at CHI)
|
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158.
Mack Hollins
LV (vs . KC)
|
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159.
Dez Fitzpatrick
TEN (at JAC)
|
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160.
Antonio Gandy-Golden
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
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161.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
FA (BYE)
|
|
162.
Kalif Raymond
DET (at GB)
|
|
163.
Scotty Miller
TB (at ATL)
|
|
164.
Auden Tate
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
165.
Adam Humphries
FA (BYE)
|
|
166.
David Moore
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
167.
Cyril Grayson Jr.
TB (at ATL)
|
|
168.
Cam Sims
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
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169.
Trent Sherfield
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
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170.
Bisi Johnson
MIN (at CHI)
|
|
171.
Shi Smith
CAR (at NO)
|
|
172.
Noah Brown
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
173.
Mohamed Sanu Sr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
174.
Isaiah Ford
FA (BYE)
|
|
175.
Chris Conley
HOU (at IND)
|
|
176.
Jaelon Darden
TB (at ATL)
|
|
|
177.
Tay Martin
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
178.
DeAndre Carter
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
179.
Keelan Cole Sr.
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
180.
Ray-Ray McCloud
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
181.
Isaiah Hodgins
BUF (vs . NE)
|
|
|
182.
Charleston Rambo
CAR (at NO)
|
|
183.
KhaDarel Hodge
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
|
184.
Dareke Young
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
185.
Preston Williams
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
|
186.
Damiere Byrd
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
187.
Chris Moore
HOU (at IND)
|
|
|
188.
Isaiah Weston
CLE (at PIT)
|
|
189.
Mike Thomas
CIN (vs . BAL)
|
|
190.
Mike Strachan
IND (vs . HOU)
|
|
191.
Jakeem Grant Sr.
CLE (at PIT)
|
|
192.
Dazz Newsome
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
193.
Josh Gordon
KC (at LV)
|
|
194.
Marquez Stevenson
BUF (vs . NE)
|
|
195.
Christian Blake
ARI (at SF)
|
|
|
196.
Montrell Washington
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
|
197.
Dontario Drummond
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
|
198.
Makai Polk
BAL (at CIN)
|
|
199.
Dede Westbrook
FA (BYE)
|
|
200.
Marquise Goodwin
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
201.
Chester Rogers
FA (BYE)
|
|
202.
Cornell Powell
KC (at LV)
|
|
203.
Dante Pettis
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
204.
Ben Skowronek
LAR (at SEA)
|
|
205.
David Sills V
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
206.
Phillip Dorsett II
HOU (at IND)
|
|
207.
Tarik Black
NYJ (at MIA)
|
|
208.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
PHI (vs . NYG)
|
|
209.
Lynn Bowden Jr.
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
|
210.
Andy Isabella
ARI (at SF)
|
|
211.
KeeSean Johnson
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
212.
Alex Erickson
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
213.
Jalen Camp
HOU (at IND)
|
|
214.
DaeSean Hamilton
HOU (at IND)
|
|
215.
Ryan Switzer
CAR (at NO)
|
|
216.
Jake Kumerow
BUF (vs . NE)
|
|
217.
Keke Coutee
IND (vs . HOU)
|
|
218.
Gunner Olszewski
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
219.
Nsimba Webster
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
220.
Collin Johnson
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
221.
D.J. Montgomery
NYJ (at MIA)
|
|
222.
Isaiah Coulter
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
223.
Jeff Smith
NYJ (at MIA)
|
|
224.
Brandon Zylstra
CAR (at NO)
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