10 Fantasy-Relevant 2022 Rookies: A First Look

Even though we are still over two months from knowing where any of these first-year players will be suiting up for at least the start of their NFL careers, getting familiar with some of the bigger names in the 2022 rookie class is always a good thing for fantasy purposes.

The fantasy football world had been spoiled in recent years with plenty of fresh-from-college talent, but it appears this season may not feature as many players who have the potential to contribute to fantasy rosters right away as we’ve seen over the past few years.

Here’s a position-by-position look at some noteworthy newbies worth noting with a mind on best ball and seasonal formats ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Quarterbacks

The QB position is a difficult one to predict pre-draft because landing spot plays a more significant role in fantasy relevancy than the other positions, and this year’s class is short on highly-touted options. There may be three quarterbacks selected in the first round and a handful taken within the first few rounds, but only one or two could end up with starting numbers or see any significant playing time.

Malik Willis, Liberty

Malik Willis is a powerful dual-threat signal-caller, which is something to covet in the fantasy football realm. He posted the second-most rushing yards among quarterbacks last season (878), adding 13 rushing touchdowns, while also throwing for 2,857 yards and 27 passing scores. The ability to run like a running back or wide receiver in the open field is incredibly advantageous for fantasy purposes. The fact Willis also has a strong arm puts him firmly on the fake football radar.

Landing spot and whether he’s asked to play from Day 1 or sit back and develop will obviously determine if Willis is someone to consider drafting in 2022 fantasy drafts. For now, he’s at least worth a stab in early best ball formats in Round 15 or later.

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Mostly off the NFL-prospect radar prior to 2021, Kenny Pickett entered the conversation in a big way after blowing up his fifth year at Pittsburgh, throwing for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns in 13 contests. He completed 334-of-497 passes (67.2%) and only threw seven interceptions last season.

Pickett is being touted as the possible first quarterback off NFL draft boards, but his high-floor/low-ceiling profile makes him not too appealing for fantasy in 2022. After the draft, we will have a better idea of potential, but for now, he's a dart throw in the final few rounds of best ball drafts.

Rookie signal-callers Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder and Sam Howell are also names to familiarize yourself with this offseason, but will more than likely not find a seat at any fantasy table in 2022.

Running Backs

Rookie rushers tend to transition well into the NFL and historically add fantasy relevancy to rosters in their first professional season. Last year we saw five running backs finish the season as a fantasy RB1, RB2 or RB3, with Najee Harris ending as the overall RB4 in half-PPR points, Javonte Williams as the RB17, Elijah Mitchell putting up RB25 numbers and Michael Carter and Chuba Hubbard checking in as RB29 and 33, respectively.

Breece Hall, Iowa State

As a junior, Breece Hall ended 2021 with 1,472 rushing yards (7th) and 20 rushing touchdowns (3rd), along with 36 receptions and three catches for scores. The Iowa State product had similar production as a second-year college athlete and projects as a three-down back in the NFL.

Most likely a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hall should provide immediate fantasy appeal for his future backfield and is currently leaving very early Underdog best ball boards in the sixth round.

Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M

The Aggies’ lead back from Day 1, Isaiah Spiller posted an impressive 10 rushing touchdowns as a true freshman, then went on to run for over 1,000 yards in his next two seasons. The incoming rookie has also shown pass-catching prowess with an average of 25 receptions per year at Texas A&M.

He may not be a team’s lead rusher from the start, but he could certainly add fantasy value as a complementary back in 2022. Prior to knowing his landing spot, Spiller is currently being drafted as a ninth-rounder in Underdog best ball formats.

Kenneth Walker lll, Michigan State

Known for his elusiveness and incredible yards after contact, Kenneth Walker III has the potential to be an instant NFL contributor. He doesn’t have the catching resume or prowess we like to see for PPR formats, but a season similar to 49ers rookie Elijah Mitchell could be possible for Walker in 2022.

In early best ball drafts, Walker is leaving boards in the late-eighth round and should find his future home somewhere in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Some other names to take note of when researching rookie backs are Tyler Allgeier, Kyren Williams, Brian Robinson Jr., Rachaad White, James Cook, Zamir White and Jerome Ford.

Wide Receivers

Wideouts tend to be productive fantasy assets, considering the variety of offenses implemented and multiple-WR sets becoming more commonplace around the league. There were four rookie wideouts from the 2021 class who ended the season as starting fantasy WRs in half-PPR formats—Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown and DeVonta Smith. This year, four more rookies seem to be in an elevated tier with several other wide receivers primed for fantasy goodness, as well.

Treylon Burks, Arkansas

With the desire to find the next Deebo Samuel at a fever pitch, Treylon Burks is alluring heading into 2022 since he was used in the slot as well as the backfield for the Razorbacks. Burks posted 1,216 combined yards and 12 touchdowns last season and is projected to be one of the first receivers taken in this year’s NFL Draft. With an Underdog ADP of 67.1, Burks is currently the top rookie receiver in early best ball formats.

Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

Versatility is what stands out for Garrett Wilson, as he has real-life experience lining up at the X, Y and Z positions at Ohio State. He produced 1,134 yards from scrimmage along with 13 total touchdowns in his junior year and some consider Wilson to be the top wide receiver in this year’s class. Without a landing spot, the former Buckeye is being drafted in the seventh round of 2022 best ball drafts.

Jameson Williams, Alabama

Jameson Williams tore his ACL during the CFB National Championship game, which could hinder his start to the 2022 season, but his big-play ability and athleticism make the speedster a projected first-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft. Once healthy, Williams should be fantasy relevant. If he lands on a receiver-needy roster, we could see him contribute as soon as he’s physically able. In early Underdog drafts, the rookie is the 58th wide receiver off the board with an ADP of 127.

Drake London, USC

The current player I’ve seen the most comparisons for Drake London is Mike Evans, due to his size (6-foot-5) and ability to present mismatches to opposing corners. Like Williams, the USC receiver is coming off an injury he sustained last season, but he should be able to play and contribute for his new team right away in 2022. Currently the third rookie wide receiver off best ball draft boards, London boasts an ADP of 93.4.

Outside of that top tier, George Pickens, Chris Olave, Skyy Moore, David Bell, Jahan Dotson and Wan'Dale Robinson are all players who could find themselves a seat at the fantasy table after the NFL Draft and training camps get underway.

Tight Ends

Rookie tight ends are not historically fruitful for this game within a game. Even Kyle Pitts, who was touted as the second coming of everything that is great in the world of football, struggled at times last season in an ideal situation. This year’s tight end class has just one stand-out, and he’s nothing more than a best ball stab.

Trey McBride, Colorado State

Trey McBride was a star at CSU, posting 91 catches for 1,125 receiving yards, also winning the prestigious John Mackey award for the top tight end in the country in 2021. He’s similar in stature to top guys at the position (Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews) and he has the athleticism to excel in the NFL. It’s doubtful McBride will creep onto the redraft radar in 2022 but he makes for a decent dart throw in the later rounds of best ball leagues.

Bottom Line

This article is not meant for dynasty purposes but is more of a first-look at rookies to watch for in 2022 best ball and redraft leagues. We will get more detailed as the off-season progresses with mock drafts, big boards and NFL Draft coverage.