Dynasty league fantasy football: Top 24 rookies from the 2022 NFL draft class

June 30, 2024

Nothing excites dynasty league players like a rookie draft!

The 2022 rookie class long carried the stigma of being a down year for talent and depth but, as the dust settled following the NFL draft, an intriguing group of receivers found their way into upside situations, and combined with just enough talent at running back, it has elevated the class enough to keep things interesting.

For those teams needing quarterback help, 2022 was one of the weakest classes in recent memory, and tight ends left much to be desired as well. While many remain focused on the promise of 2023, we shouldn’t overlook the potential of the 2022 class.

Let’s take a look at the Top 24 rookies for 2022 as found at DynastyLeagueFootball.com (DLF), the Internet’s largest and oldest dynasty-centric fantasy football site.

1. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ

5’11/217 lbs. — Age: 21

Hall is a potential carry-the-load back who is as adept as a receiver as he is productive as a runner. With over 3,000 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns in his final two years at Iowa State, he easily separated himself from all other rookie runners in 2022 and he’s the overwhelming favorite as 2022’s 1.01 pick in dynasty rookie drafts.

2. Drake London, WR, ATL

6’4/219 lbs. — Age: 20

London amassed 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns before a broken ankle ended his junior season at USC. Selected No. 8 overall, he inherits a true WR1 role and should be a volume option for the rebuilding Falcons. Atlanta’s quarterback play remains a concern but London’s targets are all but guaranteed.

3. Treylon Burks, WR, TEN

6’2/225 lbs. — Age: 22

Burks disappointed at the combine with a 4.55 40-yard dash, but tape shows plenty of speed combined with physicality, strong hands and an NFL build. He’ll step right into the shoes of traded receiver A.J. Brown (PHI).

4. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ

6’/183 lbs. — Age: 21

Selected No. 10 overall, Wilson is a silky-smooth route runner with legitimate 4.38 wheels who should step into the starting lineup immediately for the Jets. Target share will remain a concern until sophomore quarterback Zach Wilson proves he can distribute the ball effectively, but Garrett Wilson has the ability to a top receiver for the next decade once chemistry is present.

5. Ken Walker, RB, SEA

5’9/211 lbs. — Age: 21

Walker was a surprise selection by the run-first Seahawks and, without superstar Russell Wilson at the helm, it’s a rebuilding year for the team. It’s a full room in Seattle with Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson (if he’s cleared medically) all in the mix for carries, so dynasty managers may need to be patient.

6. Jameson Williams, WR DET

6’1/179 lbs. — Age: 21

Selected No. 12 overall, if not for an ACL injury suffered in the national championship game, Williams may have been the first receiver off the board in the NFL draft. Williams could start the season on the PUP list but all reports are that his rehab is going well. Detroit has quietly assembled an impressive collection of young playmakers on offense, and Williams is arguably the most dynamic receiver in the 2022 draft class.

7. Chris Olave, WR, NO

6’/187 lbs. — Age: 21

Olave blazed a surprising 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and is widely believed to be the most polished and NFL-ready rookie receiver. Like other receivers in this year’s class, quarterback play is a concern.

8. George Pickens, WR, PIT

6’3/195 lbs. — Age: 21

Pickens tore his ACL in spring practices during 2021 but returned late in the season to help Georgia win the national championship. Big, fast and with strong hands, Pickens will have every opportunity to make an early-career impact in Pittsburgh.

9. Jahan Dotson, WR, WAS

5’11/178 lbs. — Age: 22

A capable receiver at all levels, Dotson has the dynamic ability to be an immediate impact player for the Commanders and should see volume targets immediately. Look for Dotson to be used all over the field.

10. Skyy Moore, WR, KC

5’10/195 lbs. — Age: 21

Moore’s 4.41 40-yard dash a the combine impressed and his landing spot in Kansas City following the Tyreek Hill trades makes for an extremely intriguing late-first round rookie selection in dynasty. It’s a full room in KC but Moore should have every opportunity to shine early.

11. Christian Watson, WR, GB

6’4/208 lbs. — Age: 23

Watson has the speed and profile to be a top NFL receiver in time when considering he’ll be receiving passes from MVP Aaron Rodgers. He’s raw, but patience could be well rewarded.

12. James Cook, RB, BUF

5’11/199 lbs. — Age: 22

It’s all in the family as Cook’s brother, Dalvin, plays in Minnesota. While not possessing the early-down size of his brother, James Cook will see immediate time as a receiver and has the ability to work into an early-down role over time.

13. Rachaad White, RB, TB

6’/214 lbs. — Age: 23

He’s older for a rookie but White’s receiving ability suggests he could see field-time early in his career while Leonard Fournette plays out his contract.

14. John Metchie, WR, HOU

5’11/187 lbs. — Age: 21

Another standout receiver for Alabama who tore his ACL during the team’s playoff run. Fast and fluid, Metchie needs to work on refining his routes but has the tools to be an impact player at the next level with the rebuilding Houston Texans.

15. David Bell, WR, CLE

6’1/212 lbs. — Age: 21

What Bell lacks in long speed and suddenness he makes up for with crafty route running and frame positioning to complete receptions. He’s a candidate to start in the slot for Cleveland.

16. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, NYG

5’8/178 lbs. — Age: 21

Robinson is a candidate to start immediately in the slot for the Giants, bringing a combination of agility and elusiveness to a team badly needing both at receiver.

17. Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL

6’1/194 lbs. — Age: 23

If he can see field time early in his career to generate chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, Tolbert could be a sneaky second-round dynasty rookie selection.

18. Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU

5’10/218 lbs. — Age: 22

Underutilized in his time at Florida, Pierce is a dynasty second-round rookie steal who figures to have a more productive NFL career than collegiate. A great consolation prize for those needing running back help.

19. Alec Pierce, WR, IND

6’3/211 — Age: 22

Pierce is built for the NFL and flew under the radar though he possesses size, speed and a drafted situation to be an early-career producer. Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan should aid Pierce’s development.

20. Isaiah Spiller, RB, LAC

6’/217 lbs. — Age: 20

Spiller turned in a disappointing pro day but his collegiate tape shows power, durability and production. He’s a fine selection in the late second round of dynasty rookie drafts.

21. Trey McBride, TE, ARI

6’4/246 lbs. — Age: 22

McBride headlines a weak 2022 rookie tight end class and lands in a perfect situation in the desert, learning behind Zach Ertz. Patience should be rewarded in time.

22. Brian Robinson, RB, WAS

6’2/225 lbs. — Age: 23

A five-year player at Alabama and somewhat of a one-year wonder, Robinson is built for the NFL but landed in a disappointing situation for early-career impact.

23. Zamir White, RB, LV

6’/214 lbs. — Age: 22

White projects as an early-down producer in time but dynasty managers will need to remain patient while waiting for current starter Josh Jacobs to move on in free agency in 2023.

24. Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT

6’3/220 lbs. Age: 23

Headlining a weak quarterback class, Pickett falls to an ideal situation and is an odds-on favorite to be starting in the later weeks of the 2022 NFL season.

(Top photo: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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