A month ago, I wrote an article called 2022 Rookie Tiers (Pre-Draft). As crazy as this 2022 draft was, I don’t think my rankings have changed too much, though there are a few notable differences. However, I will be updating my 2022 rookie tiers.

Like with my last article, I will be approaching this with average 12-team Superflex leagues in mind.

Tier 1

This tier hasn’t changed at all for me.

Breece Hall (NYJ)

He was the consensus 1.01 a few days ago. However, many are down on Breece Hall because of the landing spot. But with all the improvements to the team along with having one of the better offensive lines in the league, I still have him as my top prospect. Some are concerned about Michael Carter, but I really don’t think they drafted a running back early to evenly split carries with a 4th round pick.

Tier 2

I have these players in a tier behind Hall, but it’s a lot closer than it was previously.

Kenneth Walker (SEA)

I’d say Kenneth Walker III has the better landing spot of the top two backs with how much the Seahawks love to run it. However, he has more competition. But many aren’t too concerned about the competition as Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny have often struggled to stay healthy.

Treylon Burks (TEN)

Treylon Burks definitely had the best landing spot of the WRs in this tier. He’s got the best QB, the best team, and the least amount of target competition. He has the potential to be the next A.J. Brown.

Drake London (ATL)

Drake London might not have a great QB, but he should be the alpha WR from day 1. He should be a volume hog and his team should improve.

Garrett Wilson (NYJ)

Many consider him the most NFL-ready receiver in the class. Garrett Wilson‘s QB and the team haven’t impressed and he has decent target competition but I still think he should thrive in the league.

Tier 3

I also have players from this tier very close to the names above.

Jameson Williams (DET)

He should easily take the lead role in that offence. However, Jameson Williams is still coming off of a significant injury so may be slow to start this season. If it weren’t for that, I’d have him in tier 2. I know dynasty is about long-term value, but how these rookies do this season will drastically affect their value next year.

Kenny Pickett (PIT)

This is the biggest risk so far. It’s definitely possible Kenny Pickett never becomes a starting QB, but with first-round draft capital from a fantastic team, he is set to succeed if he gets that opportunity. I don’t imagine he has much upside, but any starting QB has a lot of value in a Superflex league.

Tier 4

I am not very excited about these prospects. All of these players either have a high ceiling but a low floor or a low floor and a high ceiling. At this point, I am looking to trade out of this class for good vets or 2023 picks.

Chris Olave (NO)

He wasn’t really expected to be the alpha for any team. Going to a team with a top WR in Michael Thomas, it looks like that’ll still be the case. Chris Olave‘s upside is limited, but with a QB who can sling it, he could still be a startable fantasy player.

Skyy Moore (KC)

It’s great that he is able to fight to become Mahomes‘ second target on a great offence. Skyy Moore does have competition though so there will be a lot of question marks with his future.

Christian Watson (GB)

With arguably the best landing spot, he could be fantastic. However, nothing is guaranteed on that offence so there is some risk with taking Christian Watson.

Jahan Dotson (WAS)

The landing spot isn’t great, but the draft capital is. Jahan Dotson may be the WR2 on that team, but he should still get work.

Tier 5

These are not exciting picks. I’d rather trade these for any proven starter.

James Cook (BUF)

I’m not expecting him to be much more than a third-down back, but James Cook landed in arguably the best situation. He has a lot of potential if he rises up the depth chart.

George Pickens (WAS)

Character issues led George Pickens to fall down the draft board, but he’s still a great receiver. However, he’s also got tough competition and questionable QBs.

Other Notable Names

Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, and Malik Willis with their low draft capital are risky but I think Ridder and Corral have a good chance at starting this year or the next because the QBs ahead of them aren’t great and Willis has huge fantasy upside if ever he starts because of how well he runs. There are some RBs who could have value if the backs ahead of them get injured, but otherwise, there aren’t many rookies I am super interested in this year.

Wrap-Up

I knew this was a relatively poor class, but this draft made things worse. After the 1.07, I’d very much consider trading out of this class. However, many of these players could surprise me and become elite fantasy contributors.

Hopefully seeing my tiers help you with your decision making.

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