The staff at FootballGuys comes together to create consensus staff rookie ranks, a valuable resource for dynasty rookie drafts. The true value in these ranks lies in understanding tiers within the rookie class, allowing managers to move around the draft board and reap value while still selecting from similar options. This resource shows how to properly tier players within the 2022 rookie class.
This article is a nod to the great work Jene Bramel produced for years with FootballGuys.
John Norton created the IDP portion of this board.
NOTES ON THE DRAFT BOARD
-
The first version of this board was created following the 2022 NFL draft and before the information is available from rookie minicamps. The basis for this is the FootballGuys staff rankings, discussion on social media, and draft capital.
-
This is a living document that will be updated as significant movement occurs.
-
The board is a snapshot of the draft as a whole while the positions are broken down into tiers within the groupings.
-
This board was built for Dynasty Rookie Drafts with 12-team, 1QB, PPR, and IDP position-specific requirements.
-
This board may feature more or less than 12 players within a tier. The intention is to display value within rounds.
-
This first copy is based upon the work of the consensus staff ranks provided by Sigmund Bloom, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, Jeff Haseley, Danny Tuccitto, Ryan Weisse, Andy Hicks, James Brimacombe, Dan Hindery, Adam Wilde, Kevin Coleman, Alfredo Brown, and Zareh Kantzabedian.
-
As information comes in about the rookie class, I will insert my personal analysis and interpretation within the ranks. On running backs, I place an emphasis on early production opportunities. With wide receivers, my emphasis is on ceiling and the ability to grow in a role that demands passing targets.
-
Breakdowns for all positions follow the board.
-
For more information on these players, please check out Sigmund Bloom's Top 100.
THE BIG PICTURE
Two elements of this class immediately stand out—the lack of quarterbacks and the depth of wide receivers. Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback to land with first-round draft capital; even with that, he was the latest first quarterback to go in a draft since Jim Druckenmiller in 1997. Round one saw no running back selections and only two in the class project as likely to carve out dominant roles in their backfields. The first round of most drafts will be littered with wide receivers, just as the first round of the NFL draft saw six wide receivers go, just one off the seven in 2004.
Most leagues will see a clear top seven players go in some order, with Breece Hall trending towards a unanimous selection at the 1.01. If your pick sits outside this tier, you should examine the market to see if securing one of the top picks is available.
As our own Kevin Coleman outlined, the 2023 draft class is one of the most talented years. If your league operates outside of conversations driving this home, it is highly recommended you maneuver to accrue 2023 draft picks. Working within the early tier is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Just know these moves need to happen sooner rather than later. Most have acknowledged relatively close groupings at the top of this class, and trade backs are difficult.
This class is deep at the running back position regarding players who can earn roles within committee backfields. As players like Derrick Henry, Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara, or Dalvin Cook reach the end of their elite production years, the league could feature more committee backfields. It is advisable to place chips on this situation later in drafts though the depth of 2023 and the Michael Carter situation create some unease on believing you have hit a starting running back later in this draft.
Quarterbacks
Tier | Player | Team | Role / Notes |
---|---|---|---|
I | Kenny Pickett | PIT | Pro-Style - Distributor in a talent-rich environment. Round one capital pushes him to the top of the class. |
II | Malik Willis | TEN | Mobile - Athletic package to produce for fantasy. Least likelihood of an early starting role among the first group. |
II | Desmond Ridder | ATL | Mobile - Experienced QB with the ability to win the job in camp. Athleticism and pairing with Pitts and London give fantasy appeal. |
II | Matt Corral | CAR | Pro-Style - Scrambling ability but not projected to produce many fantasy points out of the run game. Chance to win week one job. |
III | Sam Howell | WAS | Pro-Style - College rushing production unlikely to translate. High predraft valuation, but fifth-round capital takes the wind out of the sails. |
IV | Skylar Thompson | MIA | Pro-Style - Developmental player. Injuries limited rushing last two seasons. Likely a practice squad candidate. |
IV | Bailey Zappe | NEP | Pro-Style - NCAA single-season passing yardage record holder. Will not bring rushing and questions about overall arm talent. |
IV | Brock Purdy | SF | Pro-Style - Functional athleticism and experience at the position. Profiles as a career NFL backup. |
IV | Carson Strong | PHI | Pro-Style - Strong arm talent, but two major knee injuries and whispers about poor interviews left him undrafted. |
Pickett sits on top of the class, largely based upon draft capital. Pittsburgh's situation should provide insulation with the team's talent to support his development. The draft capital the next group of Willis, Ridder, and Corral received was disappointing and cast doubt on their abilities. Still, all three have rushing abilities that exceed Pickett and could emerge as the best fantasy option in this class. Howell and Strong are the most interesting of the day's three backs. Each land in situations with varying levels of unsettled quarterback situations.
Continue reading this content with a 100% free Insider subscription.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE