Rookies that will Make a Great Fantasy Impact in 2022
Christian Watson WR Packers
I might be the biggest Christian Watson fan in the world, and I am okay with that. He is one of those players that I just have that gut feeling about. The versatility that Watson offers at his size is quite remarkable. We have never seen a 6'4 receiver that runs a 4.36 40-yard dash return punts. He takes reverses, tip passes, and runs through people after the catch. Watson is a phenomenal deep threat that scares defenses with his speed and hurts them with his physicality. Green Bay was the perfect destination for him. After losing Davante Adams, the Packers have a lot of targets to go around. I believe Matt LaFleur is going to feature Watson immediately in the offense, and Aaron Rodgers will feed him the football. With Watson, I don't believe it will be a question of if, but rather a question of when.
Drake London WR Falcons
There are some teams that are just behind the ball a tad bit in the NFL. When there are teams like the Broncos who were able to acquire Russell Wilson or the Raiders who went all out for Davante Adams, it makes you wonder why there are teams like the Falcons who are not more aggressive in the offseason. The Falcons lost Calvin Ridley for the season and were constantly underserved in the receiver department during last season. Atlanta was in a position where they NEEDED to draft a receiver, and that is exactly what they did. Drake London is going to be a high-volume guy from the get-go; he will be the Falcons' number one receiver from day one. Marcus Mariota should be targeting London 15-times per game. He will be the Falcons' version of AJ Brown, whom Arthur Smith coached in Tennessee. London is a great player to target as a high end number three receiver for your fantasy teams.
Skyy Moore WR Chiefs
Every year there are a few players whom I don't love in the pre-draft process but become irresistible because they land at the perfect destination. This year, Skyy Moore is that player for me. With Tyreek Hill gone, the Chiefs have a major vacancy in their receiving core. Moore is a down-field threat that reminds me a lot of Christian Kirk. While I don't anticipate Moore getting all of Hill's gadget plays, I do anticipate him getting most of his deep targets. As every football fan knows, Patrick Mahomes loves to air the ball out deep, which is why I believe he and Moore will generate immediate chemistry. The one thing that will take some time is getting used to a wide receiver wearing number 24, but other than that I anticipate everything else being instant. Moore is a perfect fit for Kansas City, and I believe he is worth taking a shot on for your fantasy teams.
George Pickens WR Steelers
While everybody may be laughing at the way George Pickens reacted to being drafted now, nobody will be laughing when he is torching defenses in September. The Steelers quietly have assembled one of the best-receiving cores in the NFL, and I believe Pickens will be the team's true number one. There is a special feeling when quarterbacks come in the same year as their receivers. Kenny Pickett and Pickens are going to build chemistry during rookie mini-camp through the offseason and then into the season. I am not sold on Mitchell Trubisky being the team's starting quarterback for the entire season. Once Pickett comes in, I see fireworks between these two players. Pickens' route tree will develop with the help of Diontae Johnson and his physicality will build off of Chase Claypool's. I loved Pickens coming out of Georgia, and I believe he will work his way up the ranks in the Steelers depth chart fairly quickly.
John Metchie III WR Texans
For teams that are rebuilding it is really important to find some type of consistency. Texans General Manager, Nick Caserio, understands that, so he drafted one of the most consistent receivers in this year's class. John Metchie III was the safety valve for Alabama the past two seasons. He was able to get on the field and make a legitimate impact every year despite being overshadowed by Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jameson Williams. While Metchie may not be the sexiest pick for your fantasy team, I see him being an eight-catch per-game type of guy. He catches everything thrown his way and has a gnarly route tree. Metchie is a smart player that manipulates defensive backs and finds weaknesses in defenses. He will be an agent of reliability for a team that desperately needs someone to rely on.
