Seriously, you actually thought I would compile a list that isn’t in some way related to fantasy football? Come on now, is the Pope Catholic? It is never too early to be looking at the potential fantasy football ramifications that come with the NFL Draft. Most in the industry, myself included, believe it is time for real fantasy football prep once the NFL Draft has concluded.
Today, we will be looking at where some of the prospects could go and immediately thrive in year one. While it is unrealistic to expect much production from most rookies in year one, we do have instances in the last few seasons where rookies immediately arrive on the scene. Think players such as Ja’Marr Chase, Najee Harris, Jaylen Waddle, and Justin Jefferson.
Four.
Kenny Pickett to the Pittsburgh Steelers
While it is unrealistic Pickett will land in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are the ultimate spot for Pickett to have the most immediate fantasy success. For one, he is the only quarterback in the class that is absolutely prepared to step onto the field as a starter in week 1. Put him now into this Steelers offense, this could be a real gold mine for fantasy.
Diontae Johnson is a guy I don’t want much part of as things currently stand with Mitchell Trubisky projected to be the starter. That would change massively if Pickett were to land in Pittsburgh. Pickett is a consistent passer who reads the field well, and would get the ball to his receiving targets. Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Pat Friermuth would all immediately be vaulted into possible contention to be worthwhile fantasy selections.
I am a fan of Najee Harris already, but with Pickett I would become even more of a fan. Harris currently ranks as my RB6, and with a possible Pickett edition in Pittsburgh he could even climb into my top 5 at the position.
Jameson Williams to the Green Bay Packers
My number one receiver in this class ending up in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers would be a dream come true. As mentioned at nauseum, the Packers have a need for receivers. Not just a number one receiver, all receivers (sorry Sammy Watkins will play four games, maybe). Williams would be taken as the first receiver off the board if not for the torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship versus Georgia.
Rodgers is used to receivers with safe, consistent hands that run clean routes. Williams is a receiver with safe, consistent hands that runs excellent routes. I am not saying Williams is Davante Adams, but the connection these two could have makes my eyes water. Williams would absolutely fly up boards and probably be a top 25-30 receiver if this pick were to come to fruition.
It will be interesting after the smoke clears to see what Rodgers will have at his disposal. I currently am down on Rodgers, but with the right additions through the draft my perception of the “bad man” could change dramatically. For those of you in keeper and dynasty leagues with shares of Rodgers, keep your fingers and toes crossed.
Breece Hall / Kenneth Walker III to the Houston Texans
While the Houston Texans will not be very good in 2022, this remains as one of the only real opportunities for any running backs in the class to produce right away. I genuinely believe the Texans will look to shy away from veteran options and go for someone that is younger, more athletic, and has higher upside in the long term.
Hall and Walker III are the two best running backs in what is a genuinely weak class of running backs. The Texans are planning to run with Davis Mills as their starter this season. To be fair, Mills did not look half bad during the second half of the season. As crazy as it is to say, there is actually some promise with Mills. I won’t be taking him outside of two-quarterback setups, but he is worth a look in deeper leagues.
I would expect if Hall or Walker end up in Houston to be part of a committee to start. We have seen young running backs over the last few seasons however be able to separate from these committees and make the lead job their own. Think just over the last two years with players such as Cam Akers, Javonte Williams, and Michael Carter.
Chris Olave to the Arizona Cardinals
This is one I could realistically see happening. The Cardinals have a need for a second wide receiver opposite of DeAndre Hopkins even with the return of A.J. Green and the presence of former 2nd round pick Rondale Moore. Kyler Murray needs more youth to work with, and Olave could be a great option.
The former four-year starter at Ohio State brings great hands and above average route running to the table. Getting him on the field with the likes of Hopkins and Green could really help Olave develop in a hurry, and he isn’t far away. With better route running, Olave could become a really solid second receiver in the National Football League.
I wouldn’t expect this to be a spot that fantasy managers would love, but this would be a prime spot to go after. Olave would be able to operate without much attention given the presence of Hopkins, and he would be afforded the opportunity to be in an offense with a steady presence at the quarterback position. Not to mention he probably would not be valued as heavily as others may, allowing some managers to get him potentially uncontested at a discounted rate late in drafts.
Malik Willis to the Seattle Seahawks
For all of you screaming for some Malik Willis love, here it is. Willis is a raw prospect, but the ceiling he carries is absolutely tremendous. While I believe he needs to sit, sources tell me do not be shocked if Willis starts right away. If he is a starter right off the jump, my oh my.
For starters, Willis will bring an incredibly safe floor to the table. The abilities he has with his legs are top notch, and he would be drafted if he was to come in as a running back prospect I have no doubts. Willis also possesses an absolute cannon for an arm that needs some polishing. The raw arm talent however is there, and my goodness is it a thing of beauty.
The Seahawks need a quarterback for the future, and few think Drew Lock is that answer. Willis would have an offense with the likes of Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, and Noah Fant, all able to help him make the adjustment as a passer. Receivers that are the quality of Lockett, and especially Metcalf, would help him make the seamless transition to the next level.
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