2022 ROOKIES

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

TREYLON BURKS
WR, TENNESSEE TITANS

ESPN's Jordan Reid believes the Titans "are likely to force feed [Treylon Burks] as a rushing and receiving threat" in 2022.

The 18th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and the de factor replacement for A.J. Brown -- who was dealt to the Eagles last week -- Burks should be in for a hefty workload, even in Tennessee's run-first offense. Reid said Burks "could have an impact in multiple areas because of the volume of touches he is likely to get early as a rookie." He had 29 rushing attempts for 188 yards and one touchdown in his final two collegiate seasons. At Arkansas, Burks feasted on intermediate targets and was dominant after the catch. He was highly efficient on downfield targets and ate up single coverage. Mostly a slot receiver at Arkansas, expect Burks to see more time out wide in Tennessee as the team's alpha wideout. The rookie could skyrocket up fantasy draft boards with enough hype this summer.
SOURCE: ESPN.com

May 3, 2022, 11:28 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

BRIAN ROBINSON
RB, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

ESPN's Matt Miller believes the Commanders took RB Brian Robinson "at least a full round" too early in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Washington's third-round selection of the Alabama running back was something of a stunner for draft observers, and probably doesn't bode well for Antonio Gibson. J.D. McKissic re-signed with Washington this offseason and will continue dominating pass-catching duties while Robinson could eat into Gibson's early-down work in 2022. Taking Robinson in the third round was one of several objectively terrible draft decisions made by the clueless Commanders. Robinson could be a valuable end-of-bench fantasy selection who would see a decent workload if Gibson struggles with injuries this year.
SOURCE: ESPN.com

May 3, 2022, 9:51 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

JAMES COOK
RB, BUFFALO BILLS

Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team views RB James Cook as a "sub back."

Beane added that Cook's skill set is similar to J.D. McKissic's. McKissic, of course, agreed to sign with Buffalo this offseason before changing course and re-signing with the Commanders. Beans and the Bills were apparently dead set on filling the pass-catching role in their backfield, taking Cook in the second round of the 2022 draft. Cook, who had 67 catches and 727 yards in 46 games at Georgia, deflates the fantasy upside of Devin Singletary, who emerged as an every-down back in the final weeks of the 2021 season. Beane said Cook could "handle carries too," opening the possibility of a even split in the Bills backfield this year.
SOURCE: Kevin Cole on Twitter

May 3, 2022, 10:05 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

DAMEON PIERCE
RB, HOUSTON TEXANS

Texans general manager Nick Caserio said rookie RB Dameon Pierce would have to "create a role for himself" in the team's backfield.

"I don't think this is going to be all about offense and who is going to carry the ball and who is going to be the lead running back," Caserio said when asked about the Texans' backfield pecking order. "I think that's a bunch of BS." Language, Nick. Old-school head coach Lovie Smith and culture-obsessed Caserio seem intent on making Pierce earn his stripes in 2022 in what could be a crowded Houston backfield. Marlon Mack looked to be the best fantasy option in the Texans backfield until the team used the 107th pick in the draft on Pierce, who turned 119 touches into 790 yards (6.64 yards per touch) and 16 touchdowns for Florida in 2021. Pierce could very well be a frustrating bench stash for fantasy managers in 2022.
SOURCE: Josh Norris on Twitter

May 3, 2022, 12:43 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

KHALIL SHAKIR
WR, BUFFALO BILLS

ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg believes Bills rookie WR Khalil Shakir will start 2022 in the team's "No. 4 role."

Shakir starting the season as Buffalo's fourth receiver is high praise for the former Boise State Bronco. Likely to settle into the slot for most of his career, Shakir may have to overcome veteran receiver Jamison Crowder to see significant playing time in 2022. He possesses 4.43 speed and saw 76.7% of his snaps come from the slot last season while averaging 6.1 YAC. Playing in Buffalo's explosive offense makes Shakir an interesting stash in dynasty leagues with Crowder's being on a one-year contract.
SOURCE: ESPN

May 4, 2022, 10:34 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

SEAN RHYAN
T, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Packers third-round OT Sean Rhyan said he is willing to play guard as a rookie.

The Packers' official website believes Rhyan will be a candidate to start at right tackle or either guard spot depending on how things shake out with Elgton Jenkins' ACL rehab. A three-year starter at UCLA, Rhyan (6’5/320) showed improvement each year, allowing only 24 pressures over his final two seasons. Although inconsistent, Rhyan is a capable athlete who understands how to use his size and length to his advantage. Where he struggles is with keeping his base consistent. He also has a difficult time recovering. That is why he finds himself between guard and tackle. As the Packers have already said, though, that versatility along with three years of starting left tackle experience are valuable assets, especially as a day-two pick.
SOURCE: packers.com

May 3, 2022, 5:04 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

KENNETH WALKER
RB, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar believes RB Kenneth Walker is "likely" to start "multiple" games in 2022.

Inexplicably using a second-round pick on Walker suggests the Seahawks are unsure of Chris Carson's availability after suffering a serious neck injury in 2021. "Walker should still see a ton of snaps in camp and in the preseason ... and depending on how he looks, there’s a chance he climbs up the depth chart by the start of the regular season," Dugar said. With nothing suggesting pass-catching chops during his college career, Walker would probably be an early-down banger while Rashaad Penny took passing down duties for what will certainly be a run-first Seahawks offense. None of the Seattle running backs hold much fantasy intrigue unless one of them takes over as an every-down back.
SOURCE: The Athletic

May 3, 2022, 8:13 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

JUSTYN ROSS
WR, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Chiefs signed Clemson WR Justyn Ross.

As a true freshman, Ross (6'4/205) led Clemson in receiving yards while playing alongside Tee Higgins and Hunter Renfrow. In his early college career, he was an explosive downfield threat, delivering an elite 3.41 YPRR in his two seasons with Trevor Lawrence. Following the 2019 season, he dealt with a spinal injury that caused him to miss the entire 2020 season and put his football future in jeopardy. It was a tragic result for a player who at point projected as an early first-round pick. Ross was ultimately able to resume his career in 2021, but he played through a stress fracture in his foot, which curtailed his season. As a senior, he wasn't the field stretcher he had been previously, operating primarily as a slot receiver with a 10.9 aDOT and a far less efficient 2.06 YPRR. If he can recapture his early-career form, Ross projects as a Marvin Jones level deep threat. However, the NFL is clearly skeptical, allowing him to fall out of the draft and out of the first wave of UDFA signings. Still, Ross has flashed elite talent and lands in a perfect spot to maximize his chances of NFL success.
SOURCE: Jordan Schultz on Twitter

May 2, 2022, 12:35 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

ZAMIR WHITE
RB, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Athletic's Vic Tafur believes RB Zamir White could emerge as a starter in 2023.

Tafur notes that new GM Dave Ziegler "was schooled in the Patriots' way," which includes keeping costs low for running backs. With Josh Jacobs an unrestricted free agent after the season, it would be a surprise if the Raiders bring him back, giving White a path to a starting role. However, the Patriots' way also tends to include continuing to draft running backs cheaply, making it unlikely that White will have the backfield to himself even if Jacobs departs. Still, while White will presumably play behind both Jacobs and Kenyan Drake in 2022, he should get eventually get a significant opportunity in Las Vegas.
SOURCE: The Athletic

May 2, 2022, 10:24 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

BREECE HALL
RB, NEW YORK JETS

The Athletic's Connor Hughes believes the Jets will use Breece Hall and Michael Carter as a one-two punch.

It makes sense that the Jets plan to continue to incorporate Carter. The 2021 fourth-round pick was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, to the point that Hall felt like a luxury pick. However, the Jets were never going to commit to him, with Hughes believing that the Jets "will deploy a running back by committee as long as Mike LaFleur is their offensive coordinator." This season Hughes expects Hall to start, with Carter spelling him. Hall has quickly settled in as the rookie 1.01, even in Superflex drafts. However, dynasty managers could be looking at low-end RB2 production in 2022 PPR leagues unless the Jets score more points than expected.
SOURCE: Connor Hughes on Twitter

May 2, 2022, 10:05 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

TARIQ WOOLEN
DB, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

ESPNs Brady Henderson reports Seahawks rookie Tariq Woolen (hamstring) is sitting out rookie minicamp.

Woolen's hamstring injury was described as "minor" by Henderson, but no timetable was provided for Woolen's return. Woolen is a physically gifted defensive back who was drafted in the fifth round out of UTSA. As a talented but raw prospect, Woolen will need some coaching before he's ready to make any meaningful contribution on the field.
SOURCE: Brady Henderson on Twitter

May 7, 2022, 6:54 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

NAKOBE DEAN
LB, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reports Eagles rookie LB Nakobe Dean (chest) is a full participant in the team's rookie minicamp.

Dean was a projected first rounder who fell to the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft after concerns arose over his chest injury. Dean missed all pre-draft workouts earlier this offseason, but was cleared to resume football activities earlier last week. The former first-team AP All-American should have a chance to earn significant playing time as a rookie.
SOURCE: Jeff McLane on Twitter

May 7, 2022, 5:16 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

How can you not love Leo Chenal man:

Watch on YouTube

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

ALEC PIERCE
WR, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star projects second-round rookie WR Alec Pierce as the Colts' starting Z receiver.

The Colts lost Zach Pascal in free agency and haven't re-signed T.Y. Hilton yet. The depth chart as a whole is rather inexperienced, as Ashton Dulin is the only backup wideout on the roster that returns with more than 10 catches last season. Oft-injured Parris Campbell is slotted in as the third receiver. The Colts would be a team that makes plenty of sense in the Will Fuller/Jarvis Landry/Julio Jones discussion if Hilton ultimately doesn't return. Alternately, they could just start Pierce right away, which would put him on the fantasy radar.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Star

May 9, 2022, 2:56 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

JUSTYN ROSS
WR, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner said Chiefs WR Justyn Ross could be a good fit because he "can't be overthrown."

Health remains the big caveat with Ross, who led Clemson in receiving as a true freshman alongside Tee Higgins and Hunter Renfrow before he required spinal surgery in 2019 and missed the entire 2020 season with a foot injury. Ross played in 2021 despite the foot issue, catching 46 balls for 514 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs signed Ross as an undrafted free agent shortly after teams passed on him in the 2022 NFL Draft. He could help the Chiefs fill the downfield targets vacated by Tyreek Hill's departure. Ross will be someone to watch in training camp.
SOURCE: The Athletic

May 9, 2022, 12:12 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

CHRIS OLAVE
WR, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NBC Sports' Peter King reports multiple NFL general managers said Chris Olave was the most "NFL ready" wide receiver in the 2022 draft class.

The Saints traded up and took the Ohio State wideout with the 11th pick in the draft, finally adding talent to their lackluster receivers room. New Orleans, which invested heavily to acquire Olave, should be expected to deploy him as the team's nominal WR2 behind Michael Thomas. King said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, by getting aggressive and drafting Olave, is telling the team they're in win-now mode. If Thomas isn't ready for Week 1 -- he's still struggling with an ankle injury that has limited him to seven games over the past two seasons -- Olave could be in for a big target share. He should be the Saints' primary downfield threat right away: No college wideout scored more receiving touchdowns on targets of at least 20 yards downfield than Olave from 2019 to 2021, according to Pro Football Focus.
SOURCE: FMIA

May 9, 2022, 8:26 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Treylon Burks didn’t make it through first practice in the heat
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/05/13/treylon-burks-didnt-make-it-through-first-practice-in-the-heat/



TREYLON BURKS
WR, TENNESSEE TITANS

TenneseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt reports Treylon Burks had "breathing issues" during the team's rookie minicamp.

Wyatt said Burks had to leave the Titans' Friday practice with the breathing issues. The rookie first-round pick was seen grasping his shorts and gasping for air during the Friday session. A local media outlet said Burks appeared out of shape. Burks, according to Wyatt, had a rough go of it throughout the team's minicamp, including "a pretty bad drop in the middle of the field on a beautifully thrown pass." Wyatt urged patience and reminded Titans fans that Derrick Henry struggled in his first rookie camp with Tennessee. ESPN's Jordan Reid recently reported that the Titans "are likely to force feed [Burks] as a rushing and receiving threat" in 2022, with A.J. Brown dispatched to the Eagles in a blockbuster draft day trade. Hopefully Burks gets his wind sooner rather than later.
SOURCE: TennesseeTitans.com

May 16, 2022, 11:28 AM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

ALEC PIERCE
WR, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Colts signed No. 53 overall pick WR Alec Pierce to a four-year contract.

The contract is worth $6.6 million and includes a signing bonus worth roughly $2 million. Pierce has already turned some heads in Indy, nabbing multiple red zone scores during his time in rookie minicamp. He was mainly used as a deep threat during his college days at Cincinnati. If he can add a consistent red zone role to the presumed field-stretching work he should see as a rookie, Pierce could make an immediate impact for fantasy purposes.

May 16, 2022, 5:13 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

JALEN TOLBERT
WR, DALLAS COWBOYS

The Athletic's Jon Machota reports that WR Jalen Tolbert "has a chance to make the biggest immediate impact of all the Cowboys rookies."

The Cowboys selected OL Tyler Smith in the first round and EDGE Sam Williams in the second, but Machota believes that Tolbert, the Cowboys' pick at No. 88 could provide the quickest return. Tolbert was primarily an outside deep threat at South Alabama, but Mike McCarthy recently talked up his ability to move around the formation, "I think it illustrates what we are looking for when you have that type of skill set where you can come in here and have the ability to play inside and outside. I think it’s a real value." If Michael Gallup is not ready to begin the season, Tolbert is very likely to play in 3WR sets, even if he isn't directly filling in for Gallup's "X" receiver role. Tolbert's 2022 fantasy season will likely come down to how well he plays in the early weeks of the year. He'll need to displace James Washington in 3WR sets once Gallup returns.
SOURCE: The Athletic

May 16, 2022, 1:18 PM ET

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

MALIK WILLIS
QB, TENNESSEE TITANS

TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt believes QB Malik Willis won't compete for the team's starting job this summer.

Wyatt, a longtime Titans beat writer, said Willis -- selected with the 86th pick of the 22 draft -- "isn't in a competition with Ryan Tannehill right now, and he won't be breathing down his neck to win the starting job in training camp either. His mission at the start is to learn, and improve, as much as possible in his first days, weeks, and months on the job." Tannehill has been defensive about the Titans taking Willis after he plunged down the draft board, saying it's not his job to mentor the rookie. Persistent struggles from Tannehill could quickly loosen his hold on the team's starting gig, however. Wyatt said Willis made a few "oh my" throws during the Titans' recent rookie minicamp, and described the rookie as "an intriguing guy, because of his arm and his legs, and he carries himself like a leader."
SOURCE: TennesseeTitans.com

May 16, 2022, 11:05 AM ET