The first two days of the 2022 NFL draft are complete, and Mike Clay is here to provide fantasy football reaction and projections for every skill-position player taken in the first three rounds. Whether you play in season-long, keeper or dynasty leagues, this information will give you a leg up on the competition this season. Can you expect top running backs Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III to make an immediate impact? Will early-round wide receivers Garrett Wilson, Drake London and Jameson Williams (among many others) step right in as fantasy starters? Does this class have a potential fantasy starter at tight end, like Kyle Pitts last year? Get our take on their short- and long-term fantasy values, including a first look at their 2022 projection.
Round 1
No. 8: WR Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
2022 projection: 110 targets, 70 receptions, 904 yards, 5 TDs
The Falcons entered the draft as the league's neediest team at wide receiver, so it was no surprise to see them select London with the eighth overall pick. London is a 6-foot-4 possession receiver who lacks speed but makes up for it with size and terrific ball skills. He aligned in the slot 96% of the time during his first two seasons at USC, but flipped to 85% perimeter in 2021 and enjoyed a breakout campaign. He handled a massive 38% target share when active, which allowed an 88-1,084-7 receiving line during a season cut short by a broken ankle. He's one of the youngest players entering the league (set to turn 21 in July) and has a massive ceiling. London will immediately step into an every-down role and, although Atlanta's QB situation is a concern, he'll see enough targets to warrant weekly WR3/flex consideration, at least.
No. 10: WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
2022 projection: 108 targets, 67 receptions, 852 yards, 5 TDs
The Jets' interest in adding a standout wide receiver has been no secret this offseason. Enter Wilson, the second wide receiver to come off the board in the top 10. Wilson is a quick and elusive prospect who primarily worked as a perimeter receiver (30% slot in three seasons) and punt returner at Ohio State. He has terrific hands, as he dropped just six balls during his career and posted a strong 90% catch rate on on-target throws in 2021. That '21 season concluded with a terrific 70-1,058-12 receiving line in 11 games. Wilson figures to immediately slide in as a starter opposite second-year Elijah Moore, with Corey Davis and Braxton Berrios also in the fold. He has more competition for targets than London, but history tells us he'll see enough volume to warrant weekly flex consideration in fantasy. Wilson has an elite ceiling and should be a top pick in rookie drafts.
What can be expected from WRs drafted in the top 10? From 2011 to '21, 13 WRs were selected in the top 10 overall, and 10 of the 13 appeared in at least 12 games. Of those 10, only Tavon Austin (2013) was not a top-30 fantasy WR as a rookie. The other nine all saw 90-plus targets and averaged a target share of at least 19%. That list includes Ja'Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle last season.
No. 11: WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
2022 projection: 101 targets, 60 receptions, 843 yards, 4 TDs