We’ve compiled mock drafts from the top experts based on their history of NFL mock draft accuracy. Below are wide receivers expected to be selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, based on our consensus of NFL Draft experts. You can also create a consensus mock draft using any of our experts here.
Garrett Wilson (Ohio State): Projected to Falcons at Pick No. 8
After enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign in 2020 that saw Garrett Wilson earn a 34% dominator rating – which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within their offense – at 20 years old, the Ohio State product ran it back in impressive fashion in 2021.
The Buckeye scored 12 receiving touchdowns, compiled over 1,000 receiving yards and generated the FBS’ 12th-highest passer rating when targeted (141.7).
He also proved to NFL teams that he was more than just a shifty slot receiver, averaging 3.00 yards per route run despite operating on the outside on 83% of his routes run, which nearly matched his same yards per route run average from 2020 when he spent most of his time inside.
And although Wilson’s 2021 24% dominator rating was less than his sophomore campaign, that’s really due to Ohio State’s talent in the wide receiver room. He was competing for targets with senior Chris Olave and sophomore standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the nation in PFF receiving grade (91.7).
Going beyond the box score reveals that Wilson is a versatile route runner who can align anywhere on the field and still win.
The Buckeye wide receiver also tested extremely well with a 4.38 40-time (90th percentile). He has solidified his status as one of the top WRs in the class with impressive testing numbers in addition to his savvy route running.
Drake London (USC): Projected to Jets at Pick No. 10
Drake London boasts all the skills to be an alpha possession receiver at the next level. The 6-foot-4 and 219-pound towering wide receiver only played in eight games due to an ankle injury but made every game count. He commanded a 38% target share and led all WRs in contested catches (19). London concluded the year third in yards per route run (3.52) in his draft class.
The USC product has also yet to turn 21. His game as a big-bodied wideout echoes a spry Kenny Golladay and/or Michael Floyd.
Jameson Williams (Alabama): Projected to Eagles at Pick No. 15
Alabama’s Jameson Williams can be the extra firepower that a team needs to get over the top after a monster season as the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 receiver.
Williams commanded a 31% dominator rating by hanging 1,561 receiving yards, 20 yards per reception and 15 touchdowns – all achievements that ranked top-three among his 2022 NFL Draft class. His gargantuan yardage totals were fueled by his ability to create yards after the catch and downfield. He finished top-seven among all college wide receivers in yards after the catch per reception (9.3) and receiving yards on 20-plus air yard throws.
Williams has shades of Will Fuller and Mike Wallace to his game; a big-play waiting to happen.
Check out our top-60 dynasty rookie superflex rankings here
Chris Olave (Ohio State): Projected to Saints at Pick No. 16
Chris Olave can separate from defenders at an elite level downfield. The former Buckeye wrapped up his 2021 season in the 96th percentile in separation versus single coverage and caught seven touchdowns on throws of 20-plus air yards.
Olave cemented himself as a top-20 selection by blazing a 4.39 40-yard dash (90th percentile) at the NFL Combine.
He draws parallels to Calvin Ridley with his route running ability.
Treylon Burks (Arkansas): Projected to Packers at Pick No. 22
Treylon Burks finished first in his class in yards per route run (3.57) while also ranking No. 1 in yards per route run when lined up outside (6.08) among all receivers. It’s an encouraging sign that a size-speed specimen delivered when aligned on the perimeter, as he spent 77% of his career in the slot.
His 8.5 yards after the catch rank 14th among 169 qualifying wide receivers (92nd percentile) over the past two seasons.
And R-E-L-A-X about Burks’ 4.55 40-yard dash time and less than stellar jumping numbers. The Arkansas wide receiver weighs 225 pounds so asking for anything in the sub 4.4s is expecting D.K. Metcalf athleticism. He isn’t the freak athlete Metcalf is, but he’s still a top-3 wide receiver in this rookie class.
His elite college production and top-notch 32% dominator rating speak for themselves.
Burks remains a weapon waiting to be unleashed by an NFL offense. And I hope that the market sours on him in both best ball and dynasty formats post-combine so he can be acquired at a better value. My favorite NFL comp for Burks is Josh Gordon.
Jahan Dotson (Penn State): Projected to Chiefs at Pick No. 29
While slightly undersized – 5-foot-10 and sub-180 pounds – Jahan Dotson packs a serious punch, as the Penn State product was a mega-producer in his final college season earning an absurd 43% dominator rating.
He easily saved his best for last, finishing ninth in PFF receiving grade (87.2) and eighth in receptions among his 2022 draft-eligible classmates. Dotson’s sure-hands – 94th percentile career drop rate (2%) – will help him vacuum up targets at the next level, especially if he carves out a role as a team’s primary slot receiver.
However, Dotson’s draft stock did not rise after testing results. These Penn State guys tend to be athletic freaks, but Dotson was underwhelming. He was vastly underweight and failed to pop in the drills despite being so much smaller.
4.43 40-yard dash (74th percentile), sub-60th percentile jumps and an abysmal 7.28 3-cone drill (9th percentile).
Dotson’s a solid route runner and reliable receiver, but his ultimate upside doesn’t seem to be more than real-life WR2. Becoming Emmanuel Sanders might be his best-case scenario.
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