Let’s take a look at the redraft and dynasty fantasy football impact of the Arizona Cardinals’ selection of Trey McBride.
Team Drafted: Arizona Cardinals
Pick Selected: Round 2, No. 55
2022 Redraft Fantasy Football Outlook
The Arizona Cardinals selected prolific Trey McBride in the second round with the 55th overall pick.
The Colorado State Ram compiled 1,125 receiving yards, which comprised 37% of the team’s total passing yardage production in 2021. His sheer dominance and command for the football – second-highest target rate per route run (30%) – elevated him to a 94.7 PFF overall grade – the best among tight ends in the nation – and the John Mackey Award.
He even possesses under-the-radar upside because he can win downfield. McBride finished third in catches and fourth in yards on targets of 20-plus air yards. With Kyler Murray’s big arm – watch out.
McBride looks the part of a high-floor inline tight end who can contribute from Day 1 with his well-rounded skill set. However, he will have to wait his turn with Zach Ertz entrenched as the starter in Arizona.
Unless Ertz sustains an injury — possible at age 31 — McBride won’t have much fantasy appeal in a heavily crowded Cardinals Air Raid offense.
Initial redraft ranking: TE30
2022 NFL Draft Profile
Trey McBride posted eye-popping numbers in 2021. The Colorado State Ram compiled 1,125 receiving yards, which comprised 37% of the team’s total passing yardage production. His sheer dominance and command for the football – second-highest target rate per route run (30%) – elevated him to a 94.7 PFF overall grade – the best among tight ends in the nation – and the John Mackey Award.
However, his senior year breakout wasn’t too surprising based on what he did in a truncated 2020 season. McBride commanded an absurd 71% dominator rating – which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within their offense – operating as the engine of the Rams’ offense in the four games played.
He even possesses under-the-radar upside because he can win downfield. McBride finished third in catches and fourth in yards on targets of 20-plus air yards. If he ends up armed with a big-armed quarterback – watch out.
Because McBride impressed at the Senior Bowl, he has a great chance to be the first tight end drafted. McBride looks the part of a high-floor inline tight end who can start from Day 1 with his well-rounded skill set.
I don’t believe McBride will ever become super dynamic with the ball in his hands, but he can easily carve out a role as a solid PPR fantasy tight end because he commands targets. Owen Daniels is an appropriate NFL comparison.
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