While rookies are the hot topic this time of year, it’s important to zero in on those that are going to be relevant in redraft leagues. Let’s take a look at redraft-relevant 2022 rookies in superflex leagues, including rankings and player notes.
Player rankings based on our redraft Expert Consensus Rankings for half-PPR leagues.
Rookie Quarterback Rankings & Player Notes
Kenny Pickett (PIT): QB34
Kenny Pickett gets the draft capital we covet in dynasty going in the first round. The Pitt product stays close to his alma mater with the landing spot with the Steelers. Pickett should compete for the starting job in camp with Mitch Trubisky in a system that should highlight their mobility in the pocket. If he can overcome the yips against pressure behind a still leaky offensive line, Pickett could return mid to low-end QB2 numbers with a talented set of pass-catchers, including Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Pat Freiermuth around him.
Desmond Ridder (ATL): QB37
Desmond Ridder falls in the same third-round bucket as Malik Willis and Matt Corral from this class. Marcus Mariota might have been signed as the team’s bridge quarterback option, but that doesn’t wipe Ridder off the map to possibly win the job out of camp. The draft capital doesn’t ensure he’ll be given that shot, but Arthur Smith knows Mariota quite well from their time in Tennessee. If Smith thinks Ridder can bring something more to the table or operate similarly to Mariota, he could win the starting call. Smith’s love for play-action passing will help Ridder. Last year Matt Ryan ranked 11th in play-action dropback rate (minimum 200 dropbacks, per PFF). In 2021, Ridder was tied for 17th in play-action passing touchdowns out of 121 qualifying quarterbacks (minimum 200 dropbacks, per PFF).
Malik Willis (TEN): QB40
The fall from draft capital grace was tough to watch for Malik Willis. I could easily rant here about how NFL teams are foolish for passing on his moon-shot traits, but I’ll save that for another day. Despite falling to the third round, Willis still has a path to play as early as next season. Ryan Tannehill will be entering his age 35 season in 2023, and the Titans can save nearly 18 million against the cap if they were to cut him. The upside with Willis is immense just off of his rushing ability alone. While Tannehill won’t be mentoring Willis, it might not stop this talented rookie from taking his job.
FantasyPros Staff Consensus 2022 Redraft Fantasy Football Rankings
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