Top Rookie RBs & WRs

RB DAMEON PIERCE, HOUSTON TEXANS

Kenneth Walker III and Breece Hall have lived up to their pre-draft billing and then some, but this spot belongs to Pierce at the moment because he is putting the Texans on his back as best he can so far.

The 22-year-old isn’t just good for a rookie — he’s already standing alongside the best in the NFL. He ranks fifth at the position in rushing grade (90.4), fourth in yards after contact per attempt (3.79) and third in missed tackles forced (50).

WR CHRIS OLAVE, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Olave already has the eighth-most receiving yards of any wide receiver in the NFL (618) and has been tremendous down the field. He currently owns the highest average depth of target (15.6) of any receiver with at least 50 targets — by over a yard and a half. That’s the definition of NFL-ready.

WR DRAKE LONDON, ATLANTA FALCONS

London’s raw stats aren’t going to tell the story because he’s a part of the most run-heavy offense in the NFL. While he is 22nd among all starting receivers in yards per route run (1.79), he’s already unquestionably the Falcons’ top passing option and boasts a team-leading 369 receiving yards.

SLOT WR GARRETT WILSON, NEW YORK JETS

Like the two players above him, Wilson has already come in and earned WR1 status on his team, having hauled in 42 passes for 522 yards and two scores already. Maybe the best indicator that he’s already one of the league’s top receivers is his work after the catch — he ranks third at the position in missed tackles forced (12).

Pickins was mentioned as a player who could move to #3 with a top finish.

Teams are running a lot more this year with running QBs having having something to do with it. That said, rookie RB values are going up and believe you will see that in the coming draft for all types of leagues.

There are other potential impact rookies not in the top 3 who can explode at the end of this year or in 2023. Jameson Williams n IR all year would be one and I also do like Burks as well as RB Algiers.

Who would you add>

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Just read this on Twitter:

6 days ago, Christian Watson had zero TDs.
Now he leads all rookie WRs in TDs.

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The rookie WR talent this year was unmistakable and we are seeing some going off mid to late season which is not a big surprise.

Next draft looks more of the same.

Next year is stronger on QB and RB. Especially QB-wise, 2022 offered close to nothing. 2023 could deliver 5-6 very good talents on QB.

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Agreed, PFF has 5 QBs in their top 50 players which never happened.

There are a few TEs worth a look which is unusual.

There is a WR named Johnston who deserves attention.

9. WR QUENTIN JOHNSTON, TCU

In nine years of college grading, I can say with certainty we have not seen a wide receiver quite like Johnston. At a rangy 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he is a terror with the ball in his hands. His broken-tackle rate over his career is unlike anything we’ve graded, with 41 forced missed tackles on 97 career receptions.

That’s what you’d expect from a receiver with a running back-esque build like Deebo Samuel, not a pterodactyl like Johnston.