Earlier this week, I released my opportunity scores for wide receivers and running backs, which combines some metrics for position group strength with best-ball average draft position (ADP) to quantify which NFL teams have the most opportunity for rookie production in 2022.
Below, I’ll update the opportunity scores for both position groups and highlight the teams that drafted a wide receiver or running back in the first round.
Unsurprisingly, most of the selections were made by teams lacking the position, though that wasn't always the case. I’ll also walk through the ADPs of the position group each pick is joining, highlighting whether the rookie addition should slot in immediately as a strong producer with a clear window to WR1 or RB1 status in the near future.
PICK 8: DRAKE LONDON, ATLANTA FALCONS
London answered the question of who will be the first wide receiver selected in the 2022 draft, and he lands in one of the most advantageous spots for a rookie.
The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder will face some stiff target competition from Kyle Pitts, but his wide receiver competition is almost non-existent in terms of fantasy value. Both Olamide Zaccheaus and Auden Tate aren’t currently being drafted in the top 90 receivers, and London should rise quickly from his WR40 ADP to the top-30 by the time the 2022 season begins.
PICK 10: GARRETT WILSON, NEW YORK JETS
The Jets profile as a good-not-great landing spot for a rookie wide receiver, but there currently isn’t a definitive WR1 on the roster.
There could be more hype than substance built into Elijah Moore’s WR24 ADP, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilson equaled or passed Moore by the time we get to Week 1.
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