2022 First-Round Fantasy Football Picks: Top Players To Consider
Now into June, the countdown for the NFL to return this fall feels a little closer. We’ve taken a look at the best fantasy players and tried to give you a few. Note that the order in which these players are ranked is based on their fantasy value. In addition, the order in which some of these players are ranked is very objective. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of the best offensive weapons in the NFL (other than quarterbacks) for you to target in the first round of your upcoming fantasy football draft.
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RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in football. Last season, he erupted for 1,811 rushing yards (5.5 yard average) and 18 rushing touchdowns. Along with his 360 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Jonathan Taylor produced 20 touchdowns and almost 2,200 all purpose yards making him one of the most viable options to pick first overall. He has without a question become the focal piece of the Colts’ offense, as they are moving to more of a run game designed around him.
RB Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler is one of the most fun players to watch in the NFL. This is because he functions almost equally as a receiver than as an RB. Last season he had 911 rushing yards for 12 rushing touchdowns. He then caught for 647 yards (9.2 yards per catch) for eight passing touchdowns. As a pass catcher he can go down field very fast with hands that seemingly have superglue on them. His versatility makes him the most dangerous weapon on the Los Angeles Chargers and at Justin Herberts’ disposal going into next season.
RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Christian McCaffrey has struggled with injuries in the past two years. Since 2020, McCaffrey has only produced a total of 667 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. His health is the only thing which is coming into question. If McCaffrey is healthy this season, he should be able to do what he did in 2018 and 2019. Just take a look at those numbers!
RB Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
As another multipurpose RB, Dalvin Cook has been one of the most impressive at his position since entering the league. While injuries have limited him recently, Dalvin Cook remains one of the most versatile backs in the league. With nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns in 2021, Dalvin Cook remains one of the best available players in the first-round, despite what was an off-season for him.
WR Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp had one of the best seasons out of any receiver. He finished the season with 145 receptions (four shy of tying Michael Thomas’ regular season catch record). He averaged 13.4 yards per catch in 2021, amassing 1,947 yards in total before getting into the postseason and winning the Super Bowl. In 2022, expect Matthew Stanford and Cooper Kupp to link up like they did last season.
RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry missed most of last season due to injury, ultimately ending with less than 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Even his yards per carry dropped from 5.4 in 2020 (when he had 2,000+ rushing yards) to 4.3 last season. Henry was not 100% during the 2022 NFL season but is heading into 2022 with something to prove.
RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara remains one of the most impressive and unconventional back in the league. Notably, his freakish flexibility and ability to establish his own pace when running the football allows him to surprise opposing defenses. Though he scored fewere touchdowns than average last season, AK-41 still had another incredible season. He is without a doubt the most valuable fantasy football player out of the NFC South.
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