As someone who's been very open and honest about the strength (or lack thereof) of the 2022 class, I'm going to but on a brave face and highlight the strengths.
With every rookie class there are stud athletes that are going to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. With this class, I have always (past 2 years) feared that there would just be fewer in this class than notably great classes like 2020 and 2021. Let's face it: we've been absolutely spoiled the past two years.
Top RB Prospect: Breece Hall, Iowa State
Breece Hall flew onto my radar in the 2020 season after investigating incoming rookie Jonathan Taylor. As a true sophomore, Hall had totalled 21 touchdowns and 1,572 rushing yards on a whopping 279 carries. Not many sophomores get that kind of volume, so naturally, Hall caught my eye.
His production profile only improved in 21'-22' season with an impressive 20 score campaign, 1,700+ scrimmage yards, and an increased workload in the passing game.
At 6'1", 220 lbs, Hall's profile is built on impressive vision, an explosive single cut, and good contact balance. At times I have seen home-run speed from Hall, but I don't believe he's going to blow anyone away, in the speed department, at the combine.
Next steps: I believe Hall must continue working on his pass-catching and learning how to be more elusive in tight quarters. His tape shows a lengthy history of being able to win against second-level defenders, but he may struggle accelerating through tighter holes at the line of scrimmage.
As of right now, Breece Hall is my 1.01 for 2022 dynasty rookie drafts.
Top WR Prospect: Treylon Burks, Arkansas
I will admit right now: Treylon Burks is not the safest, or most guaranteed, WR prospect in this class. However, I do believe he has the most upside... And that's why i'll be drafting him everywhere I can this year.
At 6'3", 225 lbs, and FREAKISHLY athletic, Treylon Burks assumes to be a can't-miss player in this class, but he won't be everyones WR1. I get some eerily similar DK Metcalf/AJ Brown vibes when they came out of Ole Miss.
Burks is raw. He ran a limited route tree in college and lacks a little polish in his route running. What he lacks in technical polish he more than makes up for in athleticism, big-play ability, and contested catching.
Next Steps: While Burks is a tremendous athlete, I want to see him use more physicality to extend plays and produce after catch.
Stay tuned for more in-depth rookie profiles, rankings, and mock drafts leading up to the NFL Draft.