My early prediction for top sophomore Fantasy WR in 22'
In the last two NFL drafts NFL fans around the world have been gifted an influx of star wide receivers. In the 2020 WR class, Justin Jefferson racked up 1,400 receiving yards, made the Pro Bowl and was named 2nd Team All Pro. Cee Dee Lamb had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and Chase Claypool had 11 total TDs. 2021 arguably produced even more talent. With big seasons from Ja'Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith and Amon Ra St. Brown. As rookies they each had their ups and downs but all played a key role in their teams success. Chase had over 1,400 receiving yards, 13 TDs, won the Pespsi ROY and AP OROY awards and without him you could argue the Bengals never would have made it to the Super Bowl. Waddle eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and 104 receptions which broke Anquan Boldins record for most receptions by a rookie. Smith and St. Brown both posted over 900 yards and 5 TDs. So which receiver do I pick to have the best 22' fantasy football season?
Amon Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
This was a very difficult decision. I mean how could I pick St. Brown over any of these other receivers? Okay, it actually wasn't that difficult. This is my pick for "breakout" sophomore WR. It's going to be hard for Chase to breakout after his amazing rookie season. Waddle similarly will have to produce big to breakout after breaking records and Smith just doesn't have the consistent role you'd like to see a stud fantasy player have in his team's respective offense. So why did I pick St. Brown to breakout?
Veteran Route Running - It's not very often you see polished route runners as rookies but St. Brown is just that and explosive to boot. Former Packers receiver James Jones is quoted saying this "if you can run routes you can play in this league for a long time and that's what he's good at." of St. Brown.
Sure Hands - St. Brown can flat out catch the ball (75.6% catch rate). He does it so well in fact that of ALL the WRs who posted 90+ receptions only three had a better catch rate. Hunter Renfrow (80.5%), Chris Godwin (76.6%) and Cooper Kupp (75.9%). Not bad company to be in.
The Breakout Has Already Begun - St. Brown started the year as many would expect from a WR that was drafted as the 17th WR in his class. It was a mixed bag through the first 11 weeks of the season for St. Brown. The last 6 weeks however, St. Brown did something no other rookie receiver has ever done. He finished with 6 consecutive games with 8+ receptions. In that same span he accumulated 560 receiving yards and 5 TDs. Of the aforementioned rookie WRs only Chase had more receiving yards during that time.
Stats Prediction
I love watching St. Brown play. I watched him closely to end the 21' season and boy did he fill the Stat sheets. I don't expect anything less going into 22'. Based on his monster finish to the season I'm projecting big numbers from the 2nd year pro. Including more in the running game. As we saw him used similarly to Deebo Samuel out of the backfield late in the season.
Receptions - Over 125
Receiving Yards - Over 1,500
Receiving TDs - Over 8
Rushing Yards - Over 200
Rushing TDs - Over 2
St. Brown is the kind of WR you love to have on your fantasy team. He plays hard every snap and takes advantage of every opportunity given to him. With the "Wide-back" position emerging it will put him in prime position to stuff the Stat sheets.
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