2022 NFL Draft: Landing Spot Considerations for Some Key Rookies

As the NFL Draft draws near, rookie fever is starting to set in for fantasy football managers, and the dynasty community has begun to sink its teeth into the 2022 class.

There are many talented players entering the draft this year where landing spot only matters as far as workload, where they’ll be good anywhere. However, many of them could be classified as “role” players. When it comes to these types of players, it’s important to factor in the player’s landing spot. For many players, fantasy success comes from the combination of talent and opportunity. I am here to discuss a few players whose landing spot will determine their fantasy success or not. 

James Cook, RB, Georgia

James Cook was a great receiver for the University of Georgia. In his four years in Athens, he totaled 730 receiving yards on 67 receptions, along with 6 touchdowns. Due to this and the fact he measured in at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds at the combine, most have him profiling as a third-down back in the NFL. That would make him a nice fit in a place like Arizona. The Cardinals just lost a player of similar stature in Chase Edmonds. Pairing Cook with the re-signed James Conner would give the Cardinals a fine 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Last season, the Cardinals targeted running backs 108 times. If Cook can produce at half of his career yards per reception of 10.9, he will be a great PPR running back. 

Jashaun Corbin, RB, Florida State

Now-former Seminole Jashaun Corbin is another player needing the right landing spot. One spot that makes a ton of sense is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Due to his lack of refinement, Corbin should be a Day 2 pick at the earliest. This is the prime spot for a team to take a project back. Tampa Bay mainly runs a gap-scheme blocking system, which is what Corbin got used to in his time at Florida State, where he produced 1,547 scrimmage yards, along with 13 touchdowns, over the last two years after starting his college career at Texas A&M. He possesses good size at 5-11 and 202 pounds and shows great speed and vision on tape. However, he could use some time behind Leonard Fournette to mature into a lead NFL back. 

Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State

Rachaad White is a polarizing player in this draft class. At 6-0 and 214 pounds, he has a solid frame to work with, and he displays great burst along with pass-catching upside. He put up over 2,000 scrimmage yards in his two seasons at Arizona State. He did most of his damage out of a zone-blocking scheme, which should translate well to the NFL — the majority of teams run a similar blocking scheme. However, a few do not. The team I worry about the most is the Las Vegas Raiders. Josh McDaniels is the new head coach here and runs primarily a gap-blocking scheme. If White lands in Vegas, I would stay clear of him in rookie drafts. The scheme and what he will be asked to do may cause a huge learning curve into which he may never overcome. 

Drake London, WR, USC

Coming out of USC, Drake London is a big-bodied receiver who excels in contested-catch situations. Although he does show good route-running skills for a player his size, it is not his forte. This is where I start to worry, because not all NFL quarterbacks will throw a 50/50 ball. This trust takes time to develop. For example, one match I can think of that could be doom for him is Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts is a developing quarterback who tends to limit his mistakes by using his legs versus forcing balls in tight windows. I would be slightly hesitant to jump on London landing here, despite how good it might seem on paper. 

Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Skyy Moore is another concerning wide receiver. He has posted very productive seasons in the MAC, totaling 2,482 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns over three years for the Broncos. However, he did struggle to create separation outside against more physical press coverage. Also, can he translate to the NFL from the lesser competition that is the MAC? I do think he can make this jump due to his solid route-running skills and physicality after the catch. Even with this, I think a creative offensive mind will suit him best. Kansas City seems like a great fit to me. Although he does not possess the speed of Tyreek Hill, I think Andy Reid would be the perfect guy to manufacture touches for him. He could mold into a player like Cooper Kupp in this system. 

David Bell, WR, Purdue

David Bell could easily go down as one of the biggest combine disappointments in this class. He tested poorly in almost every category. This makes him very interesting to me, as his tape was very strong. He has great ball-tracking ability, along with quick and strong hands. He also runs solid routes and understands how to win with leverage. Due to this he needs to land in the perfect offensive scheme that allows him play to his strengths. A team that would be great fit for him is Chicago. I think being paired with Darnell Mooney, Justin Fields and a strong run game will give him an ability to play to his strengths. He can become a strong underneath security blanket for Fields. Also, his ability to adjust late to poorly placed balls with be a great addition of a developing quarterback. I see him becoming the new Allen Robinson for the Bears.