For many fantasy football Managers place a lot of emphasis on identifying which NFL players will make a significant step in their development and become fantasy superstars. The obvious targets are often those who are entering their second season, and have the opportunity to improve.
Our staff will be listing its top sleepers, busts, and breakouts over the next few weeks. However, for this exercise, we only considered sophomores. We answered the following question.
What second-year fantasy player do you think is the most intriguing?
You can be excited about a player or simply curious about his performance. Oder bad. While we get ready for training camps, the crew ranks those who are most in demand.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne was injured in the Lisfranc accident that cost him his rookie season. Fantasy managers sometimes forget how they feel about a player if he misses a whole season. Before He got hurt. I haven’t. Etienne is an exceptional runner and receiver, which NFL Nation Jaguars reporter Mike DiRocco believes makes him a valuable member of the team. intends to take full advantage of. DiRocco even offered a comp that could be used for this season. Alvin Kamara As a rookie, he ran for 1,554 yards and had 81 receptions as the No. 2 back Mark Ingram II. With the incumbent starter James Robinson Etienne, who is returning from an Achilles injury could see an increase in workload. Keith Lipscomb
Justin Fields, QB, Chicago Bears
Fields enters 2022 with an offensive team lacking proven difference-makers. Fields’ playmaking ability makes this a fantasy opportunity. Fields ran for 420 yards in just 12 games in ’21. He also scored at least 16 fantasy point in four of his last five starts. With an anticipated pass game that should lean on play-action/misdirection to open second- and third-level windows, along with Fields’ ability to create as a runner, the Bears’ second-year quarterback has late-round potential in your drafts. –– Matt Bowen
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris is ranked eighth in ESPN’s ADP (average draft spot). There are more mysteries surrounding the other names on this list. However, we still need to know if he can become one of the reliable RB1s which are becoming increasingly rare. Harris could be a top two pick if his workload continues to increase while he adds efficiency (and an improved offense line). With 381 touches and 7 catches, Harris was the leader among RBs. However, we don’t know how that volume will change with Ben Roethlisberger as a retired quarterback. Harris must improve his 3.9 yards per run and seven rushing touchdowns. He was only 21st among all RBs with 29 red-zone rushing attempts, but that is despite his extensive usage. Mike Triplett
Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers
The highly-regarded quarterback from North Dakota State was selected third by the 49ers in 2020. However, he has only played in three games over the past two seasons. Yikes. Yet, he is set to be the Niners’ signal-caller in the fall. As a rookie Lance was an understudy and threw 71 passes. Most of them were in relief of an injury. Jimmy Garoppolo. He did manage to score five touchdowns in his short playing time, and his mobility was often on display. His arm and leg strength make him a formidable threat in fantasy football. But the question is, will his decision-making and accuracy catch up? –– Stephania Bell
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Although the Jaguars made significant roster and coaching upgrades in the offseason, it could be wasted if their second-year quarterback fails to make big strides. Lawrence’s rookie-season performance was not great (12 pass touchdowns, league-high 17INTs, 33.5QBR), but this is normal for potential stars at the position. He also gained significant experience (seventh-most passes attempted and fifth-most rush attempts of QBs). You can draft the 2021 first overall pick, a potential league winner and a little-known breakout candidate. –Mike Clay
Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
While Moore’s film shortcomings were evident, it is true that Moore has talent and abilities that are hard to overlook. Moore is a top player in the league for his short-area speed. Moore had shown glimpses of his potential prior to his season-ending injuries. Moore averaged 10.3 targets and 6.0 receptions per week from Weeks 11-13. He also received 88.0 receiving yards each game. Moore also accumulated 352 air miles during the same time period. Moore’s current ADP is an excellent value and should be considered. –Eric Moody
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
As the offense was not able to operate without Pitts, Pitts quickly became the Falcons’ primary pass-catcher. Calvin Ridley For most of the season. Pitts was the team’s leader in targets, with 110. He also led all TEs, with 10.8 target air yards. This demonstrates Pitts’ game-breaking, vertical threat ability. There are a few reasons I am intrigued by Pitts’ sophomore year. How will his TD regression change after only one trip to the endzone in his rookie season. How will the addition Drake London How will you influence the almost inevitable positive decline? How will the new QB affect this almost inevitable positive regression? Marcus Mariota Look to use him, especially when he is near the goal line. Pitts, who finished as TE7 last year, is now the consensus TE3 heading into 2022. It is worth the fifth round investment in 10-team drafts. –– Daniel Dopp
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
Last year, a lot of fantasy championship banners were hung on the backs of Lions rookie receiver. He was absolutely amazing throughout the season. While Detroit was losing the fantasy managers were winning. St. Brown was a top three WR in total points and points/game from Week 13. He averaged nearly 25 points per week in PPR and more than 8 catches. He also averaged 103 yards per game. He scored six touchdowns and had six catches. Was that because of St. Brown’s great talent or simply because “they had to throw the ball to someone”? During the six-game stretch, T.J. Hockenson D’Andre Swift missed four and Hock missed five, allowing St. Brown to take home a staggering 33.5% of the target share. Hock, Swift and the addition of DJ Chark Jr. The debut of rookie Jameson WilliamsCan St. Brown still be a top-20 (ish) WR despite having a lower target share? It is a common trend for rookie WRs to produce like St. Brown’s. But given his unique circumstances last season, 66% of his fantasy point totals came from Week 13. He’s now my most intriguing second-year player as we head into 2022. –Matthew Berry
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Williams broke more tackles than any running back last season. And while that’s true, it’s also true that the organization brought back Melvin Gordon III Williams is an excellent player, despite the fact that they share some annoying touches. A much better player. He’s strong, tall, and definitely capable of being fantasy star. Russell Wilson This will also help. Williams’ fantasy upside is immense and this offense will be much more efficient. Don’t let Gordon’s return fool you. –Eric Karabell
Zach Wilson, QB New York Jets
Wilson is intrigued. I don’t think I would draft him as a matchups partner QB2, but I do not believe I would. He has an ESPN consensus ranking of 20th at this position. Wilson’s Jets drafted wide receivers, so it is a challenge that few NFL sophomores have to face in the upcoming season. Garrett Wilson Running back Breece Hall And signed tight ends Tyler Conklin C.J. Uzomah. The Jets are almost certain to rise, but Wilson’s poor accuracy in 2021 is a major concern. Is this the type of jump that would be possible in the best-case? Jared Goff Made in 2017? We’ll see. — Tristan H. Cockcroft