Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 5 rookie wide receivers

The NFL offseason is nearly upon us. While others focus on 2022 free agency and how NFL teams might find ways to improve via big and small deals, let's take a different approach and look ahead to the 2022 NFL Draft. Specifically, its dynasty fantasy football talent.

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Throughout the draft season, I'll be delivering top-five lists at every fantasy position to keep tabs on the top dynasty prospects. For those looking to dig deeper, PFF's 2022 NFL Draft Guide is a crucial resource, and it will be updated throughout the offseason leading up to the NFL draft in April. 

For now, let's dig into the top five rookie wide receivers for dynasty fantasy football leagues in 2022 — a few honorable mentions are thrown in for good measure.

1. GARRETT WILSON, OHIO STATE 

After enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign in 2020 that saw Garrett Wilson earn a 34% dominator rating — which considers the number of touchdowns and receiving yards a player commands within their offense — at 20 years old, the Ohio State product ran it back in impressive fashion in 2021.

The Buckeye scored 12 receiving touchdowns, compiled over 1,000 receiving yards and generated the FBS’ 12th-highest passer rating when targeted (141.7). 

He also proved to NFL teams that he was more than just a shifty slot receiver, averaging 3.00 yards per route run despite operating on the outside on 83% of his routes run, which nearly matched his same yards per route run average from 2020 when he spent most of his time inside. 

And although Wilson’s 2021 24% dominator rating was less than his sophomore campaign, that’s really due to Ohio State's talent in the wide receiver room. He was competing for targets with senior Chris Olave and sophomore standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the nation in PFF receiving grade (91.7). 

Going beyond the box score reveals that Wilson is a versatile route runner who can align anywhere on the field and still win. 

garrett wilson my god pic.twitter.com/0vicxNAsKd

— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) December 9, 2021

Wilson was deemed open on 90 of 107 targets in 2021 — an 84% open target rate that ranks in the 94th percentile. For some perspective, New York Jets rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore ranked in the 96th percentile with an 88% open target rate in his final season at Ole Miss. 

2. TREYLON BURKS, ARKANSAS

Yards per route run is one of my favorite premium stats because of how indicative it is of future success. Burks was the king of the metric in college football last season.