When it comes to fantasy football drafts, owners are always looking for those sleepers and rookies in favorable situations who can be had in the later rounds. In 2022, Jalen Tolbert and Jahan Dotson fit that criteria, as they are both in offenses where they can produce immediately and have success. Surprisingly, both potential rookie breakouts have similar ADPs --- Tolbert at No. 144 and Dotson at No. 148 -- and spots in the WR rankings.
Below we'll help you make a decision on which rookie wide receiver you should take in your upcoming fantasy football draft and also break down their respective outlooks this season.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2022 fantasy cheat sheet
Jalen Tolbert fantasy outlook, projection 2022
Tolbert was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of South Alabama. The 6-3, 190-pound receiver had an outstanding final season, posting a career-high 82 receptions for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns. It was the second consecutive season that Tolbert recorded over 1,000 yards and at least eight touchdowns. He averaged 17.6 yards per catch in his collegiate career.
2022 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
Tolbert has the skills and abilities to be a big-play wide receiver in a Cowboys' offense that is down Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson this season. The former Sun Belt star has solid run-after-the-catch skills and will fight through contact. He can also be utilized across the formation, which could be good news for both Cowboys fans and fantasy owners.
2022 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
Tolbert did not do much in the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Broncos last week, recording two receptions for 10 yards. However, that should not set off alarms for fantasy owners, as the rookie will play a significant role in Dallas' offense this season. In addition to being without Cooper (104 targets last year) and Wilson (61), the Cowboys will not have veterans Michael Gallup (left knee) for at least a week or two or James Washington (left foot) for at least six weeks, which means Tolbert will be thrown into action quickly.
At his ADP of No. 144 on FantasyPros, Tolbert will likely be on the bench most teams in Week 1. However, if he can string together a few solid outings, Tolbert will be on the radar at the flex spot and could elevate to WR2/3 status by the end of the season.
2022 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | One from each team
Jahan Dotson fantasy outlook, projection 2022
Dotson was drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. After what we saw him do at Penn State with so-so quarterback play, he seemingly has a higher ceiling than Tolbert. In his final year at Happy Valley, Dotson had a breakout senior campaign, posting 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dotson's yards per catch average went down from 17.0 (2020) to 13.0, but he was still one of the better deep threats in college football. The 5-11, 184-pound wideout was also used in the punt return game for Penn State.
2022 RANKINGS TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs
However, don't think Dotson is purely a deep threat receiver. The rookie speedster can play inside and outside while also doing damage in the intermediate parts of the field. The Commanders will likely play Dotson predominantly on the outside, opposite of Terry McLaurin, which should open up some things for the passing game. The only other explosive starting wide receiver that Washington has is Curtis Samuel, who is better utilized across the formation and in the slot.
2022 AUCTION VALUES (Standard & PPR):
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Overall
Dotson did not record a target in Washington's preseason opener last week but played 22 snaps that Carson Wentz was on the field. He should be more involved going forward. He has the skills to be an instant playmaker and will be consistently featured in a Washington offense that ranked 24th in explosive pass rate last season, per Sharp Football Analysis.
At No. 148 in FantasyPros' ADP, Dotson is another rookie wide receiver who will start the season on fantasy benches. If he makes a few big plays, Dotson will be on the radar to be a flex option. However, if I had to make a decision on which wideout to pick, it has to be Tolbert. The former South Alabama standout will initially be the No. 2 wideout in a better offense with a better QB.
The pick is ... Tolbert
To get RotoBaller's take on Tolbert vs. Dotson -- or any four players you might be considering in your draft -- check out their exclusive "Who to Draft?" tool below:
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