No two rookie running backs have generated as much fantasy (and reality) buzz ahead of the 2022 season as the Jets' Breece Hall and the Bills' James Cook. Although they are slated for different roles on their respective AFC East teams, both Hall and Cook are fantasy breakout candidates who can outproduce their preseason rankings and ADPs.
Using half-point PPR as our scoring format to split the difference between full PPR and standard leagues, here's breaking down which rookie is the better pick.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2022 fantasy cheat sheet
Breece Hall fantasy outlook, projection 2022
Hall was selected to take over New York's backfield. Although the Jets did like some of the flashes Michael Carter provided as a rookie in 2021, he also had durability issues, and his skill set suggested he would be more effective as a change-of-pace back.
There's not much Hall can't do on the field. He has the right combination of power, explosiveness, and receiving skills to be featured, should he be needed in that way. The Jets want to establish a strong early-down rushing attack in the zone-blocking system of former 49ers assistant Mike LaFleur, and Hall fits that scheme to a tee.
2022 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
The Jets upgraded their offensive line with former 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson to complement youngster Alijah Vera-Tucker inside. Although Mekhi Becton went down at tackle again, they made a quick move to add savvy Duane Brown for the left side opposite fellow former Seahawk George Fant. The Jets also upgraded their tight end blocking with C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, who helped Joe Mixon and Dalvin Cook, respectively, last season.
The Jets are expected to remain a struggling last-place team with a lackluster defense, so the question is whether the game scripts will be positive enough for Hall to deliver on expectations. It's possible for running backs to be effective in fantasy on bad overall teams, as evidenced of late by D'Andre Swift and James Robinson.
Assuming he's healthy, Hall can be expected to eventually get high volume, up to 250 carries (around 15 per game) and around three receptions per game. He will also get plenty of chances to finish drives in the red zone. Michael Carter might start the year as the nominal "RB1," but Hall will win the job in short order.
2022 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers | Top 200 | Superflex
James Cook fantasy outlook, projection 2022
Cook, the younger brother of the Vikings' Dalvin, was in Georgia's latest strong timeshare with Raiders draft pick Zamir White. He was the chunk runner for the national champions, with plenty of juice and also great receiving skills.
Devin Singletary had a fantastic finish to 2021, putting RB1 numbers as the unquestioned workhorse in Buffalo in the final month of the season, carrying that over to two playoff games. ZacK Moss was at one point a threat to Singletary's touches, but he faded hard as a disappointing second-year handcuff.
2022 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
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Singletary had the hold on early-down work and the majority of touches overall going into camp, with Cook tabbed to be the situational change-of-pace and primary pass-catcher out of the backfield. Moss had been an afterthought until turning in a good camp, perhaps motivated by Cook's presence.
Singletary has flashed before and has had some durability issues. He's also capable of reeling off chunk runs and is an OK receiver, but Cook has more dynamic qualities. Moss, bothered a bit by an ankle injury, has reportedly rediscovered his physicality and burst in camp.
2022 AUCTION VALUES (Standard & PPR):
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Cook is the highest draft pick of the three and was more than a luxury pick in the second round. The Bills think he's an excellent fit catching shorter passes from Josh Allen. When going on talent alone, Cook has Singletary and Moss beat.
But Singletary has some trust carrying over from last season and Moss has done a good job trying regain some with new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, promoted to replace Brian Daboll.
That leaves a wide range of outcomes for Cook. Somewhere in the middle, he's a valuable flex and plus handcuff in PPR-leaning leagues. Worst-case scenario, he gets into a messy "hot-hand" committee with Singletary and Moss and sees fewer than 150 touches with limited scoring.
2022 RANKINGS TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY:
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Then there's the possibility of Singletary and Moss showing more of their limitations and dealing with more injury issues. Cook could then emerge as the hottest hand worthy of lead duties with big all-around touches in the NFL's best offense.
Hall is safer earlier because less needs to happen for his massive role to materialize. Although Cook can end up being an intriguing depth pick not much later, he has boom-or-bust written all over him regarding his role in relation to Singletary and Moss.
The pick is ... Hall
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