The mid-round QB selections you make in your 2022 drafts are key to having success. The way that I’ve always thought about drafts:
- Early-round selections are about not losing your league
- Mid-round selections are about getting into the playoffs
For example, selecting Deebo Samuel last season you got him as the 86th player off the board (based on Sleeper ADP) and picked up a top-level WR for the season. Now, that’s not going to happen with every selection- it can’t. But knowing some names you can look to in those mid-rounds can help come draft time.
Criteria for selection & Notes
For a player to be considered in this list:
- Have a current ADP of Round 7+
- Have a current role in the offense (so a third-down back, timeshare back would be ok. But a rotational/ relief back wouldn’t
ADP data has been taken from Sleeper at July 27 (Redraft PPR)
Quarterback
Before we get into finding you a QB here- I want to outline my thought to QB. When I am looking to ‘stream’ the position, my view is that I should be attempting to find a breakout QB rather than just settling on finding a new guy each week.
Really I want to find the Joe Burrow from last season, or the Josh Allen/ Patrick Mahomes in previous seasons. If I don’t find them, then I’ll fall-back to finding a new guy each week.
Trey Lance (SF) ADP 110
Image Credit: Darren Yamashita – USA TODAY Sports
At the start of the offseason, it looked like Jimmy Garoppolo might start the season. But with Garoppolo looking like he is going to be moved on, and the team committing to moving forward with Lance.
Lance is getting plenty of plaudits this offseason, and its easy to see why. With his dual-threat ability he has the Konami-code for fantasy success- the ability to run the ball and score in the redone. That rushing ability gives him a really solid floor, and with the receiving talent around him, he has a great ceiling too. This selection could generally end up being a top-half QB1 come the end of the season.
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) ADP 129
Image Credit: Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports
This is a make-or-break season for Tua. The team have improved their offensive line, brought in a new backfield, a top-tier talent in Tyreek Hill- and that’s before the coaching staff is mentioned!
Tagovailoa hasn’t shown his true ability on the NFL field yet, but this season that could change. With the changes on offense, as well as being able to likely stay up-right, we should see that dual-threat that led to him being selected at the top of the first round in 2020.
Other Considerations
- Derek Carr (LV) ADP 115. Carr has had a major upgrade at WR this offseason, to link with a player he has a long-term relationship with in Davante Adams. This offense is set to go off- making Carr a great value.
- Kirk Cousins (MIN) ADP 126. The Vikings offense has great pieces all over the field, and should see an improvement in play-calling. Cousins has been a borderline QB1 for years, this change could push him over the top as a mid-level QB1.
- Justin Fields (CHI) ADP 136. Fields has rushing upside, and is going to need to use it with the talent on the roster. The issue is the ceiling isn’t there in the same way as other selections though.
