Each week throughout the season, I’ll cover at least two rookies in the Rookie Report Card and try to always include the biggest performers from that particular week. On top of reviewing my expectations for each player coming into the league and how well he’s lived up to those expectations at the NFL level to this point, I’ll grade the player in three categories. Those categories are performance to date, rookie season potential and long-term upside.
The series moves on with a look at a trio of rookies who posted big games on fantasy championship week.
Trey McBride, TE ARI
Week 17 Stats: seven receptions, 78 yards, one touchdown (ten targets)
The top tight end prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft according to most, McBride had a breakout senior season at Colorado State in 2021. Catching 90 passes for 1,121 yards, he proved himself as a consistent short to intermediate target in the Rams’ offense.
McBride lined up both in line and out of the slot in college. He excels at finding space in zone defense, always working back to the football and making tough catches in traffic. Although he’s not especially fast, he’s very good at the top of his routes, cutting quickly to create separation. His large catch radius shows up regularly on film. Especially good at bringing the ball in away from his body, he profiles as a quality end-zone target despite only one of his 90 catches last season going for a score.
Leading up to the NFL Draft, most dynasty managers saw McBride as a mid-second-round rookie pick. Although he was the first tight end taken, some saw his landing behind Zach Ertz in Arizona as a negative so his ADP slid to the end of round two and it became commonplace for his to last until the third round – particularly in superflex leagues.
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