Drake London or Treylon Burks: Who’s the better fantasy draft pick in 2022?

Fantasy football is a hobby that involves a lot of decisions – nothing is more important than choosing between certain players on draft day. Often during drafts, fantasy owners are forced into a split-second decision between two very similar players. For example Drake London or Treylon Burks. Both talented rookie wide receivers offer dynamic skills and have similar rankings and average draft positions (ADPs). Which ones should you design in 2022?

This is where Sporting News Fantasy comes in. We’ll take the heavy lifting out of your fantasy prep and focus on your research to provide an easier path to important draft-day decisions. Let’s jump straight into this specific positional battle and reveal which rookie wideout offers the most imaginative benefits in 2022.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2022 Fantasy Cheat Sheet

Drake London Fantasy Outlook, projection 2022

ADP 2022: 96 total (PPR) or WR41

The Falcons didn’t hesitate to grab another top-10 passcatcher, adding London at No. 8 a year after drafting tight end Kyle Pitts. London has the scale and the skills to be a fantastic offensive producer for many, many years to come.

At 6-4 and 220 pounds, London resembles many of the big wideouts and pass-catching tight ends that have found success in the NFL. London enjoyed a 38 percent goal share at USC and led all WRs in receptions per game (11) and contested catches (19). Despite only playing eight games due to an ankle injury, London finished third in his draft class in yards per route run (3.52) last year.

PPR RANKINGS 2022:
QB’s | RB’s | WRs | TEs | D/STs | foosball | Top 200 | Superflex

However, the worrying facets of London’s prospects are evident. For one thing, it’s raw and volume dependent, coming in as a likely #1 receiving option for one of the worst offenses in the league. Racking up Marcus Mariota goals in double coverage seems like a less than ideal environment to adapt to the NFL, especially with fellow Atlanta player Calvin Ridley on a season-long suspension.

In addition, London has some health concerns. He already has the ankle injury in the not-too-distant rear view, and now he’s reportedly struggling with knee problems this preseason. He deserves a lot of attention in the eighth or ninth round of PPR keeper drafts, but in redrafts and standard leagues, catching him before the 10th seems a challenge.

STANDARD RANKINGS 2022:
QB’s | RB’s | WRs | TEs | D/STs | foosball | Top 200 | Superflex

Treylon Burk’s fantasy outlook, 2022 projection

ADP 2022: 111 total (PPR) or WR45

The Titans quickly addressed the receiving gap left after Philly dealt stud wideout AJ Brown by using the 18th pick they received from Philly in trade to select Arkansas receiver Treylon Burks. Tennessee’s brass might end up looking like geniuses if Burks shows even a fraction of the dominance he showed as a razorback.

At 6-2, 220 pounds, Burks is even taller and stronger than London. Its NCAA profile proves it also has superior durability. While London played just 22 total games for USC in three years, Burks played 32 games with Arkansas. And boy did he play.

2022 FANTASY THRESHOLDS:
QB’s | RB’s | WRs | TEs | D/STs | One from each team

Burks averaged over 16 yards per catch in each of his three collegiate seasons. He finished first in his class in yards per route run (3.57) and led all receivers in yards per route run when pitched outside (6.08). He demonstrated the ability to dominate opposing defenses, whether wide-split, in the slot, at the perimeter, or even in the backfield.

Burks possesses a rare blend of elite size, power and speed. He can win 50/50 balls over cornerbacks, shoot past linebackers, and charge through safeties with reckless abandon. His 9.3 yards from catch ranked fourth in the nation, likely one of the many factors that went into the Titans nabbing him with a first-round pick.

RANKING 2022 & DRAFT STRATEGY:
QB’s | RB’s | WRs | TEs | D/STs

The most fascinating thing about the Burks call-up over London: Tennessee is a much better offense, a much better trained organization and a much better environment for a young full-back. We’ve already seen AJ Brown blossom under center for the Titans with veteran QB Ryan Tannehill, and Derrick Henry’s dominance off the backfield will keep the defense from overexerting in the secondary. In fact, it seems like the perfect opportunity for a talent meetup.

However, preseason concerns about his asthma and not adapting quickly to the Titans’ offense are enough to raise our eyebrows. He’s got some time to figure things out, and if he does, the rookie could still return plenty of value in the eighth round of PPR Keeper League drafts and ninth or tenth or seasonal redrafts.

AUCTION VALUES 2022 (Standard & PPR):
QB’s | RB’s | WRs | TEs | D/STs | foosball | In total

The Verdict: Burks on London

Don’t go with the crowd and go for the guy with the higher ADP. People only pull London over Burks because London was a top 10 draft pick and Burks was 18th. The two extra inches in height and 0.05 faster 40x probably affects people too (honestly, you’d be surprised). .

Avoid all that noise! Burks is better size and strength, he serves as a more competitive catcher, he’s on the better team with a superior QB, and his only real target competitor is the often-injured Robert Woods. He’ll also have Henry drawing defense attention and new Tennessee tight end Austin Hooper attracting defenders in the middle of the field.

I like these two wide receivers – and they each have massive ceilings as impressive playmakers – but I’m leaning against the ADP tide and bringing Burks over London. In reality, neither of these guys seem like great investments on their first ADPs in the 90’s, and both are going much later than their current ADP consensus in most mocks I’ve been to. In recast leagues, consider Burks in the early to late 100s overall, while London should be in the 110s area.

For RotoBaller’s take on Burks vs. London – or four other players you might be considering in your draft – watch her exclusive Who to Draft? tool below:

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