I wanted to do a multi-part series breaking down a few landing spots for some 2022 rookies that would move the needle (for me) from a fantasy football perspective. I will look at these teams on an intimate level and take into account team needs, financials, and trends from the current regime (if applicable). As we know, landing spots can be critical to the future success of the prospect. I truly believe that coaching, opportunity, and the environment the player is in can write the story for a player’s career. Very few players, in my opinion, can overcome a tumultuous landing spot.

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty – Denver Broncos

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Malik Willis is a very polarizing prospect that will require some coaching and significant refinement. This QB class has been criticized throughout the draft process, however, Malik Willis possesses unique traits that separate him from his counterparts. In my opinion, he has the most arm talent in the class and can drive the football where needed. He has rare speed and elusiveness that will cause opposing defenses problems when trying to contain him.

The Denver Broncos have a stout defense, a dynamic rushing attack, and underutilized wide receivers. Add in athletic weapons such as Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, and this has the makings of a dream scenario for any rookie QB to land in–insert Malik Willis. I think he could transform this offense and elevate this team to compete with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert who reside in Denver’s division.

I found an interesting quote taken from the Broncos Wire from an interview with their new head coach, Nathaniel Hackett. He stated, “You want to make the defense cover the entire field. You want to take shots down the field. Let’s all face it, that’s what the people in the stands love — they love those bombs down the field. I remember watching John Elway throw the ball down the field to [Ed] McCaffrey on all of those boot fakes. That was unbelievable.” I really felt this quote spoke to the traits that Willis has and the surrounding parts of this team that could really elevate his game while he adjusts to the NFL.

Denver currently sits at pick 9, the same pick they had last year when they passed on Justin Fields for Patrick Surtain II. They have an opportunity to sit still and potentially draft Malik Willis, although I would not be surprised if he was the first QB taken off the board. In that case, Denver may need to move up a few spots, but they are certainly in striking distance for this to be a realistic scenario we see unfold on day one of the 2022 NFL draft.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU – Arizona Cardinals

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After some initial research, it appears CB and EDGE are two bigger needs for the Cardinals this offseason. RB is a need, but undoubtedly not as pressing as some other positions. However, James Connor and Chase Edmonds are free agents and they will need to address the position. According to Over the Cap, if the Cardinals did nothing with their roster, they would exceed the cap limit by just over $800,000. Finding a cheaper alternative at RB could be a cost-effective way to fill a void, and I believe Tyler Allgeier would fit this team. Allgeier ideally would land in a zone scheme, which is what Arizona primarily has their backs run in their current system.

Allgeier fits the profile for a lead back in a committee. For fantasy purposes, I could see him step into the James Conner role where he saw 202 rushing attempts and 39 targets. An additional 116 attempts and 53 targets are also vacated from the likely departure of Edmonds,