Can We Find the Next Michael Thomas in the 2023 Rookie Class?

Corbin Young
January 17, 2024

Michael Thomas immediately earned target volume as a rookie with the Saints. In Thomas’ rookie season, the Saints had three receivers with over 100 targets, including Thomas (121), Brandin Cooks (117), and Willie Snead (104). As a rookie, Thomas ranked 21st in EP/G and third in FPOE/G with a 19% target share.

After Year 1, Thomas posted three consecutive seasons with 145 or more targets. Since 2010, a receiver has earned 145-plus targets in three straight seasons only 12 times. (Larry Fitzgerald landed on that list twice.) Thomas’ rookie season ranks 13th among rookie receivers with at least 100 targets, but there’s a 2023 rookie who garnered the most opportunities by all Year 1 players since 2010. Can this rookie become the next Thomas?

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Corbin Young

Could This 2024 Rookie Receiver Be Even Better Than Garrett Wilson?

Corbin Young April 11, 2025

As a rookie, Garrett Wilson ranked 13th in EP/G, sixth in targets, and 31st in PPR/G, with one of the worst FPOE/G (No. 240). Wilson gave us three WR1 performances, averaging just under 28 fantasy points per game (27.9), with four other weeks as a WR2, posting 16.9 PPR/G. He played with Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco, sharing time as the Jets’ quarterback…....

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This Second-Year Running Back Probably Isn’t the Next David Johnson, but His Rookie Year Comps Still Point to Serious Upside

Corbin Young March 31, 2025

David Johnson was the best running back in football for a season and a half. Few RBs possess Johnson’s size and athleticism combined with his receiving talent. But over the years a number of backs have been able to give us David-Johnson-lite production with a much smaller frame and fewer athletic gifts. It may seem like ages ago when Devin Singletary was last a fantasy-relevant…...

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Can This 2024 Rookie Running Back Become the Next Rachaad White?

Corbin Young March 18, 2025

We love it when running back prospects come into the NFL with a juicy receiving profile. That’s the case with Rachaad White, who garnered a ridiculous 22% receiving share in his final collegiate season. White played on a Buccaneers team with Leonard Fournette as the lead rusher and receiver, though the rookie ate into the veteran’s workload. Tom Brady played his final season during White’s…...