Elijah Moore is projected to be the leading wide receiver for the New York Jets in 2022. That’s after they handed a bag to Corey Davis in 2021 and drafted a first-round receiver in Garrett Wilson. It would make sense if you watched any of Moore’s tape last year. He’s a dynamic WR that can do anything you want on the field. The second-round pick made quite an impression on football and fantasy fans. His price in dynasty shot up like a rocket. The 5’10” wideout could be getting ready for his coming out party as a top WR in the NFL, with young quarterback Zach Wilson doing the same.
2021 Review
Moore played in 11 games last year due to missing time with injuries. He started six of those games. Included in those games were ones he didn’t play with Zach Wilson but rather Joe Flacco. Regardless of the QB, Moore performed when on the field. He averaged 11 targets a game. That led to 77 targets, catching 43 of them for 538 yards and five touchdowns; he averaged a healthy 12.5 yards per catch. The versatile Moore was used in the backfield too. He rushed five times for 54 yards and a touchdown. It was truly an impressive season for a rookie player without much fanfare.
2022 Season Projections
Moore is set up to have a strong season with the Jets as it seems Wilson is ready to take a leap. He has plenty of options on offense which prevents the defense from keying in on one guy. The same goes with the offensive line, which is finally starting to round into form. This means that Moore should have a bunch of single coverages he can beat. Even with Wilson, I would be surprised if Moore isn’t a high-end WR2 this year.
I know that they won’t stop using Moore in the backfield. He is too talented. I could see him getting more than five rushes; that number feels conservative. This is true as the Jets continue to implement a 49ers-esque system. I see him leading the Jets in targets. He would see only 7.5 targets per game in this projection. That’s due to Wilson being there. I don’t trust Corey Davis being healthy. Breece Hall and CJ Uzomah take some targets too. Ultimately, I think one can expect Moore to get over 1,000 yards and push for ten total touchdowns. I have him down for 13.6 ppg in PPR. He will win people some weeks, but he’ll never lose them. Moore will be a consistent WR for the 2022 season.
Buy/Sell Elijah Moore
In no world would I sell Moore. He’s entering his age-23 season. If I’m rebuilding, I am rebuilding with him as a centerpiece. His value is only going to go up. He’s already worth a first-round pick, if not more. I get that he’s on the Jets. Ignore that. Buy the talent. People are doing that with Metcalf this year despite the fact there’s no way he does fantastic this year. Moore will grow with Zach Wilson.
If you want to win this year, keep Moore. Trade for him if you need a WR. He’s a proven player in the NFL with a ton of potential. Who knows what that far-off future first-round pick will become? Maybe he becomes another Moore! It’s always better to buy a player now to push for the ship. You can always sell him later. Plus, in-season buying is always more expensive.
Summary
Moore is a talented young receiver. He’s projected to hit 1,000 plus yards with the potential for more than ten touchdowns. Don’t be shocked if he hits the high-end WR2 tier. The Jets’ offense will be better this year. The same goes for Zach Wilson. Just trust in the talent. In a dynasty, talent wins more than lucky scheme playing. Moore is worth holding onto in dynasty whether you’re rebuilding or competing. Don’t sell him short. I predict a strong sophomore year for the WR from Ole Miss.
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As always, May the Force be with You…
