By: Jake Rajala

The Denver Broncos fifth-year wide receiver Tim Patrick had career-high marks in targets (85) and receptions (53) last season while unveiling 734 yards and five touchdowns. His 2021 production was quite similar to his 2020 output (79 targets, 51 receptions, 742 yds, and six touchdowns). Patrick has been a pleasant surprise for the Broncos, but he had a bit of a roller coaster 2021 season. I still believe that Patrick, who is pegged as the 62nd Fantasy WR (one spot behind Jarvis Landry) in PPR via Fantasy Pros, could honestly turn heads in 2022.

Patrick hasn’t been a pillar of consistency in a lackluster offense, but he has been quite efficient in recent memory. Per PFF, Patrick caught 86% of his contested targets 20+ yards downfield in 2020, which ranked first among all WRs. Yes, you read that correctly.

Patrick’s consistent, unique presence on deep passing plays should fit into Russell Wilson’s deep-passing ability. It was noted by Field Gulls last November that Wilson had thrown 60 deep passing touchdowns since 2016, which was 11 more deep passing touchdowns than any other QB. With no coincidence, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were ranked second and third in deep touchdown receptions since 2019 (of course, Tyreek Hill was first).

I honestly foresee the Broncos WR unit transitioning into the Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick show moving forward. I wouldn’t be shocked if Patrick’s TD count was floating around 10 in 2022 and he ousted similar statistics to the 2021 version of Hunter Renfrow (1,038 yds, 9 TDs). All in all, Patrick would be a sneaky WR acquisition for your team.

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