Top 10 NFL rookies of 2022
The NFL’s rookie class for 2022 was very impressive. Across every position, we’ve seen a rookie take the league by storm, will many already establishing themselves among the NFL’s elites. With the season almost at an end, we rank our best debutants from the year.
Here’s our top ten rookies of the 2022 season.
Honourable mentions: Christian Watson, Justin Houston, Dameon Pierce, Tyler Smith, George Pickens, Jordan Davis, Kayvon Thidobeaux
10. Tyler Linderbaum
C, Baltimore Ravens – Drafted: No. 25
Like Creed Humphrey did in 2021 with the Chiefs, Linderbaum has come and transformed the offensive line of a team as a rookie. His 94.7% pass block win rate led all rookie offensive linemen, and was incredibly proficient in the Ravens‘ run game.
An All-Pro of the future, Linderbaum is already one of the premier players in his position in the NFL.
9. George Karlaftis
EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs – Drafted: No. 30
He might not have received the same attention as Aidan Hutchinson or Travon Walker, but George Karlaftis has played as well as any first-year defensive lineman in 2022.
The rookie out of Purdue finished with 33 tackles (18 solo), six sacks, seven passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in his debut season with Kansas City. Along with Chris Jones on the interior, the Chiefs now have a feared rush defense. Karlaftis can be a big part of that for years to come.
8. Jalen Pitre
S, Houston Texans – Drafted: No. 37
One of the few bright sparks in Houston’s season. Pitre has had one of the most productive seasons of any player in the NFL, leaing all rookies in tackles in 2022 with 147, and tied for second in interceptions with five.
Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens and Jaquan Brisker of the Bears also look great safety additions to the league, but Pitre has been the pick of the bunch. He’s still improving with lots more to learn, but a future Pro Bowler for years to come, no doubt about it.
7. Chris Olave
WR, New Orleans Saints – Drafted: No. 4
In year one of the NFL, Chris Olave has become the go-to target in New Orleans. He’s an excellent route-runner and an explosive playmaker, averaging close to 15 yards a reception in 2022.
Olave is one of many rookie receivers who didn’t play with a great quarterback, yet put up incredible numbers. Imagine what he would look like with an elite player throwing to him.
6. Kenneth Walker III
RB, New York Jets – Drafted: No. 41
Walker is a big bloodied running back who was transformed the run game in Seattle. A volume runner with big-play potential, the former Michigan State star has become the go-to option in Pete Carroll’s backfield and has been by far one of the success stories of this team.
He will continue to play a bigger role in this offense in 2023, helping to transform the Seahawks back into a genuine contender in the NFC.
5. Tariq Woolen
CB, Seattle Seahawks – Drafted: No. 153
The Seahawks rookie class from 2022 may gave down as one of the greats, and Tariq Woolen has been the star of the group. The 153th overall selection tied for the league lead in interceptions with six, and alongside fellow rookie Coby Bryant, has reignited the secondary in Seattle.
A deserved Pro Bowl selection, if he can continue his rich vein of form into year two, Woolen can become one of the better players in his position for years to come.
4. Brock Purdy
QB, San Francisco 49ers – Drafted: No. 262
Mr Irrelevant has been a sensation since making his debut for the 49ers in November. Stepping in for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo, he’s proved to be a perfect replacement and an ideal player coming into Kyle Shanahan’s system. San Francisco’s offense hasn’t slowed, and in truth seems even more explosive with Purdy at the helm. His 65.3 Total QBR would have finished fifth in the NFL had it qualified.
With a record of 5-0 as a starter to finish the regular season, and a deep playoff run looming for the 49ers, Purdy deserves as much credit as any rookie on this list. Whether or not he remains a starter after this year is a different question, but Purdy has been brilliant coming in as a rookie quarterback.
3. Garrett Wilson
WR, New York Jets – Drafted: No. 10
Wilson led all rookies in receiving yards (1,103) and was the real bright speak of the Jets offense all season. There aren’t many better at finding space and room to make plays than Wilson, and he’s started to show that he’s one of the best yards-after-the-catch performers.
A strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Wilson has made an instant impact for the Jets. With a more settled quarterback situation in New York in 2023, he can become a top-5 receiver in no time.
2. Aidan Hutchinson
EDGE, Detroit Lions – Drafted: No. 2
Hutchinson has become a do-it-all player for Detroit in year one of his career with the team. His ability to disrupt the quarterback is well-known, but he can impact the game in so many ways. Nine and a half sacks and three interceptions is a brilliant return for an impressive rookie season. His 46 pressures also led all rookies in 2022.
He’s the face of the Lions franchise already, and he’s going to be a crucial player once again as Detroit will look to make the postseason in 2023.
1. Sauce Gardner
CB, New York Jets – Drafted: No. 4
No surprises here, Sauce has already established himself as the premier player in his position in year one of the NFL. From 642 coverage snaps, Sauce was targeted just 73 times, highlighting just how tight a defender he is. Gardner may not have the interception statistics of his rivals, but he’s certainly one of the most feared defensive backs in the league.
Sauce become the first rookie CB to be named an All-Pro since 1981, and has cemented his position as an elite player in the NFL in year one of his professional career.
