Top 5 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates for 2022
The NFL Draft is done and dusted for another year.
With all the excitement around the selections in Las Vegas, there are plenty of predictions about how the rookies will get on in 2022.
Until we can see them on the field in their new NFL systems, it’s difficult to say exactly who could be in contention. Still, we’re highlighting the players who are most likely to be there or there abouts at the end of the season.
Here are our top candidates to win the 2022-23 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award:
Honourable mentions: Derek Stingley Jr., Jordan Davis, Quay Walker
5. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants
The hype about Kayvon Thibodeaux is real.
Some may question his passion for football and the potentially distracting interest in creating his personal brand off the field.
Yet the potential for Thibodeaux to revitalise a struggling franchise in the New York Giants is unquestionable.
Of course, Thibodeaux has his weaknesses, which will need to be addressed in year one. He struggled against larger tackles in college and may find the transition into the NFL challenging to start.
But his athletic prowess and talent as an edge rusher is too good. He might not be a Nick Bosa in his rookie year, but he could certainly turn heads in 2022.
Thibodeaux will thrive on being a professional athlete in the Big Apple.
4. Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, New York Jets
A key member for Cincinnati over the last few years, Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner is an exceptional athlete.
As the best cornerback in college football last year, Gardner was a deserved top-five pick in Las Vegas last month. With brilliant ball skills and a tall frame, he’ll be a problem for offenses across the league.
There’s an argument that Derek Stingley Jr. could outshine Gardner, but the former Bearcat will play a key role for Robert Saleh’s team from the off.
Expect him to hit the ground running and catch plenty of attention in 2022.
3. Travon Walker, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
You don’t get selected first overall in an NFL draft without good reason. Travon Walker is a special player, with a ceiling as high as anyone in the game.
His strength and length is perfect for outreaching blockers and with an outstanding 4.51 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine earlier this year, there is little question about his pace.
Walker was often limited at times at Georgia, and definitely still has some developing to do as a pass rusher.
But alongside Josh Allen, there is no reason why the Walker cannot impress from the first game for the Jaguars against the Washington Commanders.
For the sake of the fans, let’s hope Walker can lead the return to the Sacksonville era for the Jags in North Florida in 2022.
2. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens
One of if not the best player in this year’s draft class, we cannot wait to see Kyle Hamilton in the NFL.
The Ravens secondary was already stacked before the draft, having added Marcus Williams in free agency. But Hamilton will be a starter from Week 1. Expect plenty of his game-changing plays from the off.
His versatility is unrivalled, having also played at linebacker and cornerback in certain defensive sets during his time in college.
Hamilton slipped in the draft because his primary position is safety. But the Notre Dame star brings a unique dimension that can compliment any defense in the NFL.
1. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Detroit Lions
Aidan Hutchinson is going to be a problem in his hometown of Detroit.
With strong hands, quick feet and being a born leader, Hutchinson is more than pro-ready, having emerged as the main man in Michigan last season.
Our Tayyib Abu compared him to the Maxx Crosby prior to the draft. If Hutchinson is anywhere near as relentless as the Raiders’ rusher, he’ll go far in the league.
The Lions are going to make a leap this year. We’re confident that Hutchinson will be playing a key role in that leap.
Expect him to be a prime contender for the rookie of the year awards at the end of the upcoming year.
