Top 5 NFL Offensive 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.
We’ve covered the defenders, now it’s time to assess those on offense. Here are five candidates who could win the 2022-23 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award:
Honourable mentions: Chris Olave, Christian Watson, Kenny Pickett
5. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
An excellent catcher and a creative route runner, Drake London is set to
At 6’4” and around 220 pounds, London is big-bodied wide receiver who is going to cause real problems for defenses in the NFL.
London might have been the first receiver taken, but he’s still got a lot to work on this offseason.
They might play different positions, but London will be competing with Kyle Pitts as the number one target man for the Falcons. And coming off a major ankle injury last season, it might take him a few weeks for London to get going.
There is uncertainty regarding how Atlanta’s offense will line up in 2022, but London gives them a new dimension to be agressive.
The former USC star is a perfect replacement for the suspended Calvin Ridley.
4. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Breece Hall seems to be the rookie that every fantasy manager is eyeing up. He’s a quick and allusive prospect, who is immediately going to add explosive talent to this young Jets offense.
The rookie may split duties at running back with Michael Carter, who himself will be looking to breakout in his second year as a pro. That may impact Hall’s chances on this list.
But Hall will have his chance to shine, especially with some touches out of the backfield catching the ball. Expect him to grasp his opportunity with two hands.
There is a definite possibility that the former Iowa State star could become the premier running back in New York very quickly.
3. Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Skyy Moore was a name a lot of people were talking about in the run up to the NFL Draft. The Chiefs ended up taking the Western Michigan talent deep into the second round in Las Vegas. And boy, they may have found themselves a real steal.
Having bust onto the scene towards the end of last year, and then the national stage at the NFL Combine, Moore skyrocketed up mock leader boards and rankings in the weeks prior to the draft. Some even had Moore down as a potential day one player.
Moore will come straight into the starting team for the Chiefs. His lightening pace and frame is comparable to Tyreek Hill, who joined the Dolphins this summer.
He might not be the premier receiver early, but as the season progresses, Moore will become increasingly involved. His dynamic skillset sets him up to being the perfect replacement for Hill and another ideal target for Mahomes to throw at.
Watch this space!
2. Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans
After trading A.J. Brown to the Eagles and releasing veteran Julio Jones this offseason, the Titans wide receiver core is now looking very thin.
Before drafting Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, new signing Robert Woods was the only notable wide receiver in Nashville.
Burks comes into the Titans side then knowing he’ll have to perform from the start. He has the traits to do just that.
A lot of people have been writing off Burks following a poor NFL Combine earlier in the year. But if you watch his tape from college, there can be no doubt about his ability. He’s big, quick and physical; pretty a cheaper version of Brown.
He might not have the overall potential as the likes of London or Jameson Williams. But expect Burks to be heavily involved from the off in Tennessee, making him a prime contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
1. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
The fourth and arguably the best receiver on the list, Garrett Wilson will be the main wideout target for the Jets in 2022.
Taken by the Jets with the tenth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ohio State star is more than ready to make the jump into the NFL look easy.
Like J’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle in 2021, Wilson lands at a team with a second year quarterback who has a point to prove.
Wilson is a multi-faceted receiver with electric speed and a lot of potential. He can rack up plenty of yardage to help push Zach Wilson and Gang Green’s offense to a whole new level in 2022.
