The 2022 NFL Draft was one of the most talented in recent memory, but most of the top picks came either on the defensive side of the ball, or if they were offensive players, they were mainly on the line. Fortunately, with all the talent around the NFL right now, there is so much talent on every roster, that if a rookie can crack the starting lineup in the season, there will be plenty of opportunities for the big name and under the radar players to make an impact all alike.
Given how quickly players adapt to the NFL these days, there's bound to be a few breakout seasons, and if the Vegas odds are anything to go by, there's going to be plenty of rookies battling it out for this award. Injuries both to these rookies and other players on their teams always make it hard to predict awards such as this, but with everything we know so far, the following three players will be the ones that stand out among the rest throughout the 2022 NFL campaign.
3. Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett was one of the most polarizing players heading into the 2022 draft, as the Pitt QB has all the talent in the world, but the numbers on his small hands made everyone lose their minds, even if it hasn't been a problem to this point throughout his football life. Pickett then became the only QB drafted in the first round of the draft, going to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with only Mitch Trubisky ahead of him in the battle to replace Ben Roethlisberger, the youngster may have an advantage.
With so many weapons on either side of the ball, the Steelers are set up to win the AFC North in 2022, and if Pickett can continue the impressive form he showed early in pre-season, there's no doubting that he will be the Steelers starting QB sometime in 2022. With all the skills needed to play QB at the next level, all the stars could align in 2022, and with the clear bias that QB's get when it comes to awards like this, there's a chance that with team success and a good year from Pickett, there's a great chance he can take home this award.
2. Drake London
Many expected Garrett Wilson to be the first wide receiver off the board in the 2022 draft, but two picks before the Jets took him at #10, Drake London was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, and with Kyle Pitts on the team too, this could be a fun passing game to watch. The videos circulating from Falcons camp have been impressive to say the least, as London has skill, speed and insane footwork for someone of his size, and if Marcus Mariota can stay healthy for this season, London could have a fantastic year.
The former USC stud has been earmarked as a great NFL receiver since the time he stepped foot on campus, and with a good QB, he could become one of the best all-around players that this really good draft class produces. This receiver class was incredibly deep, with Wilson, London, Pickens, Treylon Burks, Jameson Williams and a few others all lined up to be future NFL starters, but right off the bad, none are more primed to succeed overall than London, who should break out very quickly.
1. Breece Hall
Fans were plenty impressed with the first round the New York Jets had in 2022, adding three potential stars in Jermaine Johnson, Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, but their best player added in the draft potentially came in the second round with Iowa State's Breece Hall. Hall is a do-it-all back, who is strong in the pass catching game with explosive athleticism and big play ability, and if he can stay healthy in 2022, there's no reason he can't put together a 1000-yard season.
The Jets already have Michael Carter in the backfield, so there's a definite chance that Hall doesn't get as much ball as some expect, but once he finally gets consistent playing time, we could be looking at a future star in the league. He certainly wasn't the pre-season favourite, but Breece Hall is one of the most talented players from this years draft, and at a position that influences the game so often, Hall could play his role in making the Jets offense one of the best in the game in 2022 with a healthy Zach Wilson.
Photo Credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Post a Comment