NFL rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2022
NFL draftees develop at different rates, and only a select few have big impacts as rookies. These 25 draftees could be set for the biggest impacts in 2022.
David Bell, WR, Browns
The Browns replaced Jarvis Landry with Amari Cooper but were still lacking wide receiver depth heading into the draft. Bell provides that depth for the team as a highly productive wideout who could contribute as Deshaun Watson's No. 3 option.
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans
After the shocking trade of A.J. Brown, the Titans are hoping Burks can fill the void at wide receiver. He has Deebo Samuel upside as a do-everything offensive contributor.
James Cook, RB, Bills
The Bills were in desperate need of a reliable third-down running back, and Cook could be the answer. He showed excellent hands at Georgia and should be able to help the Bills' offense be more efficient.
Matt Corral, QB, Panthers
With the struggling Sam Darnold as his only competition, it seems only a matter of time before the Panthers turn to Corral. He was a highly productive quarterback at Ole Miss and could have an opportunity to convince Carolina he's their long-term answer sooner than later.
Jordan Davis, DT, Eagles
The massive Davis has the ability to singlehandedly stop the run for an Eagles defensive line that has been craving a player with that ability. He should be a much factor in an NFC East division with some high-profile running backs.
Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, 49ers
The Shanahan family has shown a keen eye for running backs, and Davis-Price could be next in line. He averaged less than five yards per carry at LSU, but Shanahan sees him as a fit for an offense on a team that has shown massive running back turnover.
Nakobe Dean, LB, Eagles
Dean might have fallen in the third round due to injury concerns, but he has a chance to earn a major role on defense immediately. The linebacker should be another welcome addition to the run defense.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
Washington's quest to find a second wideout might have finally ended with Dotson's addition. Highly productive at Penn State, he gives Carson Wentz a much-needed option opposite Terry McLaurin.
Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Falcons
Atlanta's struggles in developing edge rushers led them to draft Ebiketie, who will hopefully have better luck with the organization. He recorded 9.5 sacks at Penn State last season and should get regular work on passing downs this season.
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Jets
Gardner was seen by most as the top cornerback in the draft and should have an immediate impact for a secondary that was leaky last season. Jets fans hope he can bring reminders of Darrelle Revis.
Breece Hall, RB, Jets
The top running back selected in the draft, Hall could be a bell cow for the Jets from Day 1. He has the physical tools to contribute to all three downs and be an elite back.
Kyle Hamilton, S, Ravens
Baltimore has been in search of secondary help over the last several seasons and finally found its long-term answer. Hamilton's length and speed remind some of a game-changer like Jamal Adams.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions
Hutchinson isn't going far after being drafted out of Michigan. He has great length and relentless effort that should be welcomed by head coach Dan Campbell.
Velus Jones, WR, Bears
Chicago's lack of wideout depth will play to the advantage of Jones, who could conceivably be their No. 2 wide receiver entering the season. He also has a chance to contribute to special teams.
George Karlaftis, DE, Chiefs
Karlaftis has a great track record at Purdue and fills a major need for an edge rusher in Kansas City. The Chiefs will find ways to use him after struggling to rush the passer last season.
Drake London, WR, Falcons
The losses of Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage made wideout a necessity for the Falcons. Injuries were an issue for London, but he delivered when he was on the field and should be a prominent target in the passing game.
Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars
Lloyd recorded 111 tackles, seven sacks, and four interceptions for the Utes last season, and could similarly be the heart and soul of the Jaguars' defense soon. He has the playmaking ability to be a star in the NFL soon.
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
The Chiefs traded up for McDuffie, who is set to replace a productive corner in Charvarius Ward. McDuffie will be busy in an AFC West that includes Justin Herbert, Derek Carr, and Russell Wilson throwing passes.
Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs
With the losses of Tyreek Hill and Byron Pringle, Moore has a chance to be a major contributor to the Chiefs' offense. The upside is huge for the speedster with Patrick Mahomes delivering passes.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints
Olave might have been the most NFL-ready wide receiver in the draft and will get plenty of work alongside Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry. His route running ability is a great fit in the Saints' offense.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers
While the Steelers brought in Mitchell Trubisky, Pickett's time will come soon after the team spent its first-round pick on him. He didn't have to go far after playing his college ball at Pitt and is in a great situation to succeed with an elite defense and great wideouts.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans
New Texans head coach Lovie Smith is set to run the ball regularly, and Pierce could be a big part of that picture. He joins the oft-injured Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead, giving him a chance for a major role after four productive seasons at Florida.
Desmond Ridder, QB, Falcons
Atlanta selected Ridder in the third round, and the only thing blocking him from regular snaps is the oft-injured Marcus Mariota. Mariota is hoping to revive his career as a starter, but Ridder is more likely to be the long-term answer for the rebuilding Falcons.
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks
Seattle shocked the football world when they used a second-round pick on Walker despite the emergence of former first-round pick Rashaad Penny last season. The team wouldn't have invested that much draft capital in a running back if they didn't plan to use him, as the offense could be more conservative with questions at quarterback.
Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers
Leonard Fournette is back in Tampa Bay, but the depth behind him is lacking. White has a chance to carve out a huge role and showed great ability as both a runner and receiver last season.
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