NFL DRAFT BUZZ 2022-23 All-Rookie Team

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers - Iowa State

Drafted: Round 7, No. 262 Overall

Mr. Irrelevant is now relevant. Through dumb luck Brock Purdy managed to take ahold of the starting position in San Francisco, after season-ending injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo during the regular season. The third-string quarterback definitely had low expectations, but Purdy shattered those expectations quickly and looks like a legitimate NFL quarterback. In his 6 starts in the regular season he has by far played on another level compared to the other rookie quarterbacks. He shows poise, quick but smart decision-making, and carries a high level of awareness. Since week 14, Purdy has led the NFL in passer rating (119.0) and touchdown passes (11) in 5 games. However, are these stats inflated? Probably. Around him are the likes of George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey, not to mention the top NFL tackle in Trent Williams. It’s hard to play bad with such a group, but his performance should not be overlooked.

Other Considerations: Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Running Back (1): Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks - Michigan State University

Drafted: Round 2, No. 41 Overall

The amount of late-round talent within this list is interestingly high. Another phenomenal player is Kenneth Walker. Like the aforementioned Brock Purdy, Kenneth Walker was thrust into the starting position, this time after injury to emerging running back Rashaad Penny. In Penny’s absence, Walker made clutch plays, helping a low-expectation Seahawks team make the playoffs. Despite missing 2 games early in the season to injury, Walker leads all rookie running backs with 1050 scrimmage yards and 9 touchdowns and has a real shot at winning Offensive Player of the Year.

 

Running Back (2): Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - Florida

Drafted: Round 4, No. 107 Overall

Yet another late-round talent. Looking at Dameon Pierce, it's not hard to wonder the reasons to why this guy fell this late in the draft. There aren’t many. Pierce is one strong player, and is incredibly hard to bring down. He runs angry. Pierce gives off Derrick Henry vibes through his ability to break tackles and put up solid numbers, with 939 scrimmage yards through 13 games. He looks to be a cornerstone for a young Texans Offense.

Other Considerations: Breece Hall, New York Jets - Iowa State, Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - BYU

 

Wide Receiver (1): Garrett Wilson, New York Jets - Ohio State

The young receiver has excelled in what can be considered a poor offense, with the likes of Zach Wilson and Mike White at quarterback. Through 17 games, Garrett Wilson put up 1103 scrimmage yards with 4 touchdowns on 147 routes run (which ranks 6th). Through these stats alone, it becomes obvious how important Wilson is to the Jet’s offense. He has the potential to grow into a bonafide WR 1.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 10 Overall

 

Wide Receiver (2): Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints - Ohio State

Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 Overall

With star wide receiver Michael Thomas out for the season, rookie Chris Olave really came into his own. Over 15 games, Olave has put up a solid 1042 scrimmage yards accompanied with 4 touchdowns. While not having eye-popping stats, he has quietly been a reliable receiver for a weak New Orleans offense. He can best be compared to his running mate at Ohio State in Garrett Wilson, who plays with a similar style and put up near identical numbers in a similar situation.

 

Wide Receiver (3): Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders - Penn State

Drafted: Round 1, No. 16 Overall

By many, Jahan Dotson was thought to be a reach pick in the first round, with many giving Day 2 value to the receiver. He quickly proved his first-round selection, putting up 523 yards with a whopping 7 touchdowns despite being the third option on a team led by Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. While other rookie wide receivers may have put up bigger numbers, his efficiency and productivity on limited snaps (348 snaps, ranking 61st of all receivers and 61 targets, ranking 70th of all receivers) justifies the pick. Despite being in such a crowded wide receiver room with bad quarterback play, Dotson managed to show his worth on the field.

Other Considerations: Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers - NDSU, Drake London, Atlanta Falcons - USC

 

Tight End: Chig Okonkwo, Tennesse Titans - Maryland

Drafted: Round 4, No. 143 Overall

Despite not having a Kyle Pitts type of player, the 2022 NFL Draft produced a number of quality tight ends. Players like Greg Dulcich (Denver Broncos), Daniel Bellinger (New York Giants), and Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) have had a nice impact on their respective teams. However, Titans Tight End Chig Okonkwo seems to stand above the rest. His efficiency is unmatched, ranking 1st in both yards per catch and yards per route run among Tight Ends. He also is a solid blocker in addition to his pass catching skills. His versatility allows him to be used in multiple roles, often used in the backfield as a HB/FB. He is a good piece for a solid Titans offense.

Other Considerations: Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos - UCLA, Daniel Bellinger, New York Giants - San Diego State

 

Left Tackle: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys - Tulsa

Drafted: Round 1, No. 24 Overall

Smith’s play of late has validated the Cowboy's selection of him as the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Many saw the Tulsa product being nothing more than a day 2 pick, but his play showed to teams why he was a 1st-round pick. Originally a guard, smith’s transfer to tackle was a smart decision. His natural run-blocking talent translated over well and his pass-blocking took form throughout the season. He has surprisingly outplayed hyped rookies like Evan Neal (New York Giants) and Ikem Ekwonu (Carolina Panthers). He has the intangibles to become the franchise tackle in Dallas.

Other Considerations: Charles Cross, Seattle Seahawks - Mississippi State

 

Left Guard: Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers - Boston College

Drafted: Round 1, No. 17 Overall

Zion Johnson looks like the best guard from the 2022 draft class. He is very strong in the run game and offers good pass protection for starting QB Justin Herbert. In what is a weak guard class, he most definitely stands out as the best.

Other Considerations: Cole Strange, New England Patriots - Chattanooga

 

Center: Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens - Iowa

Drafted: Round 1, No. 25 Overall

This one is not even close. Linderbaum has played like a top 5 center this season and is one of the best rookies from this stacked draft class. He boasts the 6th highest grade amongst centers. With Luke Fortner being the only other starting center from the 2022 draft class, Linderbaum wins this position with ease.

Other Considerations: None

 

Right Guard: Ed Ingram, Minnesota Vikings - LSU

The 2nd round rookie went right to work protecting the right side of Kirk Cousins. Ed Ingram has been a great pass blocker and a quality run blocker. He is a multi-year starter for the Viking's offense.

Other Considerations: None

 

Right Tackle: Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks - Washington State

Drafted: Round 3, No. 72 Overall

Abraham Lucas is one of the best tackles in this draft. He and fellow rookie Charles Cross has effectively solidified what was once a weak Offensive Line. Lucas has been a reliable Right Tackle, giving up only 9 sacks through 17 games.

Other Considerations: None

 

DEFENSE

Cornerback (1): Sauce Gardner, New York Giants - Cincinnati

Drafted: Round 1, No. 4 Overall

It is only fitting to start the all-rookie defensive list with the probable Defensive Rookie of the Year in Sauce Gardner. Gardner has arguably played as the best corner in the league and was recently selected to the pro bowl - a significant achievement for a rookie. He leads the NFL in pass breakups and is top 10 in passer rating allowed, TD’s allowed, coverage rating, and catch rate. He is a fluid but physical corner and makes this list easily.

 

Cornerback (2): Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks - UTSA

Drafted: Round 5, No. 153 Overall

The 5th-round rookie has become a leader and playmaker for a mediocre Seattle Defense. As one of the few bright spots on the hawk's defense, Woolen is an absolute ballhawk, tied for the most interceptions in the league. He solidifies himself as one of the best rookie corners in this class.

Other Considerations: Jack Jones, New England Patriots - Arizona State, Martin Emerson, Cleveland Browns - Mississippi State, Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans - LSU

 

Safety (1): Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens - Notre Dame

Drafted: Round 1, No. 14

Despite struggling his first few games, Hamilton adjusted well and started to play to his first-round expectations. He leads all safeties in player rating and provides a powerful presence in a strong Baltimore backfield. He is undisputedly the best safety of the draft and could possibly be one of the best in the league.

 

Safety (2): Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears - Penn State

Drafted: Round 2, No. 48 Overall

Brisker is easily the most impactful rookie on the Chicago Bears. He is a versatile DB and a nice fit next to Eddie Jackson. He garnered 4 sacks (2nd most by DB’s) this season, and finished the season with over 100 tackles.

Other Considerations: Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans - Baylor, Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia Eagles - Middle Tennessee

 

OLB: Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars - Georgia

Drafted: Round 1, No. 1 Overall

While a solidified first-round pick, Travon Walker did not see his draft stock increase until his record-breaking numbers at the combine. Jaguars took a gamble at the first spot in the draft, selecting Walker because of his potential. While not exactly living up to first-overall expectations, Walker exhibited flashes of potential and put up 10 TFL’s and 2.5 sacks.

 

ILB: Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars - Utah

Drafted: Round 1, No. 27 Overall

Devin Lloyd helped solidify a Jacksonville linebacker unit that featured Josh Allen, 1st overall pick Travon Walker, and fellow ILB Foyesade Oluokon. Lloyd finished the regular season as the most productive rookie linebacker, with 81 tackles, a sack, and 3 interceptions (tied 1st). The sky is the limit for the young linebacker.

 

ILB (2): Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers - Georgia

Drafted: Round 1, No. 22 Overall

Walker was just one of the many talents from an elite Georgia defense drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Walker was surprisingly drafted 22 overall in the draft, selected over guys like fellow teammate Nakobe Dean and Utah prospect Devin Lloyd. Despite his character concerns, he had a productive season with 87 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. He will look to have an even stronger season next year, and hopefully clear up his behavioral issues.

 

Other Considerations: Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions - Oklahoma State

OLB (2): Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants - Oregon

Drafted: Round 1, No. 5 Overall

Leading up to the draft, was expected to be drafted in the top 3. After sliding to the giants with the 5th pick, he put on a phenomenal season. While playing the majority of his snaps as an Edge Rusher, he did drop into coverage multiple times throughout the season. He is rapidly improving the more he plays and has shown his ability to be a disruptive force.

Other Considerations: None

 

Edge: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions - Michigan

Drafted: Round 1, No. 2 Overall

Hutchinson is a legitimate DROY candidate and went on an absolute rampage in the second half of the season. He had 3 interceptions and a rookie-leading 11 sacks. He showed off his ability to be a threat in the run-and-pass game and is an emerging star in the league.

 

Edge: George Karlaftis, Kansas City Chiefs - Purdue

Drafted: Round 1, No. 30 Overall

The Chiefs continue to develop defensive players, and Karlaftis is one of them. Despite a slow start, Karlaftis heated up and put up a solid 6 sacks in his rookie campaign. He is looked at by many as “TJ Watt Lite”, so the potential to be elite is there.

Other Considerations: Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets - Florida State, Sam Williams, Dallas Cowboys - Ole Miss

 

Special Teams

Punter: Jake Camarda - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Georgia

Kicker: Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers - University of Texas

Punt Returner: Marcus Jones, New England Patriots - Houston