top 5 best rookie players of the season

There’s a reason rookies are hyped up before every NFL season. In a game where buzzwords like “roof,” “edge,” “revelation,” and “sleeper” are thrown around, first-year players represent unknown quantities with new possibilities. No matter where they are in the 2022 dynasty or redraft rankings, we can pretty much believe they’ll finish higher.

However, there are few rookies who make an immediate impact with reliable production in any given season. In Year 21, while the top quarterbacks disappointed, there were some real standouts at running backs and receivers.

Under this perspective, it is appropriate to study how the templates of each team are facing the new year. Analyze their incorporations, draft selections and the casualties they had during this offseason.

Recall that in the previous campaign, Ja’marr Chase was named rookie of the year for his amazing work. But he wasn’t the only standout rookie. Rashan Slater, Creed Humphrey, Kyle Pitts, Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle have been dominant from minute one of the game.

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans badly needed another playmaker in the passing game after finishing last in passing yards per game (187.4) in 2021. So it makes perfect sense that head coach Dennis Allen put His eyes on Olave, whose exceptional speed (4.39 seconds for 40 yards at the NFL combine), hands and route-running ability will be on full display under offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., who has been in that role with the team since the 2009 Super Bowl-winning season.

Also, since one of Jameis Winston’s greatest strengths is his ability to throw bombs, Olave has the perfect opportunity to make big plays and become a very important passing option in Game 1 when they visit the Atlanta Falcons.

Sky Moore, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

The new weapon of the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes may be the big surprise this year. His great speed, his release when running routes and good hands were essential traits that caused the election and characteristics of him that can generate a high impact from the opening day.

While Kansas has several wide receivers, none are WR1s. This means that your chances of shining are always just around the corner. In addition, Andy Reid’s offensive system is based on the aerial game and having Mahomes in command always gives you a greater plus in terms of chances of having a big play.

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers

The departure of Davante Adams to the city of Las Vegas left a hole that was very difficult to cover, but not impossible. The Green Bay Packers made a big move by bringing WR Christian Watson onto the team. Watson’s versatility and athleticism could help the Packers in a lot of ways, and he’s physical enough to shut down defenders, run routes quickly and get open.

The Packers are hoping Watson can be a big part of their offense and help them get back to the playoffs. He has the potential to be a great player in the NFL. Likewise, and like Skyy Moore, the North Dakota State graduate has a tremendous QB in Aaron Rodgers, who can get water out of the stones and if he sees that Watson takes advantage of his defenders, he will throw passes ad nauseam.

Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee recruited the Arkansas Razorbacks alum to be the natural replacement for AJ Brown, traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Burks has very similar characteristics to Brown. He is a strong receiver who excels after the catch. He is not afraid of hitting and in the air it is very possible to be the one who keeps the ball. On top of that, he comes to a franchise where WRs are scarce. Only Robert Woods is a reliable receiver for the Titans, but he’s not the first choice, so Burks could easily become the most targeted player on the team and the one Ryan Tannehill trusts the most.

Likewise, another situation that could cause Burks to have good performances from the beginning of the year is that all rival defenses are going to take care of Derrick Henry and therefore, in order to cover the RB, they are going to leave spaces where Burks and company could generate large dividends.

Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

The USC graduate came to a team where the quality of the roster is very poor and could easily stand out from the first practice. The Atlanta Falcons don’t have high-attribute WRs, as only Kyle Pitts is a reliable aerial weapon and tight end.

He is very heavyset with long strong arms to match a difficult to cover height, quality jumping ability, and strong legs. It is very difficult for him to lose on the 50 and 50 balls. He can form both in the corners and in the slot, a situation that generates that he can have a greater number of routes and targets.

He regularly uses his large body to block, readjust and/or outrun defenders for targets of any length. He often came in handy in end zone goals thanks to his aforementioned bulk. Although he is not a receiver who is known for running long routes, in this case it would not be necessary because Mariota is not a quarterback who throws long passes, but medium and short.