2022 NFL rookies who are already impressing two weeks in
While the 2022 NFL Draft class didn’t have the star prospects at quarterback, it still had some other players who have impressed just two weeks in. When a team hits a homerun on a draft pick, the feeling must be wonderful. This, to me, is the easiest way for an NFL front office to keep their jobs.
Being good at drafting players is perhaps the hardest and most rewarding part of the job. Some teams know immediately that they have a stud on their hands, while other teams may not know for multiple years whether or not they ended up with a good player.
For example, Garett Bolles, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, didn’t hit his stride until 2020, his fourth season in the NFL, while one of his draft mates at the position, Ryan Ramcyzk, was able to immediately settle in to the NFL life.
So, after just two short weeks, which rookies have impressed so far?
NFL rookies who have impressed after two weeks
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
In just two weeks, Garrett Wilson has quickly proved why he’s going to be a very good receiver in the NFL. The shifty player who runs exquisite routes already has 154 receiving yards after two weeks, which puts him on an early pace for 1,309 yards for the season. He’s also caught two touchdown passes as well, which would put him on pace for 17 in the 2022 campaign.
Garrett Wilson might have been the last missing piece on Jets’ offese that also has Corey Davis and Elijah Moore, along with a nice stable of running backs. Wilson is likely going to do his job just fine, but if Zach Wilson can’t put it together, this Jets’ offense will be greatly limited.
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
The NFL is becoming more and more receiver-centric. Kids who play football growing up now want to play receiver more and more, as evidenced by the insane receiver talent that has come out of the past few drafts.
Drake London was the first receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, and has started his career off on the right foot with 13 receptions, 160 yards, and a score. To be fair, he and Kyle Pitts are the only legitimate weapons for the Falcons right now.
However, London’s talent is clear, and his large frame should help him sustain a successful NFL career. He’s on an early pace for 1,360 receiving yards himself. I would definitely expect him to be able to hit the 1K mark in his rookie season.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are currently undergoing a huge culture shift and rebuild, and they appear to be on the right track. Part of that is due to Aidan Hutchinson, a Michigan kid through and through who was drafted to his hometown team.
He brings that blue-collar type, rough around the edges demeanor that fits in perfectly with the culture that Dan Campbell of the Lions is trying to build and sustain. He had a whopping three sacks against the Washington Commanders last Sunday, and to his credit, the Commanders’ offensive line is very solid, and Carson Wentz is tough to bring down.