The term rookie simply shows how many years a player has spent within a league. We have seen that just because a player is a rookie that they can have an incredible impact on a team or sport itself. Each year we see rookies from all over the draft help define how the season goes. Marissa Myers and Matt Levine breakdown the top NFL rookies from the 2022 class. Here is the 2022 NFL All-Rookie team.
QB: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
I mean it had to be right? The dude came in out of nowhere and didn’t miss a beat. He helped lead this 49ers team to the NFC Championship game, where he unfortunately got hurt and San Francisco never really had a chance. During his time this season, he put up 1374 yards with 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He masterfully guided the 49ers offense and could very realistically be in line to be their starter next season if he heals up in time.
RB: Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Walker III was simply sensational throughout his rookie season. Despite missing a couple game, Walker still led all rookie in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He was a must watch every time out and it helped the Seahawks reach the postseason. Walker posted 1050 yards and nine touchdowns. He also averaged 4.6 yards per carry in impressive form as well.
RB: Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier quietly had a very efficient season for the Falcons. He ran for 1035 yards and three touchdowns. When he got carries, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 3.58 yards per carry after contact. That ranked seventh overall among qualifying backs over the course of the season. Damian Piece could have also been here but I give the slight edge to Allgeier.
WR: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
It’s no surprise to anyone that the two Ohio State receivers make this list. Olave and Wilson are paired together and likely will be for the rest of their careers. Olave put up solid numbers in his first season in the NFL despite poor quarterback play at times. He finished the season with 72 catches for 1042 yards and four touchdowns. Olave has the tools to get even better and season two for him will be fun to watch.
WR: Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
Much like Olave, Wilson dealt with poor and inconsistent quarterback play. However, he managed to still have a strong season. He posted 83 receptions for 1103 and four touchdowns. Wilson showed that he could be a number one receiver so the Jets have some real weapons to work with in the future.
TE: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
The fourth round selection was great for Tennessee this season. He led all first year tight ends in yards, touchdowns, and broken tackles despite getting limited playing time and starts. He helped make the Titans offense more dynamic and should be a key piece for this team going forward. Over the course of the year, he posted 32 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
OT: Braxton Jones, Chicago Bears
The fifth-rounder has to be seen as one of the steals in this draft class. He played very well for a bad Chicago team, earning a 79.4 run-blocking PFF grade and a 70.5 pass-blocking PFF grade. He seems to be their long-term starter at left tackle, especially if he can produce another solid year.
OG: Dylan Parham, Las Vegas Raiders
Parham was solid for the Raiders this past season. He showed that he could play at multiple positions across the line and graded well in the run game. He has the potential to become a nice starter in this league and set the path forward for himself in year one.
C: Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore got another steal in the draft and has a legit building block for their offensive line moving forward. He was elite at run-blocking this past season and showed he is special at his position. The Ravens likely found a piece to their line for years to come.
OG: Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnson showed that he is great at run-blocking but can still improve at protecting the pass. He finished with a 64.8 PFF grade overall and did help the Chargers line. He can be a good starter going forward but needs to fix some things within his game.
OT: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Smith played both guard and tackle but more at tackle so he lands in this designation. He finished with a 71.4 overall PFF grade and solidified himself going forward with the Cowboys. Smith was much better than many believed and earns a spot on this list.
Next: Defense
