NFL Rookie Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Rookies Going Into Week 16
NFL handicapper Matt MacKay gives us his top 10 rookies heading into Week 16 of the 2022 NFL season. Find out which rookies make their way into the top-ten rankings.
Matt MacKay - December 22, 2022, 9:16 AM EST
7 minNFL Rookie Rankings: Ranking the Top 10 Rookies Going Into Week 16
Each year, the rookie class in the NFL produces several marquee players who contribute and help make a massive impact on their new team. A lot of this depends on several factors, ranging from talent, situation, and usage, but the best rookies can overcome any adversity with an elite skill set.
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It seems like every year, the rookies that were drafted or signed as undrafted free agents are quicker, faster, and stronger than their predecessors. The game is evolving quickly, with a lot of focus on eliminating big plays, which has lowered the point total in a lot of NFL games in 2022. Adjustments will continue to be made by coaching staffs across the league, but rostering a rookie with exceptional IQ, strength, and quickness can often be a difference-maker. Landing a rookie who shows out and provides exceptional playmaking ability can energize an entire team. Let's take a look at my top 10 rookies of the 2022 NFL season entering Week 16.
NFL Rookie Rankings
1. Sauce Gardner (CB - Jets) DROY Odds -550
The New York Jets began their 2022 draft by using its fourth overall pick on cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner out of the University of Cincinnati. It's proven to be a sound investment, as Gardner has been a lockdown defensive back for the Jets, logging 58 tackles, forcing 16 pass deflections, and two interceptions this season. Joining forces with D.J. Reed and Jordan Whitehead has proved highly effective, as the Jets have allowed the second-fewest receiving touchdowns (13) this season. Gardner deserves to be the DROY with his current -550 odds.
2. Garrett Wilson (WR - Jets) OROY Odds -220
As if the Jets didn't do enough by smashing their first 2022 draft pick, GM Joe Douglas used the 10th overall pick on Ohio State wideout Garrett Wilson. At the time, many were shocked by Wilson going ahead of teammate Chris Olave, but he's proven invaluable for the Jets' offense this year. Wilson has finished six games with at least 90 receiving yards and has two multi-touchdown games this season. He doesn't benefit from Zach Wilson's return under center, but he still came up with a few big receptions to keep the Jets in the game against Detroit in Week 15. His presence has rejuvenated a stale offense and forces defenses to adjust to his slippery route running and sure hands.
3. Christian Watson (WR - Packers) OROY Odds +500
The 34th overall pick in the draft wound up going to Green Bay, who opted to use it on wide receiver Christian Watson out of North Dakota State. Measuring 6-5 and possessing game-breaking speed, we saw Watson drop a touchdown pass down the sideline from Aaron Rodgers in Week 1, which instantly lowered his perceived value. However, after battling through injuries, Watson's made a big splash in the latter half of the Packers' season, scoring seven touchdowns in a four-game stretch. Head coach Matt LaFleur utilizes Watson in a variety of ways, so he's a versatile weapon that Rodgers has grown to trust during Green Bay's late-season playoff push.
4. Aidan Hutchinson (DE - Lions) DROY Odds +550
Detroit used its second overall draft capital on edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, keeping him in Michigan to begin his NFL career. It's paid dividends. Hutchinson has recorded 40 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven TFLs, seven sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He's got a high motor and can overpower and out-leverage some of the best offensive tackles in the league. His first career interception came against Aaron Rodgers too, so Hutchinson is off to a hot start in the Motor City. He's a big piece of the formula Detroit relies upon to shut down opposing running backs and pressure quarterbacks during their progressions.
5. Tariq Woolen (CB - Seahawks) DROY Odds +800
Seattle landed a gem in the fifth round, selecting cornerback Tariq Woolen out of UTSA. Woolen is a 6-4, 205-pound cornerback who possesses a unique blend of size, speed, and strength at a position that typically gets a lot of finesse, small-framed players with exceptional speed. Woolen is a massive reason why Seattle's pass defense is its strength, recording six interceptions, including a pick-six, while also forcing two fumbles and collecting 51 total tackles.
6. Chris Olave (WR - Saints) OROY Odds +800
As painful as it's been to watch the New Orleans Saints offense this year, rookie wideout Chris Olave provides a promising future for the franchise. Selected two picks after Garrett Wilson, Olave has had to overcome lackluster quarterback play and poor playcalling, but he's still managed to dazzle with smooth routes, elite speed, and extreme toughness. Olave has logged three games over 100 receiving yards this season, while only falling below 50 yards in three games. Without Olave, the Saints would likely be ranked 32nd in scoring offense instead of 22nd, so he deserves quite a bit of credit catching passes from a blend of Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton.
7. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB - Commanders) OROY Odds +1800
Brian Robinson's story is remarkable, but his play on the gridiron has been even more impressive. Washington used a third-round pick on former Alabama running back and after sustaining a gunshot wound to his lower body, Robinson has bounced back looking brand new. He's earned 20 or more carries in three starts while logging three touchdowns. Robinson also has at least 86 rushing yards in four of his past five games played, out touching Antonio Gibson and giving the Commanders a physical edge in its backfield. If Washington can sign one or two offensive linemen in the upcoming offseason, watch out for Robinson's stats and production in 2023.
8. Kayvon Thibodeaux (DE - Giants) DROY Odds +4000
It's taken a while, but the New York Giants' fifth overall draft pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux, is quickly developing into the elite edge rusher he displayed during his tenure at the University of Oregon. Standing at 6-5, 250 pounds, Thibodeaux is fresh off of recording 12 tackles, three TFLs, a sack, and a forced fumble that he recovered in a big divisional win over Washington in Week 15. He's a difference-maker in DC Wink Martindale's scheme and has already made great strides in his development in year one, so he's a player that could rise the DROY odds to close out the regular season.
9. Isiah Pachecho (RB - Chiefs) OROY Odds +3000
Kansas City used a seventh-round draft pick on running back Isiah Pacheco and it's worked out nicely for the Chiefs. While veteran Jerrick McKinnon absorbs a lot of the passing volume and goal-line carries, Pacheco is a hard-nosed runner with great strength and burst to make opponents weary of his presence. Pacheco has only handled an RB1 workload since Week 10, but he's finished with at least 66 rushing yards in every game since including a 7.13 YPC average in a plus matchup against the Chargers. McKinnon steals some of the glory lately, but Pacheco will be a huge asset for the Chiefs during the playoffs due to his aggressive running style.
10. Rachaad White (RB - Buccaneers) OROY Odds +10000
We may not know whether or not Leonard Fournette is still the RB1 in Tampa Bay, but rookie running back Rachaad White is making it quite a competition. White has been huge for the Buccaneers at times this season, most notably, hauling in a last-second touchdown reception from Tom Brady to pull off a double-digit fourth-quarter comeback against New Orleans. White is a quality pass-catcher out of the backfield too, which elevates his overall usage. Considering the Buccaneers waited until the end of the third round to land White out of Arizona State, he's been a great value and could take over as the definitive RB1 in 2023.
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