Ten rookies in best situations for success in 2022 NFL season
With the 2022 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and minicamps getting underway, rookies are getting settled in with their new teams. Coaches and front offices are getting to see how they will mesh with fellow teammates before bringing in the full squad and getting the NFL season underway in September.
NFL.com ranked the top 10 rookies who are in the best situations for success going into the season. Only five come from the first round, while Jeremy Ruckert of the New York Jets was the latest overall pick at No. 101 in the third round. It’s going to be an exciting Rookie of the Year race this year, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, and these are the guys thought to be the favorites.
Ten rookies set up for success for 2022 NFL season
- Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cam Jurgens, C Philadelphia Eagles
- Kaiir Elam, CB Buffalo Bills
- Chris Olave, WR New Orleans Saints
- Tyler Linderbaum, C Baltimore Ravens
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE Detroit Lions
- Skyy Moore, WR Kansas City Chiefs
- David Ojabo, OLB Baltimore Ravens
- Nik Bonitto, OLB Denver Broncos
- Jeremy Ruckert, TE New York Jets
Pickett will enter camp with a chance to win the starting job after being the only quarterback selected in the first round. Mitch Trubisky was signed by the Steelers this offseason, potentially getting a new opportunity to be the starter. However, with the hometown prospect now in town, there will be a quarterback competition in Pittsburgh for the first time in a long time.
Three offensive skill position players are mentioned, with Moore potentially being the most intriguing. There is a hole in the Kansas City wide receiver room after trading away Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. Moore is a dynamic, quick receiver and could line up perfectly with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With how explosive the offense has been for the Chiefs, Moore is walking into a well-oiled machine.
As for Olave, he will be working with the Saints alongside a couple of other top receivers. With Michael Thomas finally returning to the field and Jarvis Landry recently being signed, New Orleans could have one of the dynamic wide receiver rooms in the NFL. Of course, Olave is used to playing with other top players at his position from his time at Ohio State.
On the defensive end, Elam is the highest-ranked guy after being drafted with the Buffalo Bills. Already having an elite secondary last year, Elam will be learning from some of the best in the league. As he phases himself into a big-time player, the former Florida cornerback is being set up quite well for success.