2022 NFL rookie updates – Preseason notes, impressions and stats for all 32 first-round draft picks
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Historical past has proven that not each NFL rookie will probably be counted on in his first season, however a lot will.
Some may even change the fortunes of a franchise, although we cannot know for in all probability a couple of years if anybody on this class is able to such issues.
Eight groups did not have a first-round decide within the 2022 NFL draft. For the 24 that did (clearly some with a number of picks), they’re hoping they’ve unearthed a minimum of future starters, if not perennial Professional Bowlers.
Did the Jacksonville Jaguars get it proper by selecting linebacker Travon Walker No. 1? Can Aidan Hutchinson do greater than Michael Jackson impressions for the Detroit Lions? Kenny Pickett seemed nice at instances within the preseason, however is he the inheritor obvious at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers? How a lot of a setback will Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s MCL injury show to be for the New York Giants?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to maintain an in depth eye on the first-round picks and the way every fared this offseason. Right here is our closing preseason replace on all 32 first-round picks.
Travon Walker, LB
How he has fared up to now: Walker has an extended strategy to go when it comes to pass-rush strikes, however he has executed a superb job of being disruptive along with his quickness and power. That was evident fairly rapidly. He received to the quarterback on his first preseason snap within the Corridor of Fame recreation (there was an iffy roughing the passer penalty) and had a sack on the following drive. He has a number of tackles for loss within the preseason, too. As soon as he develops some pass-rush strikes and counters he will be an issue for offenses. — Michael DiRocco
Aidan Hutchinson, DE
How he has fared up to now: Contained in the locker room, the rookie is incomes excessive reward by his good old school work ethic. He arrives early, leaves late and pays consideration to element. Hutchinson will play and contribute instantly in Week 1 whereas attempting to alter the general tradition of the franchise as a Michigan native. Teammates and coaches have been impressed along with his manufacturing all all through camp, and expectations are sky excessive.
“This is my preliminary learn: Every little thing that I believed we had been getting exhibits up, not simply in apply however in conferences additionally. What else exhibits up is simply these little issues the place you are like, ‘Can he do that? I ponder if he can do it.’ And then you definitely see it in apply that it exhibits up,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn stated. “He has this quickness that is simply unbelievable. He has this potential to bend and switch and proceed to work his palms that’s excellent.” — Eric Woodyard
Derek Stingley Jr., CB
How he has fared up to now: Stingley’s expertise has flashed all through coaching camp. It is easy to see why the Texans drafted him No. 3 general. The ball expertise are evident, his potential to speed up out and in of his backpedal to interrupt on passes is there. He possesses the flexibility to press receivers off the road of scrimmage with out having to be overly bodily however can suffocate them. Coach Lovie Smith has praised Stingley’s need to enhance.
“For those who simply meet him you may inform he will be a coachable man. He is wanting to be taught. He is like a sponge,” Smith stated. Stingley will begin Week 1. — DJ Bien-Aime
Sauce Gardner, CB
How he has fared up to now: Gardner has been rotating with incumbent Bryce Hall at one cornerback spot, however the so-called competitors ought to be over quickly. It is Gardner’s job, and everyone is aware of it. He is having a strong, if not spectacular camp. There have not been any highlight-worthy performs, however there have not been any protection gaffes, both. He has impressed teammates along with his cerebral, hard-working strategy. He is one of many first gamers on the apply area daily, which says so much. He additionally trash talks … so much.
“The man does not cease speaking when he is on the sphere — and he backs it up,” stated coach Robert Saleh, including that he hasn’t been round a rookie who talked this a lot since Jalen Ramsey with the Jaguars. — Wealthy Cimini
How he has fared up to now: Thibodeaux was off to a robust begin earlier than the unlucky damage he suffered in Sunday’s second preseason game. He’ll now miss three to 4 weeks and probably a while within the common season. When he returns, there are indicators he’ll turn into the high-end edge rusher the Giants envisioned. Thibodeaux’s first step and long-arm transfer caught the eye of teammates and coaches this summer season. His work ethic has, too. After a draft course of wherein so much was stated about his need and model, Thibodeaux has been nothing however skilled.
“He is are available in and went to work,” defensive coordinator Wink Martindale stated. “That is what impresses me probably the most.” It provides the group a good stronger conviction that he was the suitable choice. — Jordan Raanan
Ikem Ekwonu, OT
How he has fared up to now: There will probably be rising pains. You noticed that within the second preseason recreation when he gave up consecutive sacks within the first quarter. You additionally see flashes of why he was the sixth general decide along with his run blocking and skill to pancake defenders. Making him the beginning deal with comes with dangers, however long run it was the suitable transfer. “When the ball is snapped, Ickey can block out the solar,” offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo stated. — David Newton
Evan Neal, OT
How he has fared up to now: The one factor that stands out about Neal this summer season is his sheer dimension. He is huge even when standing subsequent to different massive offensive linemen. He makes proper guard Mark Glowinski (6-4, 310) seem small. “I’m a giant dude,” stated Neal, who’s listed at 6-foot-7, 350 kilos. “I am fairly positive that most individuals that see me have that very same response.” This has been evident within the run recreation, the place Neal has thrived. He has had his ups and downs (particularly in one-on-one drills) this summer season as a pass-blocker. That might take time and result in some rising pains as a rookie. — Jordan Raanan
Drake London, WR
How he has fared up to now: Earlier than London suffered a knee damage within the preseason opener in opposition to Detroit — he hasn’t practiced since — the huge receiver seemed like a participant who would have a giant function in Atlanta’s offense. The purpose nonetheless is for him to be prepared by Week 1, and his mixture of peak and spatial consciousness will assist him with quarterback Marcus Mariota. London confirmed a penchant for making contested catches all through the primary two-plus weeks of camp earlier than the damage. — Michael Rothstein
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Mike Clay discusses why he thinks Drake London has “Mike Evans-like” famous person potential in fantasy.
Charles Cross, OT
How he has fared up to now: Cross has taken just about all of the first-team reps at left deal with and has seemed each bit the O-line cornerstone the Seahawks have hoped he’ll be — even with a giant blemish on his summer season résumé. Cross was flagged for 4 false begins and a maintain within the first three quarters of Seattle’s second preseason recreation. Earlier than that, he’d drawn sturdy opinions from gamers and coaches. His transition from a pass-heavy faculty scheme — wherein he did not play from a three-point stance — hasn’t been a noticeable challenge.
“He is a very strong rookie,” Seahawks defensive lineman Shelby Harris stated. “Massive, sturdy, bodily palms, good ft … a superb pass-protector, sturdy, good bend, athletic, actually every part. He has all of the bodily traits you need in an offensive deal with.” — Brady Henderson
Garrett Wilson, WR
How he has fared up to now: Wilson has suffered a couple of drops in camp, however his expertise is apparent. He has distinctive physique management and “violent palms,” in line with Saleh. When Wilson drops a cross, he normally recovers rapidly — an indication of psychological toughness. In different phrases, his drops do not are available in bunches, which could be the case with rookies. He may have a big function. Even when he is not a starter, per se, he will probably be closely concerned in a four-man rotation at receiver. — Wealthy Cimini
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Mike Clay discusses why Garrett Wilson is an undervalued fantasy choice.
Chris Olave, WR
How he has fared up to now: Olave had been coming alongside properly in coaching camp however hasn’t gotten a lot time to shine in preseason video games whereas the Saints give a number of the lesser-known receivers some reps. Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Packers might need been his coming-out social gathering, nonetheless, as he displayed some good strikes to get into the tip zone for his first NFL landing on a cross thrown from backup Ian Book. Count on Olave to see the sphere typically subsequent to Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas as soon as the common season begins. — Katherine Terrell
Jameson Williams, WR
How he has fared up to now: Williams hasn’t bodily participated in coaching camp as he continues to recuperate from a torn ACL suffered in January in the course of the Faculty Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship Recreation for Alabama. Nonetheless, the Lions’ workers has labored exhausting to maintain him mentally engaged in drills and conferences and are happy along with his progress. There is no timetable for his return. He traveled with the Lions for the Indianapolis preseason journey.
“I believe we get a bit extra hands-on with him. It retains him engaged within the soccer, within the conferences,” coach Dan Campbell stated. — Eric Woodyard
Jordan Davis, DT
How he has fared up to now: No person opened extra eyes this summer season than Davis. Certain, his dimension — 6-foot-6, 340 kilos — naturally grabs your consideration, nevertheless it’s his energy and agility that retains it. He is already proving to be a magnet for double-teams, as he was for the nationwide champion Georgia Bulldogs, and might use that 4.7-second 40-yard sprint velocity to dart into the backfield when left one-on-one. He’ll be a gradual a part of the line of defense rotation instantly.
“He is sensible, has excessive soccer character, he can play a number of positions, and we expect he will be a playmaker,” defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon stated. — Tim McManus
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
How he has fared up to now: Hamilton bounced again from a tough coaching camp and preseason debut by saving a landing within the second preseason recreation. He leapt to interrupt up a cross across the purpose line, which is the kind of playmaking potential that made him the primary security chosen on this yr’s draft. The Ravens stay so excessive on Hamilton that they in all probability will put three safeties on the sphere, teaming him with starters Marcus Williams and Chuck Clark.
“He is a really sharp, very sensible participant, clearly performs quick,” Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald stated. “He can cowl a ton of floor.” — Jamison Hensley
Kenyon Green, G
How he has fared up to now: Inexperienced hasn’t practiced with the first-team offense a lot all through coaching camp. After the primary week, he suffered a concussion that brought on him to overlook a few weeks and the primary two preseason video games. When he returned, he ran with the second unit. There was an adjustment interval as he adapts to the NFL recreation, however ultimately he’ll change into the beginning left guard. Coach Lovie Smith expects him to be a starter sooner slightly than later. — DJ Bien-Aime
Jahan Dotson, WR
How he has fared up to now: The Commanders liked Dotson earlier than the draft partially as a result of they believed he was one of the vital pro-ready gamers, and he has executed nothing to quell these emotions. Dotson has been sharp for the reason that spring, displaying veteran route-running savvy with wonderful palms. He performs taller than his listed peak of 5-foot-11 and makes the occasional acrobatic catch. He’ll pair nicely with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.
“He is actually clean at what he does,” Rivera stated. And quarterback Carson Wentz stated, “He catches the soccer as pure as anyone I have been round.” — John Keim
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Mike Clay evaluates rookie huge receiver Jahan Dotson.
Zion Johnson, G
How he has fared up to now: Coaches and teammates have shared nothing however reward for Johnson as he prepares to begin his rookie season at proper guard. “Strong. He is sturdy,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi stated, when requested to explain Johnson’s preseason debut in opposition to the Rams. “The three-technique that he needed to block was fairly heavy. I believe perhaps that caught him without warning, however the benefit of him is he hits after which he simply retains pushing, and ultimately there may be motion taking place. He was actually good in cross safety.”
Together with Johnson’s bodily power, his maturity has additionally been obvious. “He is a relaxed, collected particular person that’s sensible as hell,” veteran Corey Linsley stated. — Lindsey Thiry
Treylon Burks, WR
How he has fared up to now: Burks was unavailable for minicamp due to conditioning and bronchial asthma points. However he stood out on the primary day of coaching camp when he caught a deep cross from Ryan Tannehill. The rookie receiver has earned reward for the way he is ready to make contested catches throughout apply, together with joint classes with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is rapidly turning into somebody Tannehill trusts.
“A man like him with the catch radius he has,” Tannehill stated. “The way in which he goes up and will get the ball. You like to see it. Making performs like that does so much for constructing confidence for a quarterback like myself. It provides you a number of confidence to go his route.” — Turron Davenport
Trevor Penning, OT
How he has fared up to now: It has been an up-and-down camp for Penning, who has made extra waves nationally for igniting some coaching camp fights than his play to this point. Penning hasn’t executed sufficient up to now to unseat veteran James Hurst on the left deal with place, however the Saints are happy along with his progress and like the sting he shows — so long as it does not truly cross the road. — Katherine Terrell
Kenny Pickett, QB
How he has fared up to now: Pickett shook off a sluggish begin to coaching camp and jumped Mason Rudolph on the depth chart forward of the second preseason recreation. In that recreation, a win in opposition to the Jaguars, Pickett led a flawless 42-second drive earlier than halftime to offer the Steelers a lead. He confirmed poise within the face of strain and made veteran throws. He may not wind up because the Steelers’ Week 1 beginning quarterback, however he has proven sufficient promise to be a dependable No. 2 and probably problem Mitch Trubisky for the beginning job in the course of the season. — Brooke Pryor
Trent McDuffie, CB
How he has fared up to now: McDuffie has been a starter from Day 1. The Chiefs have used him largely in exterior protection, however he has moved inside to cowl the slot at instances. McDuffie, at 5-foot-11, is not as tall because the workforce would like their cornerbacks to be, and he has had hassle at instances in defending larger receivers. McDuffie may wind up because the Chiefs’ main punt returner when the common season begins.
“He is very snug on the market on the nook spot in addition to the nickel,” secondary coach David Merritt stated. “The factor is that now we now have a man that may truly do twin roles.” McDuffie entered the concussion protocol throughout Thursday’s closing preseason recreation. — Adam Teicher
Quay Walker, LB
How he has fared up to now: The Packers drafted Walker to begin on Day 1 subsequent to De’Vondre Campbell, and that is precisely what Walker will do. In some methods, he is Campbell’s twin. Each can run downhill and aspect to aspect. Each can discover the ball. Each can deal with. Each can cowl. Two years in the past, the Packers had been attempting to patch collectively an inside linebacker group. Now, they’ve a first-round decide subsequent to an All-Professional.
“To see him run round on the market and make performs has been nice,” Aaron Rodgers stated halfway by camp, “and he is with an absolute professional subsequent to him.” — Rob Demovsky
Kaiir Elam, CB
How he has fared up to now: Elam’s camp has been up and down, and he has been unable to take the lead within the battle for the No. 2 nook job reverse Tre’Davious White, who remains to be on PUP and rehabbing from a torn left ACL. Elam stays behind 2020 seventh-round decide Dane Jackson on the depth chart, whereas fellow rookie and sixth-round select of Villanova, Christian Benford, has impressed, giving Elam extra of a problem. — Alaina Getzenberg
Tyler Smith, G
How he has fared up to now:
The Cowboys drafted Smith with the concept he can be the left deal with of the longer term. Given Tyron Smith’s hamstring surgery that may maintain him out 3-4 months, nonetheless, that’s wanting prefer it may very well be accelerated. Tyler Smith has labored solely at left guard all through coaching camp and the preseason and should make up for misplaced time earlier than the season begins. He did get some left deal with work within the spring throughout organized workforce actions and the minicamp and began 21 video games at left deal with in his final two years at Tulsa.
He was unable to outright win the left guard competitors with Connor McGovern and now could be gazing being requested to play crucial spot: defending Dak Prescott‘s blindside. “Clearly I believe Tyler is coming alongside sturdy,” McCarthy stated. “He does a number of good issues. He is like the remainder of them, he must play. Simply must play and maintain getting higher.” — Todd Archer
How he has fared up to now: Linderbaum was slated to be the Ravens’ beginning middle earlier than he injured his left foot on Aug. 4. The Ravens are hoping he’ll be again for the beginning of the common season. Among the many smallest Ravens linemen at 305 kilos, Linderbaum nonetheless has to show he can maintain up in opposition to highly effective nostril tackles. However he has impressed teammates along with his understanding of the system.
“I really feel like he is caught on actually quick,” Ravens offensive deal with Ja’Wuan James stated. “To be a middle, particularly on this offense … this offense has a number of verbiage, a number of performs, a number of quantity. I really feel like he took it on fairly nicely.” — Jamison Hensley
How he has fared up to now: Not like a number of first-round picks, Johnson wasn’t handed a beginning job. The Jets have a deep line of defense, permitting them to convey him alongside slowly. Johnson stated he practices “like an [undrafted] free agent, combating for my life.” The draw back to that’s he hasn’t had a number of reps with the starters. Johnson is trending towards the function of situational pass-rusher. They like his velocity recreation; now they’re attempting to get him to play with energy and develop extra counter strikes. — Wealthy Cimini
Devin Lloyd, LB/DE
How he has fared up to now: Lloyd suffered a hamstring damage the day earlier than camp started and hasn’t absolutely participated in a apply but. He might get some taking part in time within the closing preseason recreation “if the week progresses in his favor and our favor,” coach Doug Pederson stated. Even when Lloyd does play it is exhausting to see him making a lot of an affect early within the season as a result of he has missed a lot time. — Michael DiRocco
Devonte Wyatt, DT
How he has fared up to now: The Packers did not draft Wyatt to begin on Day 1. After getting by camp with none accidents to the highest guys, they’ll ease Wyatt into the rotation with a handful of snaps to begin the season if he is lively. That is a superb factor as a result of Wyatt is clearly behind Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, T.J. Slaton and even perhaps Jack Heflin. He has a methods to go.
“Every day he simply grows and will get higher,” Reed stated. “I am excited to see him get going and to see the place he will be at this season, I believe he will be actually good.” — Rob Demovsky
Cole Strange, G
How he has fared up to now: A plug-and-play starter at left guard, Unusual hasn’t missed a apply and has step by step improved, catching the attention of onlookers by going old fashioned by not sporting gloves in his preseason debut. “He is coming alongside and making good progress,” coach Invoice Belichick stated.
There have been instances when the leap from Tennessee-Chattanooga to the NFL has seemed vital (akin to one-on-one drills early in camp), however Unusual was noticeably transferring our bodies within the operating recreation within the second preseason recreation. — Mike Reiss
George Karlaftis, DE
How he has fared up to now: The Chiefs would fortunately take the Karlaftis of the primary two preseason video games. He had a sack in every of the 2. He has not been a starter up to now however between coming in to hurry the quarterback within the nickel protection and rotating in to offer the starters a break, he is getting loads of taking part in time.
“George is 100 miles an hour on a regular basis,” coach Andy Reid stated. “I recognize that, the hassle. He’ll maintain getting higher with approach and after he will get a really feel on these offensive linemen he is taking part in. However he is a proficient child, sensible who desires to be good.” — Adam Teicher
Daxton Hill, S
How he has fared up to now: Hill has made a superb early impression. Whereas free security Jessie Bates III was away from the workforce throughout his contract dispute, Hill took Bates’ spot on the first-team protection. An interception in opposition to the Giants was Hill’s excessive level of the preseason up to now. Now that Bates is again, Hill will change into a 3rd security in packages with six defensive backs. However Hill received the reps he wanted to speed up his growth and present he generally is a long-term starter. — Ben Child
Lewis Cine, S
How he has fared up to now: Cine has gotten a handful of snaps with the primary workforce throughout practices however for probably the most half has labored as a backup to beginning safeties Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. Shut coaching camp observers can see Cine genuinely loves contact. He’s additionally aggressive in cross protection however is aware of the way to keep away from penalties. One of the best guess is Cine will ultimately work his manner into the beginning lineup, or else drive the Vikings to experiment with a three-safety scheme.
His toughness and tenacity have actually earned the belief of coach Kevin O’Connell. “I do not fear one bit about Lew,” O’Connell stated. — Kevin Seifert
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