NFL Midseason best rookies: Zappe, Kenneth Walker III, Gardner...
We’re taking a look at the league’s newest players and how they’re doing so far in this new season. Believe us when we tell you, some of these kids aren’t playing around.
The rookies are coming. That’s at least how we see it, as we take a look at some of the top performers, who are playing their first season in the NFL this year.
2022-23 NFL Rookies and their performances
Truth be told, the 2022 Draft class wasn’t exactly loaded with stellar quarterbacks and to be quite frank, we’ve seen that across the league since the season’s start. Indeed, across our picks we’ve got just one single QB in the mix. With that said, let’s get into just who these players are and why they made our list of best rookie performers so far.
Quarterback: Bailey Zappe - New England Patriots
Remember Drew Bledsoe giving way to Tom Brady? That’s the kind of comparison that’s been made since Zappe stepped in for Mac Jones. It’s worth noting, that Zappe hasn’t been exceptional in the starts that he’s been handed since replacing Jones, but believe us when we tell you, he’s energized New England’s offense. While it’s clear he’s still got a lot to learn, with his arm strength and mobility still in need of work, but this guy has shown no uncertainty in his decisions, which is something to respect in a rookie.
Running back: Dameon Pierce - Houston Texans
Of his class, Pierce is without doubt the best running back out there. Kenneth Walker III - also on this list - is close, but as they say no cigar. With 540 yards under his belt so far, the rookie is leading all others in not just his rushing yards, but missed tackles as well, of which he currently has 41. The guy is as quick as they come.
Wide receiver: Chris Olave - New Orleans Saints
An Ohio State product, Olave was a sure bet for this list. Quite frankly, the wide receiver has taken to the NLF like a fish takes to water. With Andy Dalton constantly targeting him, the No. 1 wideout has not failed to deliver. To date, he’s posted 547 yards which in case you’re wondering, is the highest among his fellow draft classmates.
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner - New York Jets
Barring injury or some other unforeseen circumstance, expect Gardner to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. For the campaign so far, he’s registered 12 pass breakups which incredibly leads the entire league. Though he doesn’t have the traditional frame of a CB, Gardner’s twitchiness and length help him disrupt passes on a regular basis.
Running back: Kenneth Walker III - Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks won their fourth straight game Sunday, beating their division rival, the Arizona Cardinals, 31-21. It was not an easy victory, as Seahawks QB Geno Smith threw a pick-six during the first half, putting Seattle in a deficit. But the team responded with a resounding second half performance. Particularly central in that response was rookie running back Kenneth Walker III. Indeed, head coach Pete Carroll was especially complimentary about Walker’s performance.
Cornerback: Tariq Woolen - Seattle Seahawks
With his break-neck speed - 4.26 seconds - Woolen has demonstrated coverage instincts that go way beyond his years. For the season so far, he’s posted four interceptions for the Seahawks and to be quite honest, we’re betting there’s a lot more where that came from.
Safety: Jaquan Brisker - Chicago Bears
With 51 tackles and four pressures, Brisker is currently leading all rookie safeties in the league. An especially brutal defender in his days at Penn State, the Bears have essentially struck gold with him and they know it. Just ask the Patriots, against whom he had an incredible interception. Make no mistake, this kid has got game and plenty of it.