All-Rookie Team 2022-23: Jets and Seahawks Everywhere!

 With Pro Bowl week wrapping up and everyone's focus shifting right on to the biggest game of the year next weekend, I figured I would do one more sort of 'end of the year recap' type of article before I get into Super Bowl stuff, and that being my annual All-Rookie team! I already did my All-Pro team a week or so ago, and this is my other annual one with my picks for the best rookies in football this season. Next to each player on my All-Rookie team will be where they were drafted, just for fun!

Quarterback: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (Rd. 7, #262 overall)
Statline: 1,374 yards, 13 TDs, 4 INTs passing | 1 TD rushing (just 9 games played)

In a pretty underwhelming year for rookie QBs, Brock Purdy was the clearcut All-Rookie QB. With just two rooks getting true meaningful minutes all year long, Purdy was easily the most impressive, and had one of the best rookie QB seasons we've seen in a long time (so don't just think he's not great by basically winning here my default). Purdy went 9-0 in his regular season games and then led the Niners to two playoff victories, falling just short of the Super Bowl losing in Philadelphia on championship weekend (where he got injured in the first quarter). Purdy played with 8 year veteran poise and never once was overwhelmed by the moment. His 13:4 TD/INT ratio was the best in the league for rookies. Not bad for the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Get well soon Brock!
Second-Team: Kenny Pickett (Steelers)

Running Back: Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (Rd. 2, #41 overall)
Statline: 228 carries for 1,050 yards, 9 TDs rushing | 27 receptions for 165 yards receiving (just 11 games started)

Seattle has found another dawg in the backfield. Literally. The Seahawks' players nicknamed Kenneth Walker III 'K9' because of his number but also because of the way he plays. He is just a dawg. Walker is not the big bruising back that we are used to seeing in Seattle, but this guy may be the most elusive player in the entire NFL, and is not afraid of contact either. The way Walker can cut without sacrificing any speed is scary. Scary good for the Seahawks. Walker cruised past 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie, despite only starting the final 11 games of the year. Walker also had nearly 10 TDs as a rook as well. This guy is special, and it is insane how Seattle keeps finding this caliber of elite RB outside of the first round. Walker was a major reason for Seattle's shocking playoff season, and he was an especially big part of it when he rushed for over 100 yards in each of Seattle's final three regular season games! Probably the offensive MVP of this All-Rookie team!

Running Back: Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans (Rd. 4, #107 overall)
Statline: 220 carries for 939 yards, 4 TDs rushing | 30 receptions for 165 yards, 1 TD receiving (just 13 games played)

My other All-Rookie back, in a pretty talented crop of guys, is the complete opposite style of back to Ken Walker. Dameon Pierce IS the classic sort of Seattle-type, bruiser who fights for every yard. This guy was simply relentless, and one of my favorite guys in the entire NFL to watch on a weekly basis. Even playing for arguably the worst team in football, Pierce never gave up, and was always efficient. Pierce had two games of over 130 yards where he was literally the Texans' only source of offense. He is a mini Derrick Henry in my eyes, and with the future bright in H-Town, Pierce is set to be a core building block for years to come for this team.
Second-Team: Tyler Allgeier (Falcons), Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs)

Wide Receiver: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (Rd. 1, #11 overall)
Statline: 72 receptions for 1,042 yards, 4 TDs receiving (15 games played)

While there is certainly room for debate on this one, I think Chris Olave was (narrowly) the best rookie WR in the NFL. The other guy who is in that race who you will see in a second did have more receptions and yards, but he played in two more games, and the difference in those stats was marginal. We all knew Olave was an elite route runner, but we worried about how his small frame would limit him in the NFL. It is safe to say anyone who thought so was so wrong. Olave instantly came into the Saints' offense and demanded to be the focal point, letting his play do that talking. Even with a revolving door of awful QBs at the helm, Olave flourished. He is the rare WR who does not need a good QB to succeed. He is going to a be a future Pro Bowler.

Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (Rd. 1, #10 overall)
Statline: 83 receptions for 1,103 yards, 4 TDs receiving

These Ohio State guys are as close as you can get in everything. They were considered WRs 1A and 1B in the draft last year by many, they went in back to back picks, and now they are considered nearly evenly good after their rookie years. I'm giving Wilson SLIGHTLY lower of a rating as my All-Rookie WR2 because he barely put up more stats even having played two more games than Olave. Wilson was a difference-maker in the Jet offense. The Jets were actually a competitive team in 2022 and when other rookie star Breece Hall went down with injury, Wilson stepped up big time and became the focal point of the NYJ offense. With the Jets bound to acquire a better QB this off-season, Wilson is going to be set up for a huge second year in 2023, having already been the top receiver in terms of stats as a rookie!
Second-Team: George Pickens (Steelers), Christian Watson (Packers)

Tight End: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (Rd. 4, #143 overall)
Statline: 32 receptions for 450 yards, 3 TDs receiving

It is extremely rare to have ANY rookie TE in a year that blows anyone away. While Chig Okonkwo didn't blow anyone away, he was surprisingly the best TE in the draft in his first season, and was a plus player for a lackluster Tennessee offense. Okonkwo started the year as more of a reserve player and a blocker, but he slowly demanded more and more PT until he was pretty much the starter down the stretch over Austin Hooper. Chig led all rookie TEs with his 450 yards despite just a small number of catches and targets, which proves the Titans may have found a real diamond in the rough and their potential starter for the future at a very hit-or-miss position in the NFL. Chig's speed and YAC ability for the position makes him a tough cover for anyone.
Second-Team: Greg Dulcich (Broncos)

Offensive Line:

Tackle - Charles Cross, Seattle Seahawks (R1, #9 ovr)
Guard - Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers (R1, #17 ovr)
Center - Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens (R1, #25 ovr)
Guard - Cole Strange, New England Patriots (R1, #29 ovr)
Tackle - Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks (R3, #72 ovr)

While this rookie OL class was not as great as last year's really good class, there were still some gems in here. Charles Cross was a top 10 pick and slotted right into the LT spot for Seattle where he was an elite pass protector for Geno Smith from day 1. Cross started every game this year as a rookie. Zion Johnson was a mid first rounder and played exactly like we expected him to, elite as a run blocker but still with work to do in pass protection. Tyler Linderbaum was the elite center prospect we all expected him to be, allowing only 3 sacks all season and already becoming the anchor of that Raven line. The Patriots were heavily scrutinized for "reaching" on Cole Strange in the first round, but he ended up proving a lot of people wrong with a very promising first season as an all-around blocker in NE. At the other tackle spot was Cross' teammate Abe Lucas. Seattle was bold starting TWO rookie tackles, and they MADE the playoffs doing so. This is extremely rare in the NFL and a testament to how good both of them were. Lucas was the only non first-rounder on my All-Rookie team. What a diamond in the rough he's looking to be right now. 

Second-Team: Jamaree Salyer (Chargers), Tyler Smith (Cowboys), Braxton Jones (Bears), Ikem Ekwonu (Panthers)

Edge Rusher: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions (Rd. 1, #2 overall)

Statline: 9.5 sacks, 52 total tackles, 3 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries

Many had Aidan Hutchinson as the no. 1 player in the class heading into the draft, and it was quite the shock to many when it was Travon Walker who went #1 to the Jaguars. The Lions thanked their lucky stars then, and they still are now. Hutchinson was a monster in his rookie year, and is going to have a strong case for DROY when it is decided next weekend. His 9.5 sacks, were easily the most in the NFL for rookies which proved Hutch's dominance right off the bat. Hutchinson was just simply a unique playmaker for a revamped Detroit D. He also somehow picked off THREE passes, which is like a blue moon for a D-lineman. I haven't seen anything like that in awhile. Hutchinson did all of this just as a rookie, the sky is the limit for the no. 2 overall pick.

Edge Rusher: Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants (Rd. 1, #5 overall)
Statline: 4 sacks, 49 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 5 pass deflections (14 games played)

It definitely took the former Oregon Duck some time to get in rhythm at the next level, but once he did, we could all see the reason the Giants took him at no. 5 overall. Thibodeaux is an athletic specimen and his sheer athleticism needs to still be refined into technicality at the NFL, but after a good rookie season, he is on his way. While the 4 sacks are nothing to write home about, the two forced fumbles and 5 pass bats on top of that are. This is a guy who is everywhere, not just looking at getting the QB, but finding whatever way possible he can to make an impact on the game. I truly believe he is going to have a massive year 2 jump even after an All-Rookie 2022 campaign.
Second-Team: James Houston (Lions), George Karlaftis (Chiefs)

Defensive Tackle: Jordan Davis, Philadelphia Eagles (Rd. 1, #13 overall)
Statline: 18 total tackles, 3.5 stuffs, 1 pass deflection (just 13 games played)

I say this time and time again on the site, but stats are not the full indicator on who is good in certain positions. The most effected by that has to be Defensive Tackles and Cornerbacks, both whom make plays that sometimes go unnoticed just because they don't equate to a tally on a sheet. Davis was drafted purely off of potential, as at 6'6, 335 pounds, he ran the same 40 time as Patrick Mahomes. Davis was the space eater we all knew we'd see from him right away, but is still developing as a pass rusher. Him going 13th overall because of the potential to have a game-wrecking pass rushing DT in the middle like him shows how valued that is in the NFL right now, and how rare it can be to find. Davis has a bright future ahead of him, and it could start with a Super Bowl ring next Sunday as well.

Defensive Tackle: Travis Jones, Baltimore Ravens (Rd. 3, #76 overall)
Statline: 24 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection

Everyone knew the Ravens got a steal with the block eater Travis Jones from UCONN in the third round of the 2022 draft. He proved that to be true right away as a rookie, contributing big time in run defense while showing flashes of interior pass rushing potential. This is no superstar in the making, but definitely an elite role player. Travis Jones is an overlooked All-Rookie in my book.
Second-Team: Devonte Wyatt (Packers)

Linebacker: Quay Walker, Green Bay Packers (Rd. 1, #22 overall)
Statline: 121 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, 7 pass deflections

The Packers have to be absolutely stoked with the rookie season that their first rounder, Quay Walker, just gave them. Walker was the do-it-all LB that we saw at Georgia, but playing at any even higher level than expected right out of the gate. At 6'4 with great speed and solid college tape, many thought Green Bay was drafting Walker to hope he could develop into a stud in multiple years time. Instead, Walker started from day 1 and was a force in the middle of the GB D. He had the second most tackles for any rookie along with an elite 3 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and 7 pass breakups. The sky is the limit for him.

Linebacker: Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions (Rd. 6, #188 overall)
Statline: 87 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass deflections, 10 stuffs

The Lions found yet another diamond in the rough. Lately Detroit has been elite at drafting in the later rounds, and Rodriguez is their latest example of that. How often do you find an All-Rookie talent in the 6th round? Rodriguez first received playing time due to his non-stop, relentless motor and work ethic in practice. It was well documented on HBO's Hard Knocks. Then, it translated to actual very good production on the field. Rodriguez did everything, but was best as a run defender, with 10 stuffs on the year. The Lions have found a guy who can fly around and make plays in the middle of their D, and as they look to return to the post-season in 2023, Rodriguez will be a big component in if they do or not.
Second-Team: Devin Lloyd (Jaguars), Christian Harris (Texans)

Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets (Rd. 1, #4 overall)
Statline: 2 INTs, 2o pass deflections, 75 total tackles

ELITE! I'm not going to rehash all of the amazing stuff everyone already knows about Sauce, but if you want to see it again, just check back on my ALL PRO 2023 TEAM and see him there. Yup, he's that good.

Cornerback: Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks (Rd. 5, #153 overall)
Statline: 6 INTs, 16 pass deflections, 63 total tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 TD

ELITE! I'm not going to rehash all of the amazing stuff everyone already knows about Tariq, but if you want to see it again, just check back on my ALL PRO 2023 TEAM and see him there. Yup, he's that good.
Second-Team: Trent McDuffie (Chiefs), Kader Kohou (Dolphins), Jack Jones (Patriots), DaRon Bland (Cowboys)

Safety: Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans (Rd. 2, #37 overall)
Statline: 147 total tackles, 5 INTs, 8 pass deflections, 1 sack, 9 stuffs

Jalen Pitre, tucked away in Houston, quietly had one of the best rookie safety seasons of all fricken' time. No wonder he is my All-Rookie S1. Pitre led all rookies (including LBs) with a whopping 147 total tackles. INSANE, especially for a guy who was a former college CB! Pitre also had 5 INTs, which was tied for second most in the entire NFL, not just rookies. His 8 pass deflections, 9 stuffs, and a sack prove too that he can do a little bit of everything at an elite level. Houston has found their elite back-end star for the next decade!

Safety: Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions (Rd. 3, #97 overall)
Statline: 82 total tackles, 4 INTs, 8 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 3 stuffs

What was that I was saying earlier about the Lions and finding late round gems? Kerby Joseph was their other main one from this class. What a season he had. In the most crucial moments, Joseph would come to play. Two of the biggest games of the season for the Lions came against Green Bay, and Joseph had 3 INTs over those two games (all on Aaron Rodgers). In the second game, Joseph had multiple deflections, flirting with an INT, and then delivered the game sealing INT finally at the very end. This guy is not only a ball hawk, but can come up and tackle and play great run defense. He was everywhere for Detroit and is going to be a fun player for years to come in this secondary that is only getting better!
Second-Team: Jaquan Brisker (Bears), Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Kicker - Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers (UDFA)
Punter - Ryan Stonehouse, Tennessee Titans (UDFA)
Returner - Marcus Jones, New England Patriots (Rd. 3, #85 overall)

Not a bad All-Rookie ST unit either! While there was no Evan McPherson at kicker this year, Cameron Dicker was a solid rook for the Chargers. He came in off the street and hit multiple game-winning kicks for the team that went on to the playoffs. I'm not going to go into Stonehouse much but only because of how amazing he was. He was my All-Pro punter! As a rookie! Marcus Jones was also my All-Pro punt returner so his contributions as a rookie were far from unnoticed, including his miraculous game-winning PR TD against the Jets!