The 2022 NFL Draft was loaded with talent across the board. After wide receiver dominated the first round and multiple running backs landed in good spots for key roles, the offensive skill players from the class have stood out most.
Although starting offensive linemen and impact defenders also have done well in the initial five weeks, receivers and rushers have changed the fortunes of several teams. Here are the best and brightest so far this season as Sporting News grades the 22 top rookies going into Week 6:
NFL MOCK DRAFT: Panthers, Lions, Texans take QBs; Commanders, Eagles go defense in top 10
NFL rookie rankings 2022
Grade: A+
1. Breece Hall, RB, Jets (Round 2, No. 36 overall)
Hall is living up to feature back expectations quickly with 54 rushes for 275 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 17 catches for more 213 yards and 3 total TDs. He has shown his power and explosiveness ideal for the upgraded zone-blocking scheme.
2. Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans (Round 4, No. 107 overall)
Pierce has been a steal for Houston with 86 rushes for 412 yards (4.8 years per carry) and 13 catches for 57 and also 3 total TDs. He has become a workhorse after little usage in Week 1.
3. Jack Jones, CB, Patriots (Round 4, No. 121 overall)
Here's another fourth-round steal in Bill Belichick's latest find as a versatile shutdown cover man who also makes big plays on the ball. He has two interceptions in the past two games, the former a pick six of Aaron Rodgers.
4. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars (Round 1, No. 27 overall)
Lloyd has used his size and range to rack up tackles (49 total) and be an ace intermediate cover man (also two interceptions). He was a great first-round complement to Travon Walker on the second level.
Grade: A
5. George Pickens, WR, Steelers (Round 2, No. 52 overall)
Pickens has caught 17 of his 28 targets for 250 yards. He's showing his field-stretching ability like a No. 1 at 14.7 yards per catch and the terrific hands and route-running also have been on display. He's getting more help from fellow rookie Kenny Pickett QB with big upside for the second half of the season.
6. Chris Olave, WR, Saints (Round 1, No. 11 overall)
Olave, also dealing with multiple quarterbacks throwing to him, has caught 25 of 42 targets for 389 yards. He also been a dangerous downfield threat, averaging 15.6 yards per catch. Unfortunately, after scoring his second TD in Week 5, he exited the Seahawks game with a concussion. The Saints need him as their true No. 1 with Michael Thomas hurt again.
7. Charles Cross, OT, Seahawks (Round 1, No. 9 overall)
8. Abraham Lucas, OT, Seahawks (Round 3, No. 72 overall)
Cross and Lucas are a big reason why Seattle's offense has been surprisingly stellar all-around. Geno Smith has had mostly pristine protection in relation to the Seahawks' past (only 9 sacks) and when including Smith, the running game is averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. These were incredible picks to shore up both tackles right away.
Grade: A-
9. Drake London, WR, Falcons (Round 1, No. 8 overall)
London has caught 22 of his 39 targets for 266 yards and 2 TDs. He's limited by the fact Arthur Smith has a run-heavy offense and a volatile Marcus Mariota at QB. London, however, has done plenty to prove he can be special as the first wideout off the board in April.
10. Jordan Davis, DT, Eagles (Round 1, No. 13 overall)
Davis has been solid as the one of heir apparent options to replace aging pending free agents Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. The Georgia national champion defensive products are doing well overall.
Grade: B+
11. Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets (Round 1, No. 10 overall)
Wilson, Olave's former Ohio State teammate, has caught 23 of 43 targets for 282 yards and 3 TDs. Although he was looking better with Joe Flacco at QB, his chemistry with Zach Wilson is just developing into something that should be special in time.
12. Cole Strange, LG, Patriots (Round 1, No. 29 overall)
The Patriots were mocked for taking this interior offensive lineman out of Tennessee-Chattanooga (Terrell Owens' alma mater), including by the Rams, who are sorely hurting up front. But Strange hasn't been a weird pick at all for their purposes, delivering as a stout run blocker right away.
13. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens (Round 1, No. 25 overall)
Linderbaum has helped solidify the blocking and snapping in front of Lamar Jackson after slipping a little in the draft.
Grade: B
14. Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers (Round 4, No. 132 overall)
Doubs has caught 22 of 29 targets for 213 yards and 2 TDs as he has built well on his preseason hype to emerge as a trusted well-rounded target for Aaron Rodgers. He will get better with every week.
15. Alec Pierce, WR, Colts (Round 2, No. 53 overall)
Pierce has caught 15 of 22 targets for 222 yards in only four games as now the clear No. 2 target opposite Michael Pittman Jr. He's developed a good connection early with Matt Ryan and has showed a lot more than big-play speed.
16. Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders (Round 1, No. 16 overall)
Dotson, before hurting his hamstring in Week 4 and missing Week 5, was coming through on a good downfield and red zone rapport with Carson Wentz. The Penn State product has turned only 12 catches into 152 yards and 4 TDs.
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17. Daniel Bellinger, TE, Giants (Round 4, No. 112 overall)
Bellinger hasn't been used a ton in the passing game yet but he's been very efficient with 10 catches on 12 targets for 101 yards. He has two TDs, including a rushing score to help beat the Packers in Week 5.
18. Sauce Gardner, CB, Jets (Round 1, No. 4 overall)
Gardner and the Jets' much-improved secondary are coming through well for Robert Saleh during the team's 3-2 start. He's been sound in coverage and just made his first interception against the Dolphins in Week 5.
19. Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Jets (Round 1, No. 26 overall)
Johnson, before coming up with an ankle injury in Week 5 against the Dolphins, posted 1.5 sacks in four full games. He's been a good situational rotational player set to blossom as a full-time end soon.
Grade: B-
20. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions (Round 1, No. 2 overall)
Hutchinson. the former Michigan superstar, did have a great Week 2 in getting his first 3 career sacks against the Commanders. But it's been a challenge to be effective with limited help in Detroit's defensive scheme. He is one big rebuilding block for the Lions but they need many more.
21. Travon Walker, OLB, Jaguars (Round 1, No. 1 overall)
Walker has definitely shown his versatility with a sack and an interception already to his credit. He's still finding his consistency as Jacksonville's coaching staff learns how to best use him in a Micah Parsons-like role.
22. Kayvon Thibodeaux, OLB, Giants (Round 1, No. 5 overall)
Thibodeaux has played only three games but he's flashed in them all, despite still looking for his first sack, by being active in other ways against the pass. He can build on being instrumental in the victory over Rodgers and the Packers in London.
