DRAFTED: Round 3, 84th overall Weaver is an excellent athlete who can run and hit. He’s made an immediate impact for a Bengals team that’s on the rise.

Published: January 13, 2023, 10:16 a.m.

After reviewing his notes from the entire 2022 NFL regular season, former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah has ranked the top 25 rookies.

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DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 4

Sauce is the most impressive rookie in this class. There’s a reason he earned Pro Bowl starter honors.

DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 2 overall

Hutchinson stepped up significantly in the second half of the season, finishing with 9.5 sacks. He demonstrated multiple ways to get to the quarterback as a pass rusher. He injected new life into a resurgent Lions squad.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 10

Despite an uncertain quarterback situation, Wilson led all rookies with 1,103 receiving yards. If the Jets can find a solution at quarterback, he could have a monster second season.

DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 11 overall

Olave, who finished just behind former Ohio State teammate Wilson with 1,042 receiving yards, lived up to his rookie billing. He was silky smooth, polished, and efficient.

DRAFTED: Round 5, overall No. 153

Woolen had an outstanding rookie season, tying for the league lead with six interceptions. The Seahawks did an excellent job drafting him.

DRAFTED: Round 2, overall No. 41

Walker can hit home runs, but he can also grind out the tough yards. He led all rookies in rushing yards with 1,050 and is a major reason for Seattle’s return to the playoffs.

DRAFTED: Round 7, overall No. 262

Purdy’s track record isn’t long (five NFL starts), but it’s impressive. He’s astounded the personnel community with his play, guiding the 49ers’ offense following the injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.

DRAFTED: Round 2, 37th overall.

Pitre is always close to the ball. He plays fast and had the most tackles among rookies (147). I believe he will be a perennial Pro Bowler.

DRAFTED: Round 4, overall No. 107

Pierce was sidelined for the final month of the regular season due to an ankle injury, but he established himself as one of the league’s most physical runners in his rookie year.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 30

He has 5.5 sacks in the last seven weeks of the season, the most of any rookie defensive lineman.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 5

Thibodeaux continues to improve as he gains experience. You can see his self-assurance growing.

DRAFTED: Round 2, overall No. 34

From Weeks 10 to 13, Watson was a touchdown machine for the Packers, scoring eight times. He recovered from a shaky start to the season by making big plays in big moments.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 6

The former North Carolina State star struggled at first, but his natural ability began to shine as the season progressed. He’s a powerful run blocker who has improved as a pass protector.

LB for the Jacksonville Jaguars

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 27
Lloyd was as advertised coming out of Utah, racking up 115 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. He’s an important piece of the Jaguars’ young defense.

OLB for the Jacksonville Jaguars

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 1
His best football is still ahead of him, but we’ve seen glimpses of Walker’s potential all season, including a dominant performance last week in the Titans’ division-clinching win.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 8

London lacked strong quarterback play in Atlanta, but his size, physicality, and ball skills translated well to the pros.

DRAFTED: Round 2, overall No. 52

The former Georgia star appears to be a future No. 1 wide receiver. He had his share of spectacular plays and became more consistent as the season progressed.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 24

There’s something to be said for playing left tackle for the Cowboys and handling the pressure that comes with the job. Smith fared well in my opinion. He’s still a better run blocker than pass protector, but based on what we saw this season, he has a lot of potential.

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 25

Linderbaum performed admirably as a rookie. He has the potential to be the offensive line’s rock for the next decade in Baltimore.

DRAFTED: Round 3, overall No. 97

Joseph had a lot of ball production in college, and it carried over to the NFL, culminating in a Week 18 interception against the Packers, which effectively ended Green Bay’s playoff hopes.

DRAFTED: Round 6, overall No. 217

When it comes to rushing the passer, no one has been more effective than Houston, rookie or veteran. According to Next Gen Stats, he had the highest sack percentage in the league at 9.2. I’m excited to see what he can do with more reps next season.

DRAFTED: Round 5, overall No. 151

Allgeier is a tough runner. According to Next Gen Stats, no rookie back had more rushing yards than expected (154).

DRAFTED: Round 1, overall No. 20

Pickett made clutch plays to help the Steelers win the game.