NFL Rookie of the Year Watch: Week 18
Offensively and defensively, rookies around the league made some big impressions on their respective rosters; yet only the top offensive and defensive rookie will hear their name called during the NFL Honors on Feb. 9.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s second-round pick, Kenneth Walker III, rushed for over 1,000 yards in the 2022 season. The running back had five games with over 100 rushing yards and nine total rushing touchdowns.
After the injury to the Seahawks’ starting rusher, Rashaad Penny, Walker became an important piece to the team’s offence that also featured Geno Smith and receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Who would have thought that Mr. Irrelevant would be talked about in OROY piece? But when you become the first to secure a win against Tom Brady in your first career start, people start to pay attention. That’s right, Brock Purdy.
Once Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an injury, Purdy was given an immense opportunity, and he hasn’t disappointed. The quarterback has thrown for over 1,300 yards with 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson became a huge asset for the New York Jets this season. He tallied 1,103 receiving yards on 83 receptions with an average of 13.3 yards per catch.
Wilson played the entire season and in most games the rookie had a strong presence both down the sidelines and up the middle of the field. The first-round pick proved he could make the tough catches in tight coverage from throws by each Jets quarterback on the roster.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Detroit’s defense was heighted with the second-overall pick in Aidan Hutchinson. The defensive end is quick to get past offensive linemen and get hits on the quarterback. He plays smart and had three interceptions and nine and a half sacks on the year.
Another Seahawk, Tariq Woolen was tied for first in the league with six interceptions and fourth in passes defended. The rookie cornerback’s efforts were enough to give him a well-deserving Pro Bowl spot. More impressively for Woolen was the fact only 52.5% of passes were completed when he was targeted against.
Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
The Jets defense has looked pretty bland in years past, but Ahmed Gardner brought the Sauce. The cornerback leads the league with 20 passes defended.
In the Pro Football Focus (PFF) Rankings, Sauce ranks first among all other corners in the league.
Gardner only allowed 33 receptions for 344 yards the entire season on 73 targets. Impressive would be an understatement to describe Sauce’s season. He has the potential to take home DPOY and Rookie of the Year as well.
Predictions
If there was anything the New York Jets did well this year, it was hit on their draft picks. The additions of Wilson and Gardner were two huge picks that improved the team and took it to a higher level.
Considering they were both first-round picks at four and 10, respectively, they played at such a high level that is expected from most veterans.
Breece Hall, through seven games, looked to be in the mix for the OROY award as well but unfortunately suffered a season ending knee injury. Still, that’s another Jet that will have an impact down the road.
This year Jet rookies took home 10 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week belts which is just a small credit to their talent.
Sauce Gardner is likely a shoo-in for DROY of the year and Garrett Wilson should be deserving of OROY considering how he played throughout the season.
Amanda Vogt is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email her at aev5215@psu.edu
