NFL Rookie of the Year Watch: Week 8
The NFL and its loyal fans this year have been more than entertained with this talented rookie class at this point in the 2022 season.
However, some unfortunate injuries have ruined some front runners' chances of locking this award up, including Jets running back Breece Hall and Commanders reciever Jahan Dotson, too.
With that said, let’s dive right into the top candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year a third of the way through the season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
The electric wide out from Penn State has been excellent in the games he’s played so far this year. Missing two games due to a hamstring injury, yet Dotson remians tied with Kupp, Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis in touchdowns - and he’s missed two games.
Kupp who is second in the league in receptions with 56 receptions, Dotson has gotten the same amount of touchdowns in only 12 receptions, giving him an amazing resume for OROTY so far this season.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
Due to the injuries at quarterback and to wide receiver Michael Thomas, Olave has been consistently doubled yet he continues to shine in this loaded rookie class.
For fantasy managers, Olave has been a PPR (points per reception) beast. Against the Panthers earlier this season he racked up an amazing nine receptions for 147 receiving yards too. With a third-string quarterback he still manages to produce and overall boost his stock for OROTY.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
The running back hailing from the University of Florida has been stellar so far this season racking up over 500 yards currently. Being top 10 in the NFL for total rushing yards and rushing attempts as a rookie at this point halfway through the season is incredible.
If Pierce maintains this pace without any unfortunate injuries, he will definitely be a front runner for OROTY.
Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
Defenders getting lost in the ‘Sauce’ has clearly carried over from college football to the NFL.
In just five games as a professional, Gardner is currently tied for first with 12 total passes broken up. Already putting the league on notice with notable matchups against prime NFL talent including, Ja’Marr Chase, Mark Andrews, Amari Cooper and Tyreek Hill. In those matchups he’s held his own and aims to make an impressive statement this season by taking home DROTY.
Travon Walker, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Before Walker was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2022 draft class, the “Sacksonville Jaguars” had an electric defense in 2017-18. This team has been lacking its Paul Posluszny or Jalen Ramsey-like leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
In the season opener, Walker flashed his potential with an extremely athletic interception against the Commanders as well as recording a sack too. Last week against the Giants, Walker also recorded a sack and seeks to keep up this pace for the rest of the year.
Tariq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Tariq Woolen who was a fifth rounder from U-Texas San Antonio has put the entire NFL on alert.
Woolen is the first Seahawk since Richard Sherman to have four interceptions in their rookie season.. With half the season remaining, Woolen leads the NFL in interceptions being tied with All Pro Jordan Poyer as a rookie. Being compared to Sherman and tied with Poyer for interceptions sets the bar incredibly high for this talented player, who looks to win the DROTY award.
Jeremy Goldman is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email jmg7714@psu.edu.
