2022 NFL Rankings: 5 Exciting Rookies

Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, New York Jets

There are two sides to Ahmad Gardner. First, he is an elite athlete whose best pre-draft comparison was a pterodactyl rather than a fellow football player. Second, he is known as "Sauce." It’s one thing to be cocky, but Gardner toes the line expertly just as the best players in the NFL do.

Gardner did not allow a touchdown at the University of Cincinnati, and many quarterbacks in the AAC opted to just not target him. Gardner was so good that his teammate (Coby Bryant) won national cornerback awards. NFL teams seem to respect Gardner’s aura as he was not targeted during the preseason. While it was only 24 coverage snaps, quarterbacks had no interest.

Gardner is a Day 1 starter for the New York Jets, and there is an exciting dichotomy with his career. In all likelihood, Gardner will allow a touchdown at some point this season. It will be the first documented touchdown against Gardner since at least his high school days.

Dameon Pierce, Running Back, Houston Texans

Lovie Smith might not say Dameon Pierce is the out-and-out starter, but he should get the vast majority of the workload early in his career. The exciting part of Pierce’s track is that he has never had the workload. In his career at Florida, the Gators limited his touches. Pierce is a polished back who is strong in each facet. He likely helped his chances in camp by being a sturdy pass blocker.

Pierce has the juice to break big plays, and he is likely the only reason why the Houston Texans could be considered must-watch TV. Unlike the rest of the talented running back class, Pierce has the best chance to be the early-season starter. Even second-round pick Breece Hall has stiff competition in Michael Carter.

The Texans have plenty of underdog upside, so Pierce could be the tip of the spear for some upset wins to disrupt the NFL’s calculus. Even last season, the Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans.

Jordan Davis, Interior Defensive Lineman, Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Davis is a football shape. He is a physical force even among NFL players. In a league of outliers, Davis is an outlier. Even if he only plays a fraction of the snaps, it would be entirely worthwhile to watch Davis move massive human beings as if they were a sack of potatoes.

The Philadelphia Eagles nabbed two key pieces from the 2021 Georgia defense, so the duo of Davis and Nakobe Dean will once again be exciting when on the field. Davis will eat blocks like an overpowered Kirby while Dean will run and clean up the running backs.

There are few unique body types in the modern NFL. Just about every player has a comparison. Davis is the exception to this rule.

Drake London, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons

Drake London has been dealing with some injuries early in his NFL career, but he has an opportunity to be a special playmaker. London’s frame is perfect for securing contested catches, but he has enough wiggle to make plays after the catch. He could be the rare rookie to make the top 10 in Foolishness Rating.

London is also the top wide receiver in his offense. He will have to deal with Kyle Pitts, but that adds to the excitement. London and Pitts are freaky athletes who should have no business doing the things they do on a football field. Instead, they are two of the marvels of the league even though they are stuck on a middling team.

Romeo Doubs, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers

The spot could have been a tie with Christian Watson, but Watson has dealt with injuries in camp. Romeo Doubs, on the other hand, may be second only to George Pickens in the volume of praise from his camp. Unlike Pickens, Doubs does not have an excess of receiver talent in front of him. Doubs could be the top receiver early in the season while Pickens has to fend off the likes of Pat Freiermuth and Chase Claypool to even be the second option.

Considering the deep-ball potential here, Doubs should be a mainstay on highlight reels as long as he is hauling in Aaron Rodgers’ deep balls. Much of Doubs’ best film at Nevada came on deep routes, and Doubs is going from the best arm in college football to perhaps the best arm in the history of the NFL.

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