NFL rookie report card: Grading every 1st-round pick's debut season

Rookies don't get a second chance to make a first impression in the NFL. Here, we evaluate how every 2022 first-round pick fared in their debut seasons.

1. Travon Walker, LB, Jaguars

Best game: at Titans (Week 14)
Worst game: vs. Ravens (Week 12)

Jaguars fans will say Walker's first NFL season was much better than his stat line suggests - and they have a point. That said, we expected more than 3.5 sacks in 15 games from Walker, who also missed some tackles and was only the 15th-ranked first-round defender heading into Week 18 (minimum 550 snaps played), according to PFF. At least the Georgia product registered an interception and a forced fumble. Walker's campaign was good, but not first overall pick good.

Grade: B-

2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions Rey Del Rio / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Commanders (Week 2)
Worst game: vs. Bills (Week 12)

Hutchinson's growth as a rookie was one of the Lions' biggest storylines. The Michigan product put on a show with a three-sack outing in Week 2, but that was the only game in which he registered a sack in the first five weeks. However, as the season progressed and Detroit began utilizing him in a two-point stance - the same from his Wolverines days - the 22-year-old became a better and more impactful player, making plays all over the field while displaying an underrated athletic ability. With 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 30 pressures, and three interceptions, he was easily the season's best rookie edge rusher.

Grade: A-

3. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Texans

Best game: at Jaguars (Week 5)
Worst game: at Broncos (Week 2)

Texans fans should be happy with what they saw from Stingley when the LSU product was on the field. Despite Houston mostly playing Stingley in zone defense instead of press-man coverage - the type of defense in which we felt he's strongest heading into the draft - the 21-year-old didn't allow a touchdown in 54 targets. He also racked up 43 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception while playing 97% of his team's defensive snaps through the first nine weeks. Playing for the Texans - arguably football's worst team - didn't do him any favors, either. Stingley could've been a DROY contender and would've received a higher grade if he hadn't missed eight games due to injury.

Grade: B-

4. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Jets

Best game: at Packers (Week 6)
Worst game: at Browns (Week 2)

Gardner was the NFL's best rookie and should already be in the conversation as one of the league's top corners. He shut down premier receivers and finished the season with an NFL-high 20 pass breakups while becoming a cornerstone of New York's improved defense. We even saw quarterbacks completely avoid targeting "Sauce;" that's how good he is. Penalties were a concern for him coming out of college, but the Cincinnati product was called for only four flags while enjoying a flawless transition to the NFL.

Grade: A+

5. Kayvon Thibodeaux, LB, Giants

Best game: at Commanders (Week 15)
Worst game: at Seahawks (Week 8)

Thibodeaux lacked consistency, and part of that was because of a knee injury that sidelined him for two games and slowed him down to start the campaign. But the Oregon product's good moments were as good as anyone's and showed why he can become an elite edge rusher. The 22-year-old - who amassed 13 QB hits, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown - also enjoyed a breakout performance in New York's pivotal Week 15 victory over Washington, which was key in helping the Giants reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Grade: B

6. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, Panthers

Best game: vs. 49ers (Week 5)
Worst game: vs. Browns (Week 1)

Ekwonu had a matchup against Myles Garrett in his very first NFL regular-season game, and - as usually happens with blockers facing Garrett - he got exposed. But the NC State product bounced back throughout the campaign, becoming a reliable pass- and run-blocker while playing every offensive snap for the Panthers. There's still room for improvement, but Carolina's left tackle spot appears to be in good hands.

Grade: B

7. Evan Neal, OT, Giants Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Colts (Week 17)
Worst game: at Commanders (Week 15)

Neal has a lot to learn. No other Giant allowed more pressures than the 22-year-old, who also struggled as a run blocker and missed four games due to injury en route to finishing the season as one of football's five worst offensive tackles, according to PFF. But Giants fans shouldn't give up on Neal just yet, as tackle Andrew Thomas, who was excellent in 2022, also struggled as a rookie after entering the league as a high draft pick in 2020.

Grade: D

8. Drake London, WR, Falcons

Best game: at Rams (Week 2)
Worst game: at Bengals (Week 7)

Playing in the Falcons' subpar passing attack limited London's ceiling, but the USC product was still able to flash his potential en route to leading the team in catches (72), receiving yards (866), and TD receptions (four) despite the lack of consistency. Ball security was an issue for London - who lost three fumbles, including one late in the fourth quarter in a three-point loss to the Saints in Week 15. But he made enough plays to show why he'll be a solid weapon for Atlanta once the team finds the right quarterback.

Grade: B-

9. Charles Cross, OT, Seahawks

Best game: at Buccaneers (Week 10)
Worst game: vs. 49ers (Week 15)

The Seahawks finish their regular season with an answer at left tackle - and that's exactly what they were looking for when they invested a first-round pick in Cross. Yes, he had ups and downs, especially in his two games against the Nick Bosa-led 49ers. But those struggles are natural for a first-year player. After an above-average rookie campaign, Cross will likely only get better from here.

Grade: B

10. Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets

Best game: at Browns (Week 2)
Worst game: at Steelers (Week 4)

Despite New York's issues at quarterback, Wilson was the NFL's most productive first-year receiver, setting a franchise single-season rookie record with 83 catches and 1,103 receiving yards to go along with four touchdowns. The Ohio State product, who stood out in contested catches, was also PFF's 18th-best wideout through the first 16 games. Wilson is a star in the making and could become a perennial Pro Bowler as soon as the Jets fix their QB situation.

Grade: A-

11. Chris Olave, WR, Saints

Best game: vs. Rams (Week 11)
Worst game: vs. Buccaneers (Week 2)

Olave was one of many rookie pass-catchers who put up a solid campaign despite his team's limitations at quarterback. The Ohio State product led New Orleans in receiving and paced all first-year players in several per-game averages, including receiving yards. Despite missing two games due to injuries, he caught 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns.

Grade: A-

12. Jameson Williams, WR, Lions Rey Del Rio / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After suffering a torn ACL during last season's national championship game at Alabama, Williams didn't make his NFL debut until Week 13 and ended up playing fewer than 80 snaps in six appearances this season. It'd be unfair to grade the 21-year-old due to his limited playing time, but the fact that he gained 81 yards on his first two touches - including a 41-yard touchdown catch in his first NFL reception in Week 14 - shows how special a weapon he can be.

Grade: N/A

13. Jordan Davis, DT, Eagles

Best game: at Commanders (Week 3)
Worst game: at Bears (Week 15)

We saw two versions of Davis in 2022. He deserved an "A" for what he did in the first half of the season when he piled up disruptive plays while becoming an important member of Philly's stacked defensive line, especially against the run. However, an ankle injury forced him to miss four games, and the Georgia product didn't perform at his best and saw his playing time decrease after returning. Overall, it was a good season for Davis, who clearly has absurd upside.

Grade: B

14. Kyle Hamilton, S, Ravens

Best game: at Buccaneers (Week 8)
Worst game: vs. Bengals (Week 5)

Hamilton is a star in the making. Baltimore employs a safety rotation, so the Notre Dame product wasn't a full-time starter for most of the campaign, but he's shown excellent versatility and instincts while standing out in his rotational role. The 21-year-old - who finished the season with 62 tackles, two sacks, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble - lined up anywhere on the field and will give the Ravens' defense a solid option in the slot for years to come.

Grade: B+

15. Kenyon Green, G, Texans

Best game: at Bears (Week 3)
Worst game: vs. Titans (Week 8)

Houston and Green have a lot to work on. The Texas A&M product lacked consistency and struggled in pass protection for most of the campaign, finishing the season with 15 starts under his belt and as one of PFF's worst-graded guards. Prior to Week 18, Green committed 12 penalties, the second-most at his position. But the Texans should still be patient here, as most of their players underperformed in 2022 and Green is only 21.

Grade: D-

16. Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders

Best game: vs. Giants (Week 15)
Worst game: vs. Eagles (Week 3)

Dotson missed more than a month due to injury. When he was on the field, though, the Penn State product had moments and scored a team-high seven touchdowns. His stat line isn't off the charts - 35 catches for 523 yards - but at least the Commanders saw him come up big with clutch plays along the way. Three of his TDs were scored in the fourth quarter, and two of them tied the game or gave Washington a late lead. If the 22-year-old continues to improve, the Commanders will have one of football's most dynamic receivers duo in Dotson and Terry McLaurin.

Grade: C+

17. Zion Johnson, G, Chargers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Best game: at Browns (Week 5)
Worst game: vs. Broncos (Week 6)

Johnson's season was pretty solid. He was a full-time starter from Day 1, finishing the campaign as one of the Chargers' most consistent linemen and making an impact on the team's improved run game in the final stretch of the year. The Boston College product has room for improvement as both a pass- and run-blocker, but his solid play will be key for Los Angeles to make a deep playoff run.

Grade: B-

18. Treylon Burks, WR, Titans

Best game: at Packers (Week 11)
Worst game: vs. Raiders (Week 3)

Burks had big shoes to fill after Tennessee drafted him with the pick it acquired in the trade that sent A.J. Brown to Philadelphia. And the first-year pass-catcher was far from meeting those expectations. The 22-year-old missed six games due to injury and, when he was on the field, didn't produce much, finishing the season with 444 yards and one touchdown on 33 receptions. It's true that the Titans' passing attack didn't do Burks any favors, but the Arkansas product will have a lot to prove in 2023.

Grade: D

19. Trevor Penning, OT, Saints

A toe injury kept Penning sidelined until Week 12, and his first snaps in the NFL were disappointing. The Northern Iowa product did perform well in the few snaps he played in Weeks 15 and 16, but his sample size wasn't big enough.

Grade: N/A

20. Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers

Best game: vs. Raiders (Week 16)
Worst game: at Eagles (Week 8)

Pickett's season was far from great, and his seven touchdown passes to nine interceptions in 13 appearances prove that. But fans in Pittsburgh have reasons to be excited after seeing the Pitt product lead last-minute game-winning drives in back-to-back contests during the final stretch of the season to keep the Steelers' campaign alive until Week 18. Pickett will be under a lot of pressure to deliver in Year 2, but some of his flashes as a rookie suggest he might be up for the task.

Grade: C+

21. Trent McDuffie, CB, Chiefs

Best game: at Bengals (Week 13)
Worst game: at Chargers (Week 11)

Chiefs fans are happy with what they've seen from McDuffie. The Washington product added a much-needed weapon to Kansas City's secondary with his instincts, speed, and explosiveness. McDuffie did miss six games due to injury, but he stood out when he was on the field, allowing only a 47.7% completion rate while being ranked second to Gardner among first-year corners through the first 17 weeks. The 22-year-old deserves special credit for what he did versus the Bengals' stacked group of receivers, allowing just one catch on three targets against Ja'Marr Chase.

Grade: B-

22. Quay Walker, LB, Packers Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Rams (Week 15)
Worst game: vs. Giants (Week 5)

Walker had a lot on his plate and ended up playing more than 80% of Green Bay's defensive snaps despite clearly not being fully acclimated to the NFL. The Georgia product - who was ejected twice this season - finished with 121 tackles, three forced fumbles, seven pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks. The 22-year-old's final numbers don't tell the full story, though, as his post-snap hesitation and lack of awareness as an inexperienced off-ball linebacker left plays on the field. That said, Walker has a lot of potential due to his size and athletic traits, and some of his performances late in the season suggest he could break out in Year 2.

Grade: C-

23. Kaiir Elam, CB, Bills

Best game: at Chiefs (Week 6)
Worst game: vs. Packers (Week 8)

Elam had flashes and helped the Bills early on the season, but a series of injuries to Buffalo's secondary - including No. 1 corner Tre'Davious White - might have forced Elam to take too big a workload. His performances declined as the campaign progressed, and the Florida product not only lost the starting role but also was a healthy scratch at one point. He eventually returned to the lineup but wasn't consistent. Buffalo has a lot to work on with Elam, who also missed two games due to injuries.

Grade: D

24. Tyler Smith, OT, Cowboys

Best game: vs. Eagles (Week 16)
Worst game: at Rams (Week 5)

Many around the NFL thought the Cowboys reached when they drafted Smith in the first round in April. Eight months later, he's a key starter for Dallas. The Cowboys needed Smith to play left tackle right away after Tyron Smith went down with an injury, and the rookie didn't disappoint, impressing in pass protection and especially in run blocking. The Tulsa product's versatility is also a big asset for the team and could make him a solid option at left guard if injuries keep bothering the Cowboys' O-line during the playoffs.

Grade: A

25. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Ravens

Best game: at Steelers (Week 14)
Worst game: vs. Bills (Week 4)

The Ravens must be happy with what they saw during the regular season from Linderbaum, who showed flaws as a pass-protector but put on a clinic in run blocking. With Linderbaum - one of PFF's five best centers in run blocking - Baltimore averaged over 5 yards per carry, up from 4.8 in 2021.

Grade: B+

26. Jermaine Johnson, DE, Jets

Best game: at Steelers (Week 4)
Worst game: at Browns (Week 2)

Johnson wasn't a full-time contributor to the Jets' solid defense as a rookie, but his upside is exactly what New York aimed for in the draft. Despite his limited playing time and the fact that he missed three games due to injury, the Florida State product finished his first NFL season with 29 tackles (three for loss) and 2.5 sacks. When Johnson was on the field, there weren't many major flaws in his game. It's just hard to give him a better grade given the fact he played around only 30% of N.Y.'s defensive snaps.

Grade: C

27. Devin Lloyd, LB, Jaguars Courtney Culbreath / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Best game: vs. Colts (Week 2)
Worst game: at Chiefs (Week 10)

Lloyd was an early favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award after putting on a show in his first month in the league. However, the Utah product missed too many tackles and showed flaws in pass coverage as the season progressed, ultimately losing the starting role in the middle of Jacksonville's defense for a couple of games. Lloyd finished the campaign with 115 tackles, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions, two of which came in the season's first three weeks.

Grade: C+

28. Devonte Wyatt, DT, Packers

Best game: at Commanders (Week 7)
Worst game: at Eagles (Week 10)

When Green Bay gave Wyatt reps, it was easy to see why he was a Day 1 pick. However, the lack of snaps hurts his grade here. Playing behind a deep and experienced D-line, the Georgia product logged 10 or fewer defensive snaps in eight games during the regular season. His playing time did increase in the final weeks after Dean Lowry went down with an injury, but we still need to see more from Wyatt, who put up 15 tackles, three QB hits, and 1.5 sacks.

Grade: C-

29. Cole Strange, G, Patriots

Best game: at Cardinals (Week 14)
Worst game: at Jets (Week 8)

No one really knew what to expect from Strange after the Patriots drafted him in a move that came out of left field. The Chattanooga product did show signs that he can be a reliable option in the future, but his streaky performances weren't exactly what New England would like from a full-time starter. Most of the Patriots' offensive linemen were inconsistent this season, so Bill Belichick and Co. don't need to panic about Strange just yet. He committed six penalties and allowed 23 pressures heading into Week 18.

Grade: C+

30. George Karlaftis, DE, Chiefs

Best game: vs. Broncos (Week 17)
Worst game: at Buccaneers (Week 4)

Karlaftis had a slow start but, once he was able to turn the page, the Purdue product became one of the NFL's most disruptive first-year edge rushers. Granted, the 21-year-old struggled against the run, and the Chiefs expect more from him. However, Karlaftis showed in recent weeks how much he can add to the club's defense, racking up at least 0.5 sacks in six of his team's final seven games while helping K.C. improve in a significant area of need. He's heating up at the right time, and his momentum could be an X-factor as the Chiefs try to make another Super Bowl run.

Grade: B-

31. Daxton Hill, S, Bengals

Best game: vs. Buccaneers (Week 15)
Worst game: at Browns (Week 8)

It's hard to grade Hill because he mostly played on special teams and logged more than 50% of Cincy's defensive snaps in just one game while replacing injured slot corner Mike Hilton in Week 15. But at the same time, we can't overlook the fact that Hill - known for his ability to play multiple positions at Michigan - didn't carve out a role in a Cincinnati secondary that lacks depth. There's no reason to panic, though, as the Bengals' original plan was never to play him at safety as a rookie given the presence of veterans Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates. It'll be interesting to see how much Hill learned from those guys.

Grade: D

32. Lewis Cine, S, Vikings Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Cine didn't play in Week 1 due to a knee injury and then played only two defensive snaps until a lower leg fracture ended his first NFL campaign prematurely in Week 4.

Grade: N/A

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