Must-see NFL rookies in 2022 preseason: Kyle Hamilton and plenty of receivers highlight the top 10
Must-see NFL rookies in 2022 preseason: Kyle Hamilton and plenty of receivers highlight the top 10, This week features NFL preseason games. Now is the time to reflect on draught crushes and highlight preseason rookies.
According to Chris Trapasso, Josh Edwards named his preseason rookie favorites last week. I’m not using Josh’s picks since he’s a wonderful, hard-working NFL Draft analyst at CBS Sports.
Kyle Hamilton, S, Ravens
As my top 2022 prospect, I place Hamilton #1. Notre Dame’s safety had everything I look for in a modern, do-it-all safety. Since 2000, safety officers’ responsibilities have risen dramatically. In practically every defense, strong/free is gone, linebacker jobs are common, and safeties must double as slot cornerbacks.
Hamilton, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, handled all safety responsibilities well and had exceptional downfield coverage. At his size, I’m curious to see him versus NFL slot receivers. Even for naturally gifted safeties like Hamilton, this is a lofty assignment early in their careers.
Derek Stingley, CB, Texans
Stingley and I were instantaneously smitten. He dominated the SEC as an 18-year-old cornerback for LSU’s 2019 national championship team. His play wasn’t alone. Screen-popping qualities. Stingley’s press-coverage skill, mirrored brilliance, track speed, and glove magnets made him soar.
After 2019, a talent drain and injuries caused critics to question Stingley’s draught profile, but I never wavered. This player was born to play man or zone against NFL’s top receivers.
Stingley wasn’t as tall or lengthy as many expected at the combine, but he has the skill to be an instant pro star. I’m excited to see Stingley in the preseason when he won’t face many top receivers. Lock up.
Drake London, WR, Falcons
London is retro. But he’s not, which is why he’s my top 2022 wideout. Nearly 6-4 and 220 pounds, London can triumph over the top. London led the country in contested-catch victories for USC despite playing in only eight games. Insane.
Today’s NFL receivers need separation ability, and London has it. At his stature, he’s athletic enough to get open with route precision.
London also dominated yards after the catch. Kyle Pitts, London, Bryan Edwards, and Auden Tate are Atlanta’s top pass-catchers as they rebuild. Even in August, seeing this squad against opposition secondaries will be exciting.
Malik Willis, QB, Titans
Last and perhaps most significant of my mandatory article recommendations. Willis was my first-round QB pick in 2022. His footwork needed refinement, and he didn’t read collegiate defenses as well as Drew Brees. I like his performance as Liberty’s quarterback.
In today’s NFL, being able to connect on challenging intermediate and long throws is the ultimate sign of a quarterback’s success. Willis is talented. Plus. In 2021 at Liberty, he made throws Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, and Sam Howell couldn’t.
Willis should see plenty of preseason action. Not perfect. I hope he throws franchise-caliber passes in the preseason.
Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills
Rare cat Shakir. Three consecutive seasons as a full-time, high-volume college performer despite the lacking size, speed, or athleticism. He’s got it. Shakir excels after the catch and catches off-target throws acrobatically.
He joins Bills stars Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Jamison Crowder. Shakir took advantage of Crowder’s injury throughout training camp, displaying his plucking ability at all levels of the field. Josh Allen will help Buffalo’s receivers. Shakir has shown chemistry with Bills backups Matt Barkley and Case Keenum, who will throw him passes in August.
Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cardinals
I didn’t think Sanders was Randy Gregory 2.0, but I got Gregory vibes watching him at Cincinnati the past two years. Despite his tall, skinny build, he’s impossibly gangly and muscular. Bends. When dealing with offensive tackles, he uses his hands.
I think Sanders should’ve been drafted higher than Round 3, therefore I want to see him pressure the passer. Sanders has a bright future as he transitions from prospect to pro.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers
Doubs gets this nod because he’s been the Packers’ brightest star, and I’ll believe it when I see it. I hope he contradicts me. Doubs was Nevada’s big-play weapon. He struggled against physical cornerbacks, particularly after the catch.
In camp, he’s become, Davante Adams. Let’s see if the Packers unearthed a gem to replace Adams and maximize Rodgers’ career.
Luiji Vilain, EDGE, Vikings
Did you think I wouldn’t include a player slated for the practice squad in September? OMG! Vilain was the last 2022 prospect I watched, and I felt lucky because he’s a pass-rush jewel.
Vilain was a sought-after prospect who started at Michigan but didn’t achieve his potential until transferring to Wake Forest in 2021. 6-3 and 255 pounds, he has smooth athleticism and slick hands to get to the quarterback.
Vilain’s chances of making the Vikings roster and contributing are low as an undrafted free agent. Undrafted, he’ll play a lot in preseason. More chances, please! Vilain should be able to beat bottom-of-the-roster blockers in Minnesota’s second preseason game.
David Bell, WR, Browns
Bell is a film vs. athleticism case study. Bell dominated at Purdue. Downfield tracking. Check. Mastering YAC. Check. Tracking. Yep.
At Indianapolis and his Pro Day, he performed poorly. The Browns need playmaking offensive alternatives regardless of their quarterback. Did Bell’s athletic limitations hinder his Big Ten football potential? Can he outperform his exercise in how quickly and explosively he moves compared to NFL receivers? The preseason will answer these questions.
Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Bears
Robinson has huge potential as a positional convert. Robinson was a receiver at Miami of Ohio for two seasons before switching to defense. He finished with 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 28 pressures on 248 pass-rushing snaps.
These stats aren’t amazing. Respectable numbers, duration, and untapped talent make Robinson so compelling.
The Bear’s pass-rush is barren without Khalil Mack. Robinson will have plenty of chances to display his progress this preseason.