Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season is in the books, and what a great start to the season it was! There were several thrilling finishes, many big plays, and of course notable performances from the rookie class already. Every week, we will be bringing you a recap of these top rookie performances, including our selection for offensive and defensive rookie of the week. Will your team’s first-round pick earn the honor at some point this season? Stay tuned!
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
JAHAN DOTSON HAVE YOURSELF A DAY pic.twitter.com/CiIcbYIdie
— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) September 11, 2022
Some NFL Draft analysts thought Washington reached on Dotson when they selected him 16th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. I was not one of them, and Dotson is already proving why he was worthy of such a high pick. Dotson caught three passes for 40 yards and two crucial touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:46 left in the fourth quarter. Not only were the touchdowns vital to Washington securing a win in Week 1 against the Jaguars, but they demonstrated Dotson’s best qualities: his outstanding quickness, tracking ability, and hand strength.
Runners-Up:
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
With 5 catches for 74 yards, London led the team in receptions and yards. The Falcons can be pleased with what they saw from their first-round pick in Week 1.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco may have spilled a fumble, but the Chiefs would be wise to trust him with a handful of touches per game nonetheless. Pacheco followed up an impressive pre-season with 62 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in a big win over the Cardinals.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: Travon Walker, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker gets his first career sack 💥
pic.twitter.com/osAQgRuFvy— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 11, 2022
Travon Walker played the part of a first overall pick in his regular season debut against the Commanders. Despite the loss, Walker had four tackles including one tackle-for-loss, one quarterback hit, one pass defended, one sack, and an interception on a screen pass. As someone who was skeptical of Walker coming out of college, I was impressed by his play in Week 1. He showed his disruptiveness by getting after the quarterback and in the run game and put his athletic ability and versatility on display with his interception. Walker’s stellar Week 1 performance comes after a very strong preseason.
Runners-Up:
Dominique Robinson, DE, Chicago Bears
Robinson recorded 1.5 sacks in the Bears’ 19-10 win over the 49ers, including a momentum-shifting sack on third down that forced the 49ers to settle for a field goal instead of scoring a TD.
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, New York Jets
Despite the loss, Gardner allowed just one reception for 8 yards on 34 total coverage snaps. He also recorded an impressive pass break-up in the end zone covering tight end Mark Andrews.
