Sure, it's way too early.
A record-breaking six wide receivers were selected in the first 20 picks, and given the current trend for first-year production from the position, there's a good chance one of these guys gets the offensive rookie of the year award.
Quarterbacks generally reign supreme in the draft and the ROTY voting. The quarterbacks noticeably fell, however, leaving the Steelers with their pick of the litter at #20 where they selected Kenny Pickett. No QBs went in the second round, but the third saw Atlanta draft Desmond Ridder, Tennessee take Malik Willis, and Carolina move up to get Matt Corral.
Despite some speculation, we didn't see a team reach for a running back in the first round. The Jets moved up and took Breece Hall with the fourth pick in the second round, and the Seahawks took Kenneth Walker III a few picks later. Buffalo grabbed James Cook (Dalvin's little brother) at the end of the second, and the Chargers grabbed Isaiah Spiller in the fourth. If it's not a QB or wide receiver in 2022, it's surely to be one of these guys who gets the ROTY voting locked down.
Top tight end Trey McBride was taken by the Cardinals in the second round, with Virginia's Jelani Woods and UCLA's athletic Greg Dulcich going to Indianapolis and Denver in the third, respectively. The Jets drafted Jeremy Ruckert also in the third, and Cade Otten went to Tampa at the beginning of the fourth. Tight ends generally don't see enough usage to be real ROTY contenders, but perhaps this could be the year.
OROTY Projections
1. James Cook
RB...Buffalo
The Bills went defense in the first round and snagged Georgia's championship RB in the second. If he can be the three-down back Buffalo has been missing in the Josh Allen era, the goal line work alone could see Cook approach the rookie rushing touchdown record (Eric Dickerson, 18).
2. Kenny Pickett
QB...Pittsburgh
Even if Pickett only starts eight games, the bar is set pretty low for him so as long as he doesn't pull a Nathan "Five-Pick" Pederman he will likely finish pretty high in the rookie voting.
3. Skyy Moore
WR...Kansas City
The Chiefs have a big hole to fill with the absence of Tyreek Hill, and while Moore alone won't fill it, he has the physical attributes to become Pat Mahomes' new favorite target.
4. Christian Watson
WR...Green Bay
If the Chiefs have a big hole to fill...Green Bay has the Grand Canyon. Watson was drafted in the second round (much like Davante Adams) and has the physical skills to light up the league, the only question being the timeline for his chemistry to develop with Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams didn't really become Davante Adams until year 3.
5. Drake London
WR...Atlanta
Many were surprised when the Falcons passed on Garrett Wilson for the lesser-known commodity Drake London. The USC product has the true X-receiver size and 50/50 ball ability to shine in an offense where he will immediately be the WR1...and the Falcons likely have to throw the ball a lot.
6. Chris Olave
WR...New Orleans
If Jameis Winston is healthy, the man can sling the rock. He just hasn't had elite wideouts to throw to since his Tampa days. Lining up opposite Michael Thomas, Olave could be the breakout rookie of the year.
7. Breece Hall
RB...New York Jets
One of the Jets' many moves was to climb up a few spots at the beginning of the second round and get Hall out of Iowa State. Hall will share the backfield as part of a one-two punch with Michael Carter, limiting his total stats for 2022. If Carter were to deal with injuries again however, Hall could rocket up rookie voting boards...if New York can commit to running the ball.
8. Alec Pierce
WR...Indianapolis
Pierce isn't the biggest name in the wide receiver prospect world, but the man can play (he was Desmond Ridder's leading receiver on the historic Bearcat's 2021 season). Put him in Indy with Matt Ryan and not a lot of competition for targets, and we could see a surprising season out of the young man.
9. Matt Corral
QB...Carolina
Carolina waited on a quarterback, eventually moving up into the third round to grab Corral out of Ole Miss. While he may not have the greatest season, he has the best chance to start the most games out of all the rookies, and that will translate to votes. Zach Wilson got votes last year.
10. Garrett Wilson
WR...New York Jets
Wilson was taken 10th overall by New York to add to their offensive weapon cache they have been assembling. Wilson has all the measurables required for an All-Pro rookie season, but the questionable quarterback play and competition for targets between he and Corey Davis, Elijiah Moore, the split backs, and the three tight ends muddles his volume potential. Reminds me of the old philosophers' saying, "If you are open and no one throws to you, are you really open?" This could change if Zach Wilson turns out to be good.
11. Romeo Doubs
WR...Green Bay
It's going to be too easy taking Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson out of the game with some blanket coverage. That leaves a shifty guy like Doubs (pronounced "Dubs") to sneak away and absorb targets from Aaron Rodgers.
12. Trey McBride
TE...Arizona
McBride was taken in the second round by the Cardinals to help bolster their offensive strength over the middle. McBride has the speed and hands to become a target magnet in the red zone for Kyler Murray.
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