Everyone has their predictions before the NFL season starts about which rookies will have the most on-field production, and which athlete will have the best overall career. The predictions come from their college days and the stats they muster up at the NFL combine, but no one truly knows how a rookie will adjust to the NFL lifestyle and whether or not it will translate to time on the gridiron.
A quality rookie can have an immediate impact on their NFL team. Ja'Marr Chase is one of those rookies that had an immediate influence on the Cincinnati Bengals during his rookie campaign. During Chase's rookie season, the wide receiver played and started in 17 games, catching 81 passes, and totaling an impressive 1,455 yards receiving yards. He also caught 13 touchdowns in the regular season and another touchdown in the post-season. Chase was a major contributor to the Bengals success and trip to the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years.
As a card collector, every sports card collector is hunting for the next Joe Namath or Tom Brady rookie card that will buy them a beautiful boat in 20 years. We have compiled a list of our Top 5 NFL rookies your should buy and collect through 5 weeks in the 2022 NFL season.
No. 5 - Breece Hall - RB - New York Jets
Hall is a former Iowa State Cyclone, drafted by the New York Jets in the second round with the thirty-sixth pick overall. Hall is bursting out of the gates through 5 weeks in the NFL with 275 yards rushing, 213 receiving, and three total touchdowns, two via the ground. He's hauled in 17 catches and is rushing for 4.9 yards a carry. The young back had a huge game against the Miami Dolphins in week 5 and contributed to the team's third win on the season. The Jets improved to 3-2.
No. 4 - Garrett Wilson - WR - New York Jets
Wilson is a star coming out of Ohio State. Drafted in the first round with the tenth pick overall, Wilson wasn't expected to start right away but to gradually make his way into the starting lineup. Wilson showed tremendous potential in the pre-season. After getting in against the Browns in week 2, Wilson went off. The former Buckeye caught 8 passes for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. Since week two, Wilson has started each week for the Jets. The tenth overall pick has tallied 23 receptions and 282 yards through 5 weeks in his NFL career.
No. 3 - Drake London - WR - Atlanta Falcons
This USC Trojan won his conference (Pac-12) Offensive Player of the Year (2021) and was selected First-Team All-Pac-12 (2021). London is a large wideout, standing at six-foot-four inches tall and 213-pounds. London has started 4 out of the 5 games this 2022 season. The former USC receiver has 22 receptions and 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. While Atlanta sits at 2-3, Drake London is making a substantial impact already through 5 weeks. Paired with their Tight End, Pitts, London will find many opportunities to be targeted.
No. 2 - Chris Olave - WR - New Orleans Saints
Drafted a spot behind his teammate Garrett Wilson at No. 11 overall, Olave was scooped up by the Saints. A much-needed receiver with Michael Thomas's continuous injuries, Olave has already made an impact on the field. Bringing in 25 catches for 389 yards and 2 touchdowns. In his last game, in a shootout against the Seattle Seahawks, Olave was targeted 6 times and caught 4 of those targets for 57 yards and his second touchdown of the year. In week three of the season, Olave caught 9 passes on 13 targets. He has suffered a concussion already but as long as he can stay healthy, Olave will be a strong option for the QBs steering the Saints' ship.
No. 1 "Sauce" Ahmad Gardner - CB - New York Jets
Sauce Gardner is winning fans over in New York really fast. Gardner's strong personality and awesome nickname landed him a contract off the field with Buffalo Wild Wings and his own hot sauce flavor. The No. 4 overall 2022 draft pick for the New York Jets on the field is an imposing cornerback. Standing at 6'3" and 203-pounds, Gardner is shutting down top receivers in the league. This past week, Gardner limited Tyreek Hill to 47 yards on his 7 catches. He also snagged the first interception of his career against Miami. Gardner has 20 total tackles, 5 pass deflections, and one interception through 5 weeks. Keep your eyes on this young secondary player as the year progresses as he's proving the Jets GM right.
As the NFL season continues, and QBs get hurt, expect to see our list evolve as the rookie quarterbacks begin to slide into starting positions. As of now, this is our list of the Top 5 NFL rookies' sports cards collectors should purchase.
Be sure to visit SMRCollectibles.com to view all the sports cards and memorabilia you desire. We also have a vintage eBay store if you're a fan of sports history. SMR Collectibles Storefront is also open. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
Please be sure to follow our social media at @SMRCollectibles.
