The 2022 NFL rookie class is loaded with players that can make a huge impact in year one.
The NFC South specifically has a few rookies that could be game-changers.
It is not rare to see rookie skilled players have success in their first season.
Last year we saw Ja’Marr Chase, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Kyle Pitts, and Jaylen Waddle all have huge seasons.
While we might not have that many impact players this year, there are certainly a few to keep your eye on.
Here are three rookies that will impact the NFC South this season.
Drake London, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons selected London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Pairing London with 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have a great young receiving duo.
London is 6’4″ 219lbs and is a former basketball star.
He can jump with the best of them and high-point the ball away from defensive backs.
Also, he is a versatile receiver that can play both the slot and outside.
Drake London making an impact early 👀 (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/vLBXeQGrsB
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 12, 2022
Other than Pitts, Atlanta does not have much else to throw to.
Giving London a great chance to lead all rookie WRs in targets.
The Falcons may not have a good team this season, but they do have a few offensive players that can cause problems for other teams.
Watch out for the rookie from USC to put this division and the whole league on notice in his first year.
Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints were the third team to select a receiver in the 2022 draft.
They took Chris Olave from Ohio State, with the 11th overall pick.
New Orleans needed a good young receiver because the best they have on their roster is Michael Thomas who did not play at all last season.
Olave is a smooth route runner that will step in and immediately contribute to the Saints.
Chris Olave gets SIX for NOLA ⚜️
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/WaBQ7NIMIk
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 20, 2022
Like London, Olave can also play both inside and outside.
Also, the Ohio State alum has great speed.
His 4.39 40-yard dash will play at any level and against any opponent.
Olave will most likely control the WR2 role in New Orleans and could be the WR1 if Thomas can not play.
The 22-year-old should be one of Jameis Winston‘s favorite targets and have a very productive year.
Rachaad White, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their third-round draft pick to select running back, Rachaad White, out of Arizona State.
In what might have been a surprising pick to some, White fits perfectly into a Tom Brady-led offense.
The rookie is an excellent pass-catcher and should have a role on third-downs this upcoming year.
With Leonard Fournette still in the fold, the usage and upside of White will be limited.
But, if White impresses in his snaps he could carve out a larger role later in the season.
It will be interesting to see if the third-round pick plays a similar role to what Brady had with James White in New England.
White seems to be entering the season as the Bucs’ RB2 and should make an immediate impact for the reigning NFC South champs.
NEXT: The Falcons Have A Shocking Problem To Fix This Season