The NFL has relatively unknown talented players getting lost in the headlines.
With superstar players in the game, it’s hard for them to receive national attention.
While superstar players get the attention, players casual NFL fans never heard of make still make an impact.
These lesser-known players will have time to shine during the preseason.
But it’s the NFL regular season they want to make their impact on.
There are three NFL players, who most fans don’t know, set to make an impact in 2022.
3. Braxton Berrios
When you play for the New York Jets, it’s easy to get overlooked.
That’s part of the case for wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
Watched the 30 minute video on the Jets YouTube Channel of the Top Plays from 2021 today
The players who stood out to make the most plays:
• Corey Davis
• Braxton Berrios
• Elijah Moore
• Mike Carter
• Zach Wilson
• Quinnen Williams
• JFM
• CJ Mosley
• Quincy Williams— 𝙅𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼🛫 (@NYJets_Media) May 15, 2022
He’s entering his fifth season in the NFL and has slowly improved each year.
However, last season saw him receiving passes from several quarterbacks.
But he’s hoping to have consistency with second-year quarterback Zach Wilson
He’s also a solid return man for the Jets, earning a first-team All-Pro honor in 2021 as a kick returner.
With little competition in New York at receiver, Berrios might find more playing time as the leading receiver.
If that happens, expect him to make his mark with Wilson passing him the ball.
2. Diontae Johnson
Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers know this receiver very well.
While most casual NFL fans know Chase Claypool and Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson made his mark in Pittsburgh.
His game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in week 13 of the 2021 season was key to the Steelers making the playoffs.
It also started putting some eyes on him.
He’s a player that can get separation and make big time plays downfield.
A great way to start the game 💪@_BigBen7 | @Juiceup__3 | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/7H4cW61oc8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 10, 2021
With Smith-Schuster out of Pittsburgh, expect Johnson to get more exposure next to Claypool.
While he was a favorite target of former starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he could see more passes with his new starting QB.
However, it’s going to take him getting accustomed to his new quarterbacks in Pittsburgh.
Once he and his quarterback are in sync, he can show NFL fans why they should talk about him and not just Claypool.
1. Laviska Shenault
Laviska Shenault is a receiver that NFL teams want, but NFL fans never heard a lot about during his time in Jacksonville.
After the Jacksonville Jaguars signed receiver Christian Kirk, many NFL teams were thought to become suitors for Shenault.
However, he is coming off a 2021 season where he had zero touchdowns.
But he can change that in 2022.
The third-year wide receiver now has better coaching and a more mature Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.
While he might not see as many targets with Kirk around, he can still make an impact.
His play after catching the ball should draw more passes his way if Kirk gets locked down by defenses.
Being a physical receiver helps when making more yards after each catch.
So even with a new number one guy in town, he can show his skill set to Lawrence.
Who knows, he might find himself with another team that could better utilize his skills if Jacksonville ignores his abilities.
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