The first week of the NFL season saw plenty of rookies make their long-awaited NFL debuts.
On both sides of the ball, some of the top draft picks got their careers off to great starts.
It is nothing new in the NFL to see rookies make significant impacts.
For instance, Ja’Marr Chase was an All-Pro last season as a rookie.
Nowadays, rookies are expected to make big impacts in their first seasons.
So which rookies will have that type of impact this year?
Well, here are three that got their NFL careers off to a great start.
1. Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders used their first-round pick on wide receiver Jahan Dotson from Penn State.
He is already paying dividends in Week 1 for the Commanders.
The rookie WR caught three passes on five targets for 40 yards and two touchdowns.
JAHAN! What a grab 😤 @Commanders take the lead with just under 2 minutes left!
📺: #JAXvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/mY4ew2vyFN pic.twitter.com/sQEH6LwfnR— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
Dotson has stepped into the WR2 role for Washington and immediately made an impact.
The five targets were fourth on the team but second amongst receivers.
Quarterback Carson Wentz showed he is going to spread the ball around to all of the weapons.
The Penn State product was the fifth WR drafted in the first round, yet was the only one to score a touchdown in Week 1.
Dotson played 88% of the offensive snaps and should continue to be a big factor in the offense.
After this performance, Dotson has even become the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2. Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars
The number one overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft wasted no time getting his career off to a great start.
Travon Walker had four tackles, one sack, and one interception in his debut.
Despite playing in his first NFL game, Walker was the most impactful defender for the Jaguars.
.@44Ytw stole this ball right outta the air!! 😱 @Jaguars
📺: #JAXvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/mY4ew2vyFN pic.twitter.com/qPsDoJXD2q— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
After being somewhat of a surprise first overall pick, he showed all the traits of a future star in Week 1.
Walker is a versatile player that plays with speed and explosiveness.
He was also the first player since T.J. Watt to have a sack and interception in his NFL debut.
The former Georgia Bulldog looks the part of a first-overall pick and he will make a big difference in the Jaguars’ turnaround.
3. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
The first receiver drafted in the NFL Draft was Drake London by the Atlanta Falcons.
He also led all rookies in receiver yards in Week 1.
London caught five passes for 74 yards and tied for the team lead in targets.
Drake London with his first big reception 👀 (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/U97KkoG1DL
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 11, 2022
He will continue to be a focal point in this offense all season.
Being drafted eighth overall, London showed everything you look for in a WR1.
He has great size and length, along with an ability to get open.
Kyle Pitts set the Falcons rookie record for receiving yards last year with 1,026 yards.
London has a good shot to exceed that number with how involved he should be all season.
He was the highest wide receiver drafted by Atlanta since Julio Jones in 2011.
Expect London to follow in Jones’ footsteps with a great rookie season.
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