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NFL Draft 2022: Can This Be The Year For an Offensive Line OROY Win?

By Jacob Schyvinck

May 13, 2022; Costa Mesa CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson (77) during rookie minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2022; Costa Mesa CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson (77) during rookie minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can the 2022 NFL Draft class be the first to produce an offensive lineman for OROY?

It’s been a long road to improve the recognition for young offensive lineman. Some are fighting the good fight out there, but getting them into the limelight is still an uphill battle. Look no further than the offensive rookie of the year award, which is often a quarterback award, if they play enough games. Wide receiver also gets priority, as did running back if you go back an era or two.

The last two NFL Draft classes have produced extremely talented offensive linemen who contributed at a high level right away. In 2020, Tristan Wirfs came in and dominated at the right tackle position, enough to earn praise from analysts around the NFL sphere. He didn’t end up winning the award because of the play of both Justin Herbert and Justin Jefferson.

The 2021 season was one where it nearly happened. The talented rookie quarterback class didn’t produce much in year one, leaving both Rashawn Slater and Creed Humphrey in the driver’s seat alongside receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Ultimately, Chase’s 11-catch, 266-yard, three touchdown performance against the Chiefs tipped the scales, but Humphrey, who was graded as a top center (if not the top center) in all of football, ended up just short.

Maybe the 2022 NFL Draft will produce the first offensive lineman to win the award. This was considered a down class offensively at several positions. The quarterback class had one player drafted in the first two rounds. Can Kenny Pickett push for the award? Perhaps, but it’s an uphill battle. As for wide receiver, many are entering tougher situations. Garrett Wilson will fight for targets, and Drake London doesn’t have the best quarterback. Chris Olave might be the best bet at the position, but that’s if Michael Thomas’ injury is truly a problem.

So which offensive linemen have a chance for the award? The Panthers selected Ikem Ekwonu at number six overall, and his demeanor and ability should change that unit up front. Evan Neal makes the Giants immediately better, and playing opposite Andrew Thomas will form one of the better young duos in the league for years to come. Don’t forget about Zion Johnson with the Chargers. Slater helped change the unit at left tackle, and there’s no reason Johnson can’t have that type of impact on the interior.

If the receiver class starts slow, and either Pickett starts slow (or doesn’t start), a strong performance from an offensive lineman could finally open some eyes to voters. Pay attention to more young talent in the trenches, cause they’re making early impacts.

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