NFL Draft 2022: 10 Day Three Picks Who Can Make Immediate Impact
Which 2022 NFL Draft picks on day three could make an immediate impact in their rookie campaigns?
The NFL Draft is often (and correctly) described as playing the lottery. While it’s partially true, educated guesses are made every year in the first couple of rounds. The real lottery exists on day three, where NFL teams are looking for hidden gems.
Day three can produce some great NFL starters (Corey Linsley, Stefon Diggs, Antonio Brown) and players who can make an immediate impact. Last year, Amon-Ra St. Brown played extremely well in Detroit, pushing for the 1,000-yard mark and doing the dirty work as a blocker in the slot. Rhamondre Stevenson got some run with the Patriots later in the year, and Michael Carter II did well at corner for the Jets. Let’s not forget about Nate Hobbs, who had a very good year in the slot in Vegas.
Ten 2022 NFL Draft day three rookies who could make early impact.
The 2022 NFL Draft won’t be any different. There will be players who step up and contribute in year one. Let’s identify 10 of those players who could emerge and be a solid role player as rookies. Off we go!
Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. The Buffalo Bills are looking to replace Cole Beasley’s production in the slot, an area that will be peppered with targets. Jamison Crowder was signed to potentially take the role, but Khalil Shakir‘s skill set is perfect for that role. He catches everything thrown his way and has the refined technique to win quick as a route runner.
Kyle Philips, WR, Titans
As with Shakir, Kyle Philips has an opportunity to make hey in Tennessee. Treylon Burks obviously has the expectations, but Philips is a strong route runner who can operate extremely well in the middle of the field to be a chain mover for Ryan Tannehill, when the Titans get into “11” personnel.
Braxton Jones, OT, Bears
The offensive line is a hot topic surrounding the Chicago Bears this offseason, and there will be battles in camp after their barrage of picks on day three of the NFL Draft. Braxton Jones is one to watch at tackle, as he has the experience with zone run concepts, something that new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will install. His length offers him some margin for error to grow with technique in pass pro, and he could make a play for left tackle to keep Teven Jenkins on the right side.
Justin Shaffer, G, Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons need to get better along the offensive line, and while picking Justin Shaffer’s teammate might’ve been a better call, Shaffer can still potentially fight for one of the guard spots in camp. If not, struggles from the incumbents could push him into a starting role later in the season, and he could thrive.
Thomas Booker, DT, Texans
If you’ve followed this site throughout NFL Draft season, or seen others in the draft sphere talk about him, you’ve probably heard how smart Thomas Booker is. On a defense that’s looking for talent to rise, Booker can snatch up one of the starting spots along the defensive line and contribute as a good run defender and gap controller.
Jordan Stout, P, Ravens
A punter?! Yes, a punter. While everyone focused on Matt Araiza during the draft process, Jordan Stout was quietly the better punter, especially when pinning teams deep inside their territory. Stout can give the Ravens defense some great chances to put pressure on in their opponents’ territories.
Ko Kieft, TE, Buccaneers
When everyone thinks of “impact”, they usually hope it shows up on the stat sheet. This isn’t one of those occasions. Ko Kieft isn’t going to blow anyone away with numbers (so don’t draft him in fantasy) but his technique, power, and finishing skills as a blocker will be a major help for the Bucs, especially if Rob Gronkowski is really done.
Pierre Strong, RB, Patriots
The Patriots always have a strong stable of running backs, and Pierre Strong has the explosiveness and pass-catching ability to generate big plays in the offense. He could be the next James White in New England while simultaneously making an impact as a returner.
Perrion Winfrey, DT, Browns
One of the better value picks early on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft, Perrion Winfrey to the Browns made a ton of sense. The defensive line needs some juice to come from the interior, and Winfrey is excellent at attacking gaps and penetrating to make plays against the run and as a pass rusher.
Joshua Williams, CB, Chiefs
The Chiefs are looking for a replacement for Charvarius Ward, and of course Trent McDuffie has the inside track to be the starter opposite L’Jarius Sneed. However, don’t forget about Joshua Williams. His physicality in man coverage could come in handy on the perimeter and give McDuffie the ability to slide into the slot in DB-heavy packages.