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Headline #4: Rookies Proving They Were Worth Early Pick

•No. 1: Garrett Wilson (New York Jets)

*Stats from Sunday: 8 Catches, 102 Yards, 2 TD*

The New York Jets shocked the world by coming back from a double-digit deficit in the last couple of minutes of their game at Cleveland. Perhaps the biggest reason for the Jets comeback was the stellar play of rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

Wilson became the first Jets rookie receiver to ever record 100 yards and two touchdowns in the same game. On his first touchdown, he shook the defender in the end zone and looked exactly like the player that he was at Ohio State.

The second touchdown put his team ahead and clinched the comeback victory. Wilson showed Jets fans Sunday why general manager Joe Douglas made him the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

•No. 2: Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions)

*Stats from Sunday: 6 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 2 TFLs*

The Detroit Lions loved Aidan Hutchinson so much as a prospect that they actually got in trouble for sending in their draft pick card too quickly when they selected the former Michigan Wolverine at No. 2 overall.

After the Jaguars took Travon Walker to open the event, it was a no-brainer decision for general manager Brad Holmes to grab the hometown boy. Hutch set school records during his Heisman-finalist campaign in 2021.

He tested out well at the NFL Draft Scouting Combine, cementing his status as a franchise-altering pass rusher. He’s made the decision of Detroit taking him look brilliant thus far.

Hutchinson created pressure consistently during the opening week of the season against Philadelphia. In week two, he flashed his unparalleled potential off the edge. Hutchinson recorded three sacks and six total tackles, wreaking havoc on Carson Wentz all afternoon.

This performance is merely a promise of things to come for the Lions. Hutchinson will be considered a top pass rusher in the NFL by the time his rookie season concludes. Let me introduce you to your favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

•No. 3: Drake London (Atlanta Falcons)

*Stats from Sunday: 8 Catches, 86 Yards, 1 TD*

Drake London became the first rookie wide receiver to put up at least five receptions and more than 70 yards in each of his first two games since Stefon Diggs did it in 2015. In week two, London scored his first career touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.

Atlanta nearly overcame a 28-3 disadvantage by charging back to beat the Rams, and London’s eight catches for 86 yards helped Falcons fans forget about Julio Jones, even if just for a few hours.

London went off the board as the first wide receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, even after dealing with injuries and opting out of offseason workouts. His biggest question entering the league was whether or not he could separate consistently, but it looks like it won’t be long before that’s an afterthought.

•No. 4: Zion Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers)

*Stats from Thursday: 2 Pressures, 98% PBE*

Former Boston College Eagle, Zion Johnson, was once a zero-star recruit at little-known Davidson College. He helped lead a staunch rushing attack while with the Wildcats, and after transferring to the ACC, he did the same with BC.

Johnson earned an invite to the Senior Bowl, and he made as much money as anyone that week. Not literally, of course, but Johnson went from a day three flier to a bonafide first-round NFL Draft prospect. The tape was always good, but the way Johnson proved he belonged helped quell any fears.

The Los Angeles Chargers grabbed Johnson at No. 17 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he has immediately become one of the best guards in the league through two weeks.

The starting guard for the Chargers performed wonderfully against the Raider’s pass rush, and in week two he neutralized Chris Jones nearly every time the two matched up.

Jones didn’t start making a true impact until he shuffled down the line and started taking advantage of the overmatched Matt Feiler. We always knew Johnson was an elite run blocker from day one, but the leaps and bounds he’s grown in pass protection speak volumes.

Between Rashawn Slater, Corey Linsley, and Zion Johnson, the Los Angeles Chargers are a considerably better line than what we saw Thursday night. They just have to stay healthy.

•No. 5: Jahan Dotson (Washington Commanders)

*Stats from Sunday: 4 Catches, 59 Yards, 1 TD*

The Washington Commanders did not come away with a win this weekend, but there were still plenty of positives to lean on. Jahan Dotson, Washington’s first-round pick, has been a steady presence for the Commander’s offense dating back to his arrival at training camp.

Quarterback Carson Wentz is an enigma behind center, but he’s developed a strong connection with Dotson already. Dotson caught two touchdowns in his debut against Jacksonville in week one, and against the Lions on Sunday, he caught another one.

Terry McLaurin is always going to be “the guy” in DC, but Jahan Dotson will be the Robin to his Batman for years to come.