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Through six weeks of the 2022 NFL season, many rookies across the league are beginning to leave their mark during their debut campaigns. Defensive players all across the field are making plays, be it sacks, TFLs, safeties or interceptions.
Many of the top draftees from 2022 were defensive players, and many are in contention for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Here are three likely winners of the award.
#1 - Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
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New York Jets rookie cornerback Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner has been excellent since being drafted fourth-overall. Gardner has been a stud for the Jets, who have started an excellent 4-2. In five games to begin the year, Gardner has 23 total tackles, eight passes defended, one interception and one safety.
He immediately became a lockdown cornerback, with opposition quarterbacks already avoiding throwing his way. If he keeps up this excellent form, he'll no doubt be in contention for Rookie of the Year.
#2 - Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks first-year cornerback Tariq Woolen is definitely the surprise of the 2022 Draft so far. Woolen wasn't taken until the fifth-round, but is currently tied for the most interceptions in the entire NFL with four picks.
Woolen also returned one of those picks for a touchdown in Seattle's 48-45 win over the Detroit Lions. He has quickly become one of the best ball-hawk cornerbacks in football, much like Trevon Diggs of the Dallas Cowboys. He's been a joy to watch for Seattle fans, who are right to be praising his performances.
#3 - Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars
So far this season, linebacker Devin Lloyd has overshadowed the first-overall pick, Travon Walker, on the Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
In six games, Lloyd has 56 total tackles, a stat that leads all rookies, as well as catching two interceptions. Lloyd's presence has been felt in the Jaguars defense, and it's no wonder he's amongst the early frontrunners to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
With so much to play for and a lot of time left in the season, there will no doubt be other rookies soon in contention.
