5 NFL rookies who have taken fans by surprise ft. Breece Hall

Seven weeks of the NFL have passed, and many rookies selected in the 2022 draft have already left their mark on the season.

Defensive and offensive rookies have already significantly impacted their teams, and some have even become the lynchpin of their franchises.

We expected a lot of the early picks, but some have taken us by surprise. Meanwhile, some late draftees are also surprising fans across the NFL.

#5 - Sauce Gardner

New York Jets v Denver Broncos

The New York Jets selected cornerback Sauce Gardner with the fourth-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he's still surprised fans with just how good he is.

Gardner has already established himself as a No. 1 lockdown corner with the Jets and is the main reason they sit 5-2 after seven weeks.

Gardner has locked down several top receivers, and it seems as though quarterbacks have already stopped throwing his way, which is extraordinary for a rookie.

#4 - Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans v Las Vegas Raiders

The Houston Texans' first-year running back Dameon Pierce has been one of the most surprising draftees from the 2022 class. Despite not being drafted until the fourth round, Pierce has already cemented himself as the Texans' starting back and has become a lynchpin of the offense.

So far this year, Pierce has run for 504 yards and three touchdowns in five starts. He's placed himself amongst the top rookie running backs in the NFL despite his low draft position.

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