Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett Aug 20, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) looks to throw during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
FeaturedNFLBy Michael Grant on

Being a rookie in the NFL is challenging. Sometimes players make a big leap in their second — “sophomore” — year. Here are five players who could be significantly better in 2023.

5. Jermaine Johnson II, DE/LB, New York Jets

Drafted: 26th overall

Key 2022 stats: 2.5 sacks, 29 tackles in 14 games.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas had the best draft in 2022, producing the NFL’s offensive and defensive rookies of the year respectively in wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner.

By (unfair) comparison, the other first-round pick was a limited contributor. Jermaine Johnson II was a situational pass rusher. He displayed his raw potential by chasing down uber-athletic Josh Allen for a fourth-quarter sack in a home victory over the Buffalo Bills. He ranked No. 6 among rookie edge defenders. This fall, Johnson should be helped by his supporting cast. The Jets’ defensive front is deep. That should mean a lot more production from Johnson.

4. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Drafted: 20th overall

Key 2022 stats: 2,404 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 9 interceptions in 13 games

If not for the concerns about offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Kenny Pickett might be higher on this list. The Steelers brought Canada back for a third year despite the fact that Pittsburgh has ranked No. 23 in total offense for the second straight season. Perhaps the Steelers wanted continuity so Pickett wouldn’t have to learn another system.

Pickett, the lone quarterback selected in the first round in 2022, didn’t have great overall statistics. However, Pickett did show flashes down the stretch. He became the first rookie in NFL history to have a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute in back-to-back games against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll need to take a massive step forward for the Steelers to compete in the AFC North.

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3. Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders

Drafted: 16th overall

Key 2021 stats: 35 catches, 523 yards, 7 touchdowns in 12 games

Jahan Dotson might be the biggest beneficiary of Eric Bieniemy being the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Last season, despite unstable quarterback play, Dotson caught seven touchdowns, tied with the Green Bay Packers’ Christian Watson for the most by a rookie wide receiver. And he did so on only 35 catches. He also averaged 14.9 yards per reception. Only a hamstrings injury which forced him to miss five games slowed him down.

If Bieniemy can coach up the quarterback (Sam Howell?), there’s reason to believe that Dotson can thrive. The presence of Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin on the opposite side means that Dotson should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities. Look for Bieniemy to find creative ways to use him.

2. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons 

Drafted: 8th overall

Key 2022 stats: 72 catches, 866 yards, 4 TDs in 17 games

Under normal circumstances, Drake London might have earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. But he was outshined by Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Like them, London led his team in catches and receiving yards.

Also, like them, London had to overcome quarterback issues. London was forced to carry a heavier load due to the season-long suspension of Calvin Ridley, and he held his own. He improved as the season went along, particularly after the Atlanta Falcons benched veteran Marcus Mariota for rookie Desmond Ridder. Over Ridder’s four starts, London had 25 catches for 333 yards.

Ridder might not be the long-term answer. He can improve his chances of keeping the job by getting the ball to London.

1. Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

Drafted: 21st overall

Key 2022 stats: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble in 11 games

Trent McDuffie wasn’t the best cornerback in the 2022 draft class, but you can’t deny his impact. Yes, he’s still looking for his first interception. But turnovers don’t always tell the whole story.

After McDuffie returned from a hamstrings injury, the Kansas City Chiefs’ pass defense improved. According to Pro Football Focus, when the rookie returned in Week 9, the Chiefs had PFF’s top coverage grade and were third-best in yards per reception for the remainder of the regular season. PFF lauded McDuffie’s press coverage skills, which it describes as the most challenging task for a cornerback. In the postseason, McDuffie started every game and forced a fumble. He’s an emerging star for the Chiefs’ young secondary.

Note: Players named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2022 All-Rookie team were not eligible for this list.

About Michael Grant

Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant, Anthony Grant, Amy Grant or Hugh Grant.

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