Top 10 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates in 2022: Jaguars, Jets duos highlight list

Drafted: Round 1, No. 3 overall

Stingley has the talent to be ranked higher on this list, but there are several players ahead of him that I believe have the opportunity to tally more production as a rookie. While Stingley hasn't been able to show sustained elite play since his freshman season in 2019, it's almost impossible to forget the ball skills and takeaway talent he displayed throughout that year. If NFL offenses test him often enough this fall and Stingley can stay healthy, he will have a chance to grab interceptions and launch himself into the DROY conversation.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 1 overall

Walker is a big, tough guy with long arms and terrific power in his hands to set impressive edges, but that won't mean much for this award. Walker is a coach's dream, providing excellent field aggression and a willingness to stay within the scheme in order to allow his unit to flourish. However, he might need to become a more impactful individual pass rusher if he wants to catch the attention of DROY voters.

Drafted: Round 3, No. 83 overall

We know linebackers with playmaking tendencies have a good shot to find their way into the conversation when it comes to DROY contention, and Dean fits into that category. He slid into the third round of the draft due to medical concerns, which might have taken him off of some radars for this award. However, Dean will have former Georgia teammate Jordan Davis eating up blocks in the middle of the Philly D-line to put him in good position to make plays. Both Dean's sack total and ball production against the pass improved in Georgia's championship season, so he should be one to watch if he can stay healthy and win a starting job early on.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 4 overall

History tells us that interceptions are key when it comes to providing rookie cornerbacks a chance to win DROY. Gardner pulled three interceptions in each of his three seasons at Cincinnati, which is impressive considering how infrequently quarterback's challenged him and how often he played tight, press coverage. He has take-it-away talent, a catchy nickname and bravado for days, which should all work in his favor.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 26 overall

You have to go all the way back to 2013 to find the last Jets edge rusher to post double-digit sacks in a season (Calvin Pace, 10). Fast forward to 2022 and Johnson will be lining up with a fairly deep defensive line that should fare much better than it did in 2021. He's a plus run defender with good strength at the point of attack and the athleticism to put together some highlight-reel tackles for loss. His hands and spin moves got better and better throughout last season at Florida State, but the key for Johnson will be his continued growth as a pass rusher. He might be ready to make early noise as a rookie.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 14 overall

Hamilton was my highest-graded draft prospect in 2022 thanks to his rare traits and impact potential. In Baltimore, free-agent signee Marcus Williams provides the Ravens with a center fielder who should allow Hamilton to move around the field, where he can range and attack the football. He can be a little bumpy in man coverage at times, but he's a hard worker and ferocious hitter whose hybrid talents could create more production than most safeties see in a rookie season.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 22 overall

Walker's size (6-foot-4, 241 pounds), athleticism and toughness should make him an instant favorite of the defensive coaching staff in Green Bay. His instincts and discipline are what make him a top four candidate for this award, in my opinion. Walker plays with an above-average feel for play development and uses take-on strength and tackling technique to finish what he starts. With size and talent along the Packers' defensive front to occupy blockers, Walker should be able to run, hit, and pile up tackles this season.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 5 overall

Thibodeaux is strong and explosive with pretty good insight into the art of the pass rush. However, he has to show he can execute as a pass rusher on a consistent basis in the NFL. His ability to close to the sideline should make him tough to run against, but sacks are what win this award.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 27 overall

I know I like Lloyd's chances better than others do, but his ability to fill up columns on the stat sheet should not be discounted. The last true linebacker to win this award was Shaquille Leonard, who piled up 163 tackles with 12 for loss and a pair of interceptions in 2018. Lloyd showcased his ability to produce at a high level in each of those categories during his final season at Utah. Look out for this guy.

Drafted: Round 1, No. 2 overall

Few defenders from the 2022 class will come into the league as game-ready as Hutchinson. He has NFL size (6-7, 264), strength and a relentless motor that will help him find production against offensive tackles unable to keep up with his pace. Hutchinson is able to impact both the run and passing games, and has quick hands that should help him acclimate more quickly to facing OTs at the pro level. The Lions' defense has a chance to be much better this season, and that improvement could amplify Hutchinson's case for DROY if he plays well.