The emergence of San Francisco QB Brock Purdy, who threw for 234 yards in a win Sunday, isn’t the only great underdog story from the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdy, of course, was “Mr. Irrelevant in the draft, chosen with the 262nd and final pick.
Here are eight draft picks who were chosen no earlier than 97th overall that are making an impact in their rookie seasons in addition to “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Lions safety Kerby Joseph (third round, 97th overall)
Detroit’s defense took a step back in a 37-23 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, but it is the heart of the team’s mid-season resurgence. Second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson has done his part, but Joseph’s made sure the 2022 draft class has depth. He has 72 tackles, five passes defensed, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 15 games. He has started the past 12 games.
Texans RB Dameon Pierce (fourth round, 107th overall)
A former Florida Gator, Pierce has made defenses pay with aggressive running. Per Pro Football Focus, Pierce has forced 62 missed tackles, fourth most among running backs, and only one behind Tennessee’s Derrick Henry. A Week 14 ankle injury has cut Pierce’s season short as he has been placed on IR. He finished the season with 220 carries for 939 yards and four touchdowns.
Seahawks CB Coby Bryant, (fourth round, 109th overall)
Geno Smith deservedly received most of the love for Seattle’s better-than-expected 2022. He had help, however, with two defensive backs softening what appeared to be a precipitous fall heading into the season. Bryant, who was chosen two picks after Pierce, has 60 tackles, four passes defensed and four forced fumbles in 15 games (five starts).
Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier (fifth round, 151st overall)
The Falcons (5-10) are the only team eliminated from playoff contention in the horrible NFC South. Despite that shameful fact, Atlanta must be pleased it appears to have landed one of the biggest steals of the 2022 draft. Allgeier has 166 carries for 817 yards and two touchdowns. If the Falcons figure out their QB situation, look for them to emerge in a wide-open division next season.
Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen (fifth round, 153rd overall)
Woolen is third in Defensive Rookie of the Year odds, behind first-round picks Hutchinson and the favorite, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (h/t Oddschecker). Woolen has 53 tackles, 14 passes defensed, six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two fumble recoveries.
Cowboys CB DaRon Bland (fifth round, 167th overall)
Micah Parsons is the defensive leader of the Cowboys, but Bland adds sizzle to the unit. He has played in 15 games, starting six, compiling 45 tackles, seven passes defended and five interceptions. One came in Dallas’ 40-34 Christmas Eve win over Philadelphia (13-2).
Lions LB James Houston IV (sixth round, 217th overall)
He is arguably the most impressive player on this list even though he has played in only five games. Houston began the season on Detroit’s practice squad before being called up ahead of the Thanksgiving game against Buffalo. He has five sacks and a fumble recovery in his first four games. Despite playing in a fraction of the games his peers have, Houston ranks second among rookies in sacks, behind teammate Hutchinson (seven).
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (seventh round, 251st overall)
The rich get richer. Kansas City is just as dynamic on offense without Tyreek Hill, who was traded to the Dolphins in the offseason. The emergence of Pacheco on offense and special teams is a major reason why. He has 1,446 all-purpose yards, most among rookies.
