Projecting top NFL rookie leaders in 10 key stat categories - Top five in passing, rushing, receiving, sacks, interceptions, more

With the NFL draft in the rearview mirror, we now have a much better grasp of what every team's roster core will look like this season. That makes now a good time to take a look at projections for 2022 rookies.

The recent move to a 17-game season will inevitably lead to higher production from rookies than we had seen before 2021, but we also need to keep in mind that first-year players tend to experience a learning curve. So who will stand out? Which newly drafted players will lead the pack in major statistical categories? How many yards should we expect to see from first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett? Which of the talented receivers in the class will have the most production, and who will pace all rookies in tackles?

Let's take a look at the top-five projected leaders among rookies in a variety of categories for the 2022 season. These team and player projections are my own, compiled through a thorough process that is both quantitative (league, team, coaching and player trends) and qualitative (projected depth-chart placement and role). And for full statistical outlooks, head over to our projections page to sort and filter through the entire league. I update it often leading up to the start of the season.

Jump to:Passing | Rushing | Receiving | TDsTackles | Interceptions | Sacks

1. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers: 2,308 yards, 12 touchdowns2. Matt Corral, Carolina Panthers: 1,931 yards, 9 touchdowns3. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons: 1,791 yards, 10 touchdowns4. Malik Willis, Tennessee Titans: 191 yards, 1 touchdown5. Sam Howell, Washington Commanders: 52 yards, 0 touchdowns

This year's quarterback class was viewed as one of the worst in the modern era. Only one quarterback came off the board in the first round —