CSG Scouting Report: NFL Players to Watch in 2022

The 2022 NFL season is on the horizon, and there are plenty of football stars that the CSG team has its eyes on this year. From rising stars to comeback players to fresh rookies, our experts are letting you know who they are watching this season.

Returning to the field

CeeDee Lamb

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Is there any team that has higher expectations than the Cowboys year after year? Rightfully so, as they are loaded with talent and have all the right pieces in place. One of them is their now undisputed #1 wide receiver going into the 2022 season.

“After sending their #1 to Cleveland in the off season, the Dallas Cowboys will look to their new #1 to lead them to the promise land.” - Westin Reeves, CSG Senior Grading Finalizer

Jerry Jeudy

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This Broncos wide out is primed with all the tools to be one of the great wide receivers in the league. With the addition of Russell Wilson as quarterback, Jeudy may be the player that has the biggest leap from year two to three in the NFL.

“With Russell Wilson at QB, this year Jeudy has no excuses.” - Ryan L., CSG Social Media Coordinator

Justin Fields

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Fields is a player that has shown potential to either be a human highlight reel or an indecisive sack magnet. Having a new offense and entering his second year as the Bears quarterback, hopefully he will have a season in which he shows us exactly who he is.

“During Justin Fields’ first year going in as the #1 QB, with a new offensive coordinator and new head coach, he showed flashes of promise, in the disaster that was the Chicago Bears.” - Vincent B., CSG Marketing Coordinator

Derrick Henry

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In a season cut short by injury, Henry still managed to rack up over 900 yards despite missing nine games. This year, he will look to return to form. The Titans have a great team that has been a playoff contender for multiple years, and Henry has been a huge part of that success.

“Derrick Henry has a chance to break the NFL record for rushing yards in a season and looks to bounce back from a limited 2021 season due to injury.” - Lindsey G., CCG Social Media Manager

Saquon Barkley

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After a devastating injury in 2020, Saquon Barkley’s return to the New York Giants was, in almost every way possible, a disaster. A sprained ankle cut his season short again this past year, but the Giants will need to rely heavily on their top back if they want any chance at redemption in 2022.

“The New York Giants running back has never looked better and, with a healthy season, there’s going to be a lot of collectors chasing his cards.” - Susan Lulgjuraj, CSG Marketing Manager

Rookie roundup

When new cards are released, collectors are usually looking for rookies, and there are a few rookies who are likely to make an impact on the field this year.

Aidan Hutchinson

The number-two overall pick has the potential to be an absolute stud on defense for Detroit. While the Lions have very little to look forward to this season, Aidan Hutchinson is a bright spot heading into 2022. Pass rushers are always fun to watch, and it would appear Hutchinson can be that elite pass rusher that every team seeks. Ripping a Hutchinson rookie may not be as flashy as pulling a quarterback, but his card photos will be extremely fun, as he looks to set up a home in the opposing team’s backfield.

Sauce Gardner

Did Sauce make the list just because of his awesome nickname? No, Sauce Gardner landed here because of his build and skill set: a 6’3” corner with 4.4 speed. It will be fun to see how he matches up against opposing pass catchers. The Jets drafted Gardner number four overall, to make an impact right away, and he could be a prime candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, even in a deep defensive draft. Jets collectors are very lucky to have back-to-back years with top rookie talent to chase in packs. All these factors make Gardner a must-watch and must-chase player.

Kenny Pickett

Everyone loves quarterbacks, and Kenny Pickett is the rookie quarterback most likely to see playing time at the position this season. As Pickett competes to be the starter in Pittsburgh in a very shallow class of rookie quarterbacks, his will be a very sought-after card. If last season taught us anything, it’s that how a rookie plays year one has little effect on their collectability. These players are elite athletes with the potential to become a star in the league at any moment.