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Ranking rookies by potential impact in 2022

While there may not be a high number of starting roles available, the Indianapolis Colts rookie class is intriguing when it comes to their potential to make an impact in Year 1.

Headlined by wide receiver Alec Pierce, the entire class is composed of athletic freaks who bring unique traits to the roster. There is a natural learning curve for the majority of rookies, which is why expectations should be tempered (mostly) for the young newcomers.

But that doesnโ€™t mean this class wonโ€™t make an impact. At least two of them could be starters right away while others could slowly make their way into bigger roles as the season progresses.

For this exercise, weโ€™ll include the eight selections in the 2022 NFL draft and a pair of undrafted free agents who have the best chance at making an impact in Year 1.

Hereโ€™s how we rank the Coltsโ€™ rookies in terms of potential impact for the 2022 season:

1
WR Alec Pierce

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Likely Year 1 Role: Starter in Week 1

The second-round wide receiver out of Cincinnati has the best chance to make an impact right away. Heโ€™s already viewed as the starting Z-receiver in the formation opposite Michael Pittman Jr. with Parris Campbell in the slot. There is still plenty of work to be done to Pierceโ€™s game when it comes to running a full route tree, but he has as good a shot as any to be No. 2 in targets in 2022.

2

3
OT Bernhard Raimann

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Likely Year 1 Role: Potential to start Week 1

Though heโ€™s an older prospect and one that has only played left tackle for roughly two seasons, there is certainly a world where Raimann is the starter when Week 1 arrives. He will have some stiff competition in Matt Pryor and Dennis Kelly, but Raimannโ€™s movement skills give him an edge to be a regular starter from the…

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