Eight NFL players who will shift the balance of power in 2022: One from each

The 2022 NFL season was full of surprises, as new players on new teams completely shifted the balance of power not only in their respective divisions, but in the NFL at large. Quarterback Matthew Stafford took the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was a huge factor in the Cincinnati Bengals‘ postseason run and rookie quarterback Mac Jones got Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots back to the playoffs. 

It wasn’t all about newcomers, however, as we saw some young players take important steps in their development that helped their teams in a big way, such as Las Vegas Raiders wideout Hunter Renfrow and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Who are going to be the players who shift the balance of power in the NFL this upcoming season?

Below, we will identify one player in each division who could help their teams take over the division crown in 2022. Players from teams that won their divisions in 2021 are not eligible for this list. With that being said, let’s jump in. 

AFC East

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

Out of all the wild wide receiver drama we saw this offseason, Tyreek Hill being traded may have been the most surprising move. The perennial All-Pro has taken his talents to South Beach and will add a unique element to Mike McDaniel’s offense. Everyone can agree that Patrick Mahomes is a better quarterback than Tua Tagovailoa, but that doesn’t mean there will be lowlight reels created this year of Hill being under-thrown or publicly lamenting the play of his new signal-caller. Whether it’s burning the free safety or beating defenders to the inside on a quick slant, Hill can do plenty on offense. In fact, his first request following the trade was to return punts! He’s one of several pieces the Dolphins added this offseason who I believe can help Miami at least challenge Buffalo in the AFC East. 

AFC North

Odafe Oweh, Baltimore Ravens

Oweh made the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team last year after notching 33 combined tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. Quite a promising start to an NFL career after he registered zero sacks in his final seven games at Penn State. 

Many are predicting Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman will step up in 2022 — which would be great — but can you imagine what it would do for this team if the Ravens had a new monster crushing around the edge? That secondary with Marcus Peters, Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey would absolutely thrive. What stands out about Oweh is how quick he is around the edge, and it feels like he’s poised for a huge campaign. Pass-rusher is a premier position, and the Ravens having a star there will help in their pursuit to go from worst-to-first in the division.

AFC South

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

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