It wasn’t all about the newcomers, though, as we saw some young players take major steps in their development that helped their teams in a big way, like Las Vegas Raiders wideout Hunter Renfrow and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Who will be the players that will change the balance of power in the NFL this coming season? Below, we’ll identify one player in each division who could help their teams capture the division crown in 2022. Players from teams that won their divisions in 2021 are not eligible for this list. With that said, let’s jump in.

AFC East

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

Of all the wild receiver drama we’ve seen this offseason, the Tyreek Hill trade might have been the most surprising move. The perennial All-Pro brought 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 this year’s low-light reels will be created where Hill will be torn down or publicly bemoan the play of his new signal caller. Whether he’s burning the free safety or beating defenders to the inside on a quick slant, Hill can do a lot on offense. In fact, his first request after the trade was to return the punts! He’s one of several pieces the Dolphins added this offseason and I think he 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 recording 33 combined tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. A promising start to an NFL career after recording zero sacks in his last seven games at Penn State. Many are projecting Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman to 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 the edge? This secondary with Marcus Peters, Marcus Williams, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey would absolutely thrive. What stands out about Oweh is how quick he is on the edge and looks set for a huge campaign. Pass-rusher is a top position, and the Ravens having a star there will help them in their quest to go from worst to first in the division.

AFC South

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Vegas is again high on the Colts to win the AFC South, though they haven’t done so since 2014. Matt Ryan is the newcomer who has fans excited in Indy, but he might be the No. 1 wideout who is more excited for a new strategist. Pittman had a rather impressive sophomore NFL season, catching 88 passes for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. With his talent and what is seen as an upgrade at quarterback, we could see better numbers from Pittman in 2022. Jonathan Taylor may be the MVP of this offense, but Pittman being a legitimate No. 1 Wideout could mean the Colts win the division. In addition to having a new quarterback, Pittman also has more talent around him. Rookie Alec Pierce has been making headlines in camp and maybe this is the year Parris Campbell can stay healthy.

AFC West

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs are still considered the favorites in the AFC West, even though the rest of the division received a facelift this offseason. The Denver Broncos are certainly an interesting team with the addition of Russell Wilson, but the Chargers are my pick to win the division in 2022. If I’m right, it will be largely due to star quarterback Justin Herbert. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year elevated his game last season as he finished second in passing yards with 5,014 and third in passing touchdowns with 38. He feels like someone who will be in the MVP conversation all year, and I Think also that he is a player who is just gaining confidence. What he has shown in two seasons is impressive. Shout out to the football gods for creating this Mahomes vs. Herbert rivalry that we can enjoy for years to come. Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.

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NFC East

James Bradberry, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were the bookies’ favorite this offseason. In fact, at 25-1 at Caesars Sportsbook, the Eagles have received more money to finish with the NFL’s best record in 2022 than every other NFC team combined. Some see Jalen Hurts taking a big step forward this upcoming season or AJ Brown sparking the offense, but I’m more excited about the defense. Philly could have one of the best defenses in the league as the front office added pass rusher Haason Reddick, versatile defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, linebacker Kyzir White and took two players from the most dominant defense in college football history. football. . Another starter the Eagles added is cornerback James Bradbury — who most recently played for the rival New York Giants. The former Carolina Panther earned Pro Bowl honors in his first season with the Giants in 2020, then recorded 47 combined tackles, 17 passes defensed and a career-high four interceptions in 2021. As the No. 2 cornerback opposite Darius Slay, Bradberry provides the Eagles with experience and needed talent in the secondary. He might be the underrated player who…