Five rookies that will make biggest impact in 2017 NFL playoffs
Five rookies that will make biggest impact in 2017 NFL playoffs Published: Jan 05, 2017 at 03:16 AM NFL.com Analyst Rookies aren't expected to play big roles on most playoff teams, but we've seen a number of first-year players emerge as key contributors on contenders this season. With the postseason set to begin this weekend, I thought it was a great time to pick out five rookies poised to make a big
Nate Orchard Jersey impact in the playoffs. Here are five guys to watch, ranked by how much of an impact I expect them to make in the postseason (in descending order starting with the biggest). 1. , , QB: Despite posting the best rookie quarterback season in NFL history, Prescott faces immense pre sure heading into the playoffs as the leader of "America's Team". Skeptics might question whether Prescott can make enough deep throws to complement one of the NFL's most explosive rushing attacks, but the rookie's efficiency, accuracy and ball placement should alleviate concerns about his ability to rise up in the postseason. With a talented supporting cast around him and an exceptional front line protecting him, Prescott could deliver big games. 2. , , WR/KR: Points are hard to come by in
Russell Wilson Jersey the playoffs, so playmakers with the potential to generate points on offense or in the kicking game are coveted at a premium. Hill lights up scoreboards like a pinball machine as an explosive runner, receiver and returner for the . Given Andy Reid's creativity and aggre sive approach, Hill could be a touchdown machine in the postseason. 3. , , RB: The NFL's rushing leader could easily sit atop this list based on his explosive potential as the ' RB1. Elliott can take over the game as a "grinder" between the tackles or deliver splash plays on the perimeter via the run or pa s. Considering how the want to control the game
Cassius Marsh Jersey with an old-school offense that revolves around a dynamic running back and their ma sive offensive line, the rookie standout could take the team to the winner's circle with a string of impre sive 100-yard rushing games. 4. , , WR: The ' offense has e sentially been a "one-man show" with , Jr., occupying the lead role in the pa sing game. However, the unit must find another weapon to lean on to make a run at the title. Shepard has flashed playmaking ability in the red zone (see eight touchdowns), but the team needs him to be a factor between the 20s, particularly on third
Cody Barton Jersey down. If can rediscover his magic touch as a pa ser and playmaker, Shepard could be the X-factor that propels the beyond the Wild Card Round. 5. , , LB: The NFL's rookie leader in tackles could be the spark plug the ' defense needs to make a deep postseason run. Jones is a disruptive playmaker with speed and explosivene s to make plays against the run as a sideline-to-sideline chaser. Not to mention, he displays impre sive instincts, awarene s and
Chris Carson Jersey ball skills in coverage, as evidenced by his pair of pick-sixes. With and the ' offense lighting up scoreboards, Jones could emerge as the difference maker on a defense set up to preserve a lead. This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i sue.