Rookie wide receivers set to play key role in Super Bowl race

A host of rookie receivers have emerged as key contributors for playoff teams and are likely to have a say in deciding who emerges triumphant.

The 2019 NFL Draft class was not viewed as especially deep at wide receiver, but as the regular season nears its close, that perception is likely to have changed.

Several rookie receivers have made significant impacts in their rookie years, and some will be playing potentially key roles for playoff teams.

As the postseason nears, here we look at those first-year wideouts who figure to have at least a small say in who hoists the Lombardi Trophy come February.

New England Patriots – N’Keal Harry & Jakobi Meyers

The inclusion of Harry and Meyers is not about what they have done already, it’s about what they will have to do if the Patriots are to be successful in the postseason.

First-round pick Harry and undrafted free agent Meyers have not lived up to their offseason hype, only making sporadic contributions to a passing attack that continues to struggle.

Drops have been an issue both and it is not clear whether they have earned the trust of an ageing and seemingly declining Tom Brady.

A potential seventh Super Bowl cannot be won solely on the back of the defense and the running game. At some point Brady will have to carry the load and he cannot do so throwing only to Julian Edelman. Playoff NFL football is a completely different level to what Harry and Meyers have been used to, but they will need to acclimate quickly if the Patriots are to emerge triumphant again.