NFL Playoffs: 5 Most important rookies in the postseason

As the NFL playoffs get off and running on Saturday, we look at the rookies set to have the most significant impact on the postseason.

The race to Super Bowl LIV heats up on Saturday as the postseason kicks off with Wild Card weekend.

In the pressure cooker of postseason football, it is the superstars and the tried and trusted veterans who are expected to deliver the clutch performances that can swing games.

However, going into the playoffs, there are several rookies whose displays will have a potentially crucial impact on who emerges from each conference.

Here we look at five of the most important rookies in the playoffs.

Erik McCoy – New Orleans Saints

The Saints will be somewhat aggrieved to be playing in round one following the contentious end to the San Francisco 49ers’ win in Seattle that cost New Orleans a first-round bye.

However, their offense is perfectly built to run the three-game gauntlet they will need to get through to reach the Super Bowl.
Second-round pick McCoy is a significant reason for the Saints’ success on offense. He has stepped into the center position seamlessly, playing a critical role for an offensive line that ranks third in Adjusted Sack Rate allowed by Football Outsiders.

He is poised to be severely tested in the postseason as the Saints face a talented Minnesota Vikings defensive line in the opening round, with the ferocious fronts of the Green Bay Packers and potentially the 49ers set to stand in their way of a trip to Miami.

Equally impressive in run blocking and pass protection, it is imperative for the Saints that he continues to hold up in the latter regard if New Orleans is to emerge from a loaded NFC.