NFL Playoffs 2012: Rookies Who Will Shine with Big Postseason Debuts

The NFL playoffs are a time for big names such as Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers to shine, but even those studs had to start somewhere. 

Here's a quick look at three rookies who will establish themselves as big-time performers during this year's playoffs. 

Aldon Smith: San Francisco 49ers

If the 49ers are going to go anywhere in this year's playoffs, they'll do so with defense.

Quarterback Alex Smith has been a nice game manager, but there's no question this team relies on defense.

While most people will concentrate on big names such as Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman or even Dashon Goldson, it's rookie Aldon Smith who needs to thrive.

It's likely the 49ers will face the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round and the Green Bay Packers if they win that game.  Those teams have something very particular in common: decent quarterbacks.

If the 49ers want to win those games, they'll have to get pressure on Brees and Rodgers, and that starts with Smith, who led the team with 14 sacks. 

Ben Tate: Houston Texans

Just like the 49ers will rely on their defense, the Texans will rely on the running game.  TJ Yates hasn't been terrible, but he's obviously no Matt Schaub.

If the Texans want to knock off the Bengals in the Wild Card Round, they will have to pound the ground.  That means a lot of work for Arian Foster, but it also means 10-12 carries for backup Ben Tate.

Tate has averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry (one more than than Foster) this season; he should rip off a few big runs despite getting limited action. 

Von Miller: Denver Broncos

The cast on Von Miller's hand has affected his play a little bit—he hasn't gotten much pressure the last few games—but he's still a huge playmaker. 

For the majority of the season, this rookie has been a man among boys, rushing the quarterback from his linebacker spot.  He has 11.5 sacks to go along with eight stuffs and two forced fumbles.

The Broncos don't stand a chance unless their defense makes some plays, and that will start with Von Miller, who has looked like anything but a rookie.

Others to Keep your Eye On:

AJ Green: Cincinnati Bengals

Julio Jones: Atlanta Falcons

Torrey Smith: Baltimore Ravens

JJ Watt: Houston Texans

Andy Dalton: Cincinnati Bengals