NFL Playoffs 2012: 5 Rookies in the Spotlight

The NFL playoffs kick off Saturday and with the start of the postseason, an unusual amount of rookies will play crucial roles in their teams success––or failure. 

This was a rookie class that many considered weak and yet, we have a variety of first-time players, ranging from quarterbacks to receivers to defensive lineman. While impressive, most teams still feel more comfortable with a veteran, especially one with playoff experience, rather than a fresh-faced rookie. 

While some teams have the choice on whether to throw a rookie into the fire, some, on the other hand, lack that option (Houston Texans come to mind). 

Nevertheless, the playoffs have arrived and rookies will be relied upon. Here are five rookies to watch out for in the 2012 NFL playoffs 

Von Miller-Denver Broncos

Von Miller and the Denver Broncos defense will have the upper hand against a Pittsburgh Steelers offense with a struggling run game and a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger. 

The Steelers will air it out, meaning Von Miller will have a plethora of opportunities to make his mark.

Miller has shown to be quite the edge pass-rusher and should dominate against a dodgy Steelers front without their best lineman in Maurkice Pouncey. 

Andy Dalton-Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton will face one of the best defenses in the league in the Houston Texans. 

While the Cincinnati Bengals would like to establish their run game with Cedric Benson, likely to relieve pressure from their inexperienced rookie, they will face a speedy Houston front seven that ranked in the top five against the run. 

This is also a defense that ranked in the top five against the pass. How do you beat a defense that is solid both against the run and the pass? You throw it to this guy...

A.J. Green-Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green has looked as advertised but will matchup against one of the best corners in the game in Jonathan Joseph. 

Unless the Texans glue Joseph on Green throughout Saturday's playoff game, the Cincinnati Bengals should move the rookie around to take advantage of other matchups. 

Besides Jonathan Joseph, the Texans have no DBs that should be able to matchup with the explosiveness of Green. 

Look for Dalton to find Green early and often. 

Aldon Smith-San Francisco 49ers

Aldon Smith should win the defensive rookie of the year award. His 14 sacks were impressive, especially considering Smith only played in situational/passing downs. 

His play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football should have opened some eyes, and I expect the rookie to make a name for himself in the postseason. 

Smith should receive plenty of playing time, especially if the San Francisco 49ers predictably face pass heavy teams such as the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints. 

Nate Solder-New England Patriots

This selection may be a surprise, but in my eyes, Solder will have the tough task of protecting golden armed quarterback, Tom Brady. 

Solder has started in all but three games and has played well in filling in for Sebastian Vollmer at right tackle. The first round pick will likely face pass rush heavy teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. 

The rookie must be on top of his game if the Patriots intend to keep the immobile Tom Brady upright in the playoffs. 

More Rookie Sightings

Julio Jones-Atlanta Falcons 

T.J. Yates-Houston Texans 

Kendall Hunter-San Francisco 49ers 

Jacquizz Rodgers-Atlanta Falcons

Torrey Smith-Baltimore Ravens 

J.J. Watt-Houston Texans