NFL Playoffs 2012: Ranking the Top Rookies of Wild Card Weekend

It was a great slate of games on Wild Card Weekend and some rookies shined on a big stage. To that end, here are the best rookie performances this past weekend.

4. Von Miller: OLB, Broncos (vs. Steelers) 

Denver's Von Miller may have only recorded three tackles and a sack, however, he was double-teamed for most of the game which freed up other Broncos pass-rushers.

And because of his presence as a pass-rusher, even when Miller didn't blitz the pass protection broke down inside as the Steelers anticipated Von on the edge. Still, grabbing another sack gives the rookie Pro-Bowler 12.5 on the year. He will be needed against New England.

In the regular season game versus the Patriots, Miller didn't record a sack. Based on his efforts and drawing of double-teams this week, he will create openings for his fellow pass-rushers.

3. TJ Yates: QB, Texans (vs. Bengals)

Although it wasn't as good as his first performance against Cincinnati, Texans QB TJ Yates had a solid performance while relying on Arian Foster and the ground game.

This time around Yates only completed 11-of-20 attempts, but he compiled 159 yards (average of 14.4 per completion) and threw a TD to receiver Andre Johnson. Not to mention Yates didn't throw a single interception while his rookie counterpart Andy Dalton of Cincinnati threw three.

Yates was without a doubt assisted by a better ground game and defense, however, his mistake-free play is what really gave Houston an advantage. In order to advance next week, he must play well against the Baltimore Ravens.

Easier said than done.

2. Julio Jones: WR, Falcons (at Giants)

Despite a losing effort from the Falcons, receiver Julio Jones had a solid day of seven receptions for 64 yards.

With the Giants pass rush in Matt Ryan's face all day, it's surprising to see such decent numbers. New York had only two sacks but had six passes defended and seven additional QB hits.

Needless to say, Julio had limited time to get open but was targeted eight times and in catching seven, that's a solid day. Overall he caught the second-most passes out of all the game's receivers and had the third-most yards.

1. JJ Watt: DE, Texans (vs. Bengals)

With the game tied at 10-10 and under two minutes to go before halftime, Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton dropped back, made a read and then was robbed by Texans defensive end JJ Watt.

Watt not only picked off Dalton but returned it for a TD, giving Houston a 17-10 halftime lead. In addition, Watt recorded a sack and had another QB hit while he and the Texans defense pressured Dalton all game long.

It was Watt's pick six that really swung the momentum in Houston's favor and he'll need to replicate this performance against Baltimore this week.

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