5 Rookies in the Brightest Spotlight of NFL's Conference Championships

When you're a rookie in the NFL, playing in one of the NFL's conference championship is likely the biggest game of your life—even bigger than if you were fortunate enough to play in the BCS National Championship. 

With the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants all playing for a bid to Super Bowl XLVI, each of those teams have some rookies that are playing meaningful snaps.

Taking that into consideration, here are five rookies that are in the brightest spotlight entering this Sunday. 

Nate Solder, RT New England Patriots

Nate Solder has had a tremendous season filling in at left and right tackle for the New England Patriots this season and now the Colorado product is the team's starting right tackle entering the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens.

Solder is going to have his hands full as he'll be lining up against pass rushers such as Haloti Ngata, Jarrett Johnson and Terrell Suggs. If he struggles then the Patriots could lose this game. 

Torrey Smith, WR Baltimore Ravens

Torrey Smith will be lining up against one of the NFL's worst pass defenses and he is going to have to have a big day if the Baltimore Ravens are going to keep up against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Stevan Ridley, RB New England Patriots

Stevan Ridley had a rough game last Saturday against the Denver Broncos as he ran for only 21 yards and also fumbled—and that could cut into his playing time this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ridley needs to take better care of the football as he's fumbled in his last two games. 

Prince Amukamara, CB New York Giants 

Prince Amukamara had himself a pretty impressive game last week against the Green Bay Packers as he was able to stand his ground against wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who finished with only three receptions.

Amukamara is a rookie that will need to step up in order to beat the San Francisco 49ers. 

Aldon Smith, LB San Francisco 49ers

It's time for Aldon Smith to prove why he was the seventh overall pick in this year's draft.

Smith had three tackles and one sack a week ago against the New Orleans Saints and will have to replicate that performance this Sunday against the New York Giants. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus