NFL Playoff Predictions: 6 Rookies Who Will Come Up Huge in Super Bowl XLVI

By the time the Super Bowl comes around, some rookies are expected to make as much of an impact as veterans.

There is no excuse based on inexperience after five months. On the biggest stage in sports it does not matter if you have played one game or 100, you have to do your job.

Both the New England Patriots and New York Giants rely on rookies every week, and these men will have to perform well to help their team win.

Prince Amukamara, CB New York Giants

Prince Amukamara has not had as much of an impact as the New York Giants were hoping for when they selected him in the first round last offseason, but the team needs him now.

The cornerback has struggled in coverage since returning from a broken foot in November.

The good news is that teammate Corey Webster should be the one in charge of keeping Wes Welker away from the ball. That will leave Amukamara to cover secondary targets like Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco. 

With the team facing such a pass-heavy offense in the New England Patriots, the Giants will need everyone in the secondary to play their best.

Nate Solder, OT New England Patriots

Nate Solder was a first-round pick for the New England Patriots, and he has earned it with good play all season.

The offensive tackle has played in every game, and he is part of the reason that Tom Brady has so much time in the pocket.

His job will get tougher in the Super Bowl against the best defensive line in football.

Usually teammate Matt Light matches up against the opponent's top pass-rusher, and he will battle with Jason Pierre-Paul throughout the game. 

The problem is the other side of the field is not any easier for Solder. He will have to slow down two-time All-Pro Osi Umenyiora. Few teams can match the depth of the New York Giants on the defensive line, so the offensive line of the Patriots will be overworked all day.

Solder will have to play the game of his life to keep Tom Brady on his feet.

Henry Hynoski, FB New York Giants

The rookie out of Pittsburgh does not have a carry this season, but Henry Hynoski's skill as a blocker and a receiver make him very valuable for the New York Giants.

His job will be to clear the way for running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

New York was unable to get the run game going against the San Francisco 49ers, but it will be important to control the ball against the talented offense of the New England Patriots.

Sterling Moore, DB New England Patriots

The entire secondary of the New England Patriots has struggled all season, so everyone will need to step up their games against the fifth-best passing attack in the league.

Sterling Moore did not play too much during the season, but he has been invaluable in recent games.

The rookie has two passes defended in each of the last three games. In Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills, Moore had two interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.

He also might have made the biggest play of the season when he knocked the ball away from Lee Evans in the end zone with only seconds remaining in the AFC Championship Game. 

Moore is quickly becoming a playmaker for the Patriots, and Eli Manning better pay attention to where he is on the field.

Jacquian Williams, LB New York Giants

The New York Giants were probably hoping not to rely too much on rookies this season, but at the linebacker position alone, the team has four first-year players on the roster.

Jacquian Williams has seen the most playing time and is sixth on the team in tackles with 78. 

He will be a very important piece in stopping the New England Patriots because of his athleticism. With a healthy Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the offense is incredibly difficult to stop. Williams could be one of the few players that could cover the tight ends.

The sixth-round pick will receive help from safeties Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips, but Williams could help out the entire defense if he plays well in pass-coverage.

Stevan Ridley, RB New England Patriots

Stevan Ridley was inactive against the Baltimore Ravens last week—presumably due to fumble problems—but he should be back in action in the Super Bowl.

While BenJarvus Green-Ellis is better in short-yardage situations, the New England Patriots need what Ridley provides in the open field.

He led all running backs on the team with 5.1 yards per carry this season, and was responsible for each of the five runs that went for over 20 yards.

The Patriots cannot pass every play, and they will be better off if Ridley is the one carrying the ball.