Projecting 10 Rookies Who Will Have the Greatest Impact in 2011 NFL Playoffs

Its rare to find a year where there are so many impact rookies across the board. From rookie starting quarterbacks to wide receivers and beyond, the 2011 NFL Draft class will go down as one of the most impactful in their rookie season.

Not all of the players taken will have a chance to make the playoffs, let alone play. But some have the unique opportunity to be a key cog in their team's playoff campaign.

Here are 10 such rookies that could have a big impact in the playoffs.

Andy Dalton

Of all the quarterbacks taken in the draft, Andy Dalton was probably the least heralded. Yet, he is the only rookie quarterback in a position to make the playoffs.

While the Bengals need to perform down the stretch, Dalton seems to be up for the task. He has solid if not spectacular numbers, but is a very good game manager and appears wise beyond his years when he is under center.

In the playoffs, if Dalton can maintain his composure, he could lead the Bengals deep into the postseason.

A.J. Green

Every quarterback needs a go to receiver.

AJ Green is Andy Dalton's go-to guy, and he's a rookie, too.

Green has hit a bit of a snag with a leg injury, but should be on track to contribute down the stretch. In the playoffs, he is an explosive receiver with a chance to go for a touchdown every time he touches the ball.

Julio Jones

Back at the 2011 NFL Draft, many people, myself included, believed the Falcons paid too high a price to draft Julio Jones.

So far, he's proving all the critics wrong.

He's caught 30 passes for 498 yards and pair of touchdowns this year.

In the playoffs, he's a big threat and a great target for Matt Ryan.

Denarius Moore

Moore was certainly underrated as a player on draft day.

He fell to the fifth round, where his raw talent was grabbed by the always risky Al Davis.

Davis has passed, but his draft savvy is still seen to this day.

Denarius Moore has over 400 yards receiving and five total touchdowns, as well as returning punts.

If the Raiders make the playoffs, look to Moore to be their go-to receiver.

Prince Amukamura

Prince Amukamara was injured in the preseason and just made his debut last Sunday against the Eagles.

He made a good first impression with an interception on the first ever ball thrown his way.

The Giants need a big push to make the playoffs and will depend on Prince to make the playoffs and defend the pass should they make it that far.

Mark Ingram

The Saints running back system is messed up to say the least.

No one knows who's going to be doing what on any given day.

Mark Ingram makes the most of his opportunities with 340 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in his rookie year.

In the playoffs, his running abilities will be sorely needed by the Saints.

Aldon Smith

Aldon Smith was projected as a project draft pick, but he's already had a big impact on the 49ers season and will do so in the playoffs as well.

As a linebacker in limited use this year, Smith has 17 tackles and 7.5 sacks already. If not for the amazing Von Miller, Smith would be at the top of the Defensive Rookie of the Year awards list.

In the playoffs, the 49ers will be tested by deep talented teams, and Smith will be required to stop some of the best running backs and quarterbacks in the league.

DeMarco Murray

DeMarco who?

That was the case a few weeks back when DeMarco Murray took the role of starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys.

In his first game, he rushed for more than 200 yards. Most people will know the name from now on.

In five games as the starter, Murray has amassed nearly 700 yards and two touchdowns as the featured back. In the playoffs, Murray will be equally as dangerous and could easily go for more than 100 yards each game.

Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith is the definition of big-play receiver.

Smith has 29 catches for 598 yards and five touchdowns. He is averaging more than 20 yards per catch and catches of 74, 51 and 49 yards throughout the season.

If Joe Flacco throws the ball his way, Smith is likely to put up big numbers in the playoffs.

Randall Cobb

The Packers have a ridiculous number of talented receivers.

While Cobb is the newest player to add his name to the list, he won't quickly be forgotten.

Cobb probably won't see too many snaps at the wideout position, but as kick and punt returner, his play will have a major direct impact on how many yards Aaron Rodgers must pass before he inevitably throws another pinpoint touchdown.