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The 14 playoff teams have been finalized, and while the vast majority of those clubs have relied on veteran quarterbacks, edge rushers, receivers, and players at other positions, rookie classes have been leaned on as well by these successful teams.
What do you think the Texans record would be without C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.? How about the Packers if you removed some of the key first-year pros from their massive 2023 draft class?
With that in mind, it’s time to rank the most impactful rookie classes for teams in the playoffs.
Diaby, a hybrid outside rusher from Louisville who had absurd testing numbers at the combine, has translated to the pro game respectably in Year 1. He’s fourth on the team with 24 quarterback pressures in 277 opportunities and has eight sacks. While Palmer has been restrained in the downfield pass game much more than the preseason indicated, he’s caught 37 passes for 375 yards with a score.
In the trenches, Kancey started his rookie campaign injured but has come along nicely, although he’s often gotten washed out against the run. He’s quietly second on the team with 32 pressures. Mauch has struggled but has played the entire season as the starting right guard. It’s a solid albeit unspectacular draft class in Tampa Bay that’s made a reasonable impact on this club’s playoff hopes.
While Torrence hasn’t been Ruben Brown at guard as a rookie, his calm demeanor and sturdy play have been a godsend to Buffalo’s blocking unit and offense altogether. The right guard spot had been a liability during the Josh Allen era, and the former Louisiana-turned-Florida product has been a steady force at that position all season.
Kincaid has set a Bills rookie tight end record with 66 receptions, and he’s gone over 40 yards in seven separate games to date. Beyond that, he’s forced seven missed tackles on those grabs.
Williams hasn’t played much, but when…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-playoffs-ranking-the-8-best-rookie-classes-for-teams-who-made-the-postseason/
Author : Chris Trapasso
Publish date : 2024-01-09 20:07:10
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