5 NFL rookies who need to step up as postseason draws near
It's crunch time.
NFL teams across the league are starting to mount their final pushes for the postseason. And while each team's stars will be the focal point in making sure that happens, how a team's supporting cast fares often is what can elevate a team from a playoff squad to a legitimate contender.
And often, it's rookies who start to blossom late in their first seasons that can boost a team's chances in January – and even into February.
Here are five rookies who need to step up for their teams to make deep runs into the postseason.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team
A lot of fans bag on the NFC East (with good reason) for being the weakest division in football. While that may be the case, Washington (4-7) might be the team best positioned to finish first and host a playoff game.
Gibson ranks 12th in rushing yards with 645. But the positive for Washington is that the third-round pick out of Memphis has steadily improved as the season has progressed. Though Gibson has started seven of Washington's 11 games, he gained just 243 yards through the team's first six contests. But over the last five games, Gibson has gained 402, averaging a 5.4 yards per carry with eight touchdowns.
Most importantly, Washington is 3-2 over the last five, compared with 1-5 over the first six. It's pretty clear: when Gibson and the Washington rushing game can get steady production, the team fares better.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis already has another standout rookie, safety Julian Blackmon, who is making game-changing plays. But Blackmon is already fairly consistent. What the Colts need is for rookie receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. to take the next step.
His numbers are fairly pedestrian (26 catches, 330 yards, one touchdown). But considering that Indy's leading receiver, T.Y. Hilton has only 408 yards, it shows that there's room for someone to break out. And when Pittman has had moments, he has shown that he can create big plays.
Part of Pittman's somewhat slow start has been that he's still figuring out the nuances of playing the position in the NFL, as are just about all rookies. But he also dealt with a lower leg injury that forced him to miss three games. Given his size at 6-foot-4, his understanding of how to use that frame to box out defensive backs and his speed, Pittman is poised to eventually become Indianapolis' (7-4) top target. Quarterback Philip Rivers and the Colts need that.
Willie Gay, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
OK, so two caveats. First, everyone points to rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the most important rookie for the Chiefs, but their offense is already stacked. And, second, the Chiefs are poised to make a deep run regardless. Linebacker Willie Gay stepping up over the final stretch, however, is what can elevate a team that is already a favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Gay, the second-to-last pick of the second round, hasn't played much for Kansas City (10-1) this year. The Chiefs typically deploy him in three-linebacker sets, which – given the pass-heavy tendencies of the modern NFL – isn't often. In fact, a #freeWillieGay hashtag has taken off among KC fans, asking that he get more playing time. It's not working. In Week 12's 27-24 victory against the Buccaneers, Gay played just one snap.
But when Gay has been on the field, he has thrived. Using his speed, Gay is quick to diagnose plays and usually finds himself in position to make tackles. That quickness is also vital in pass coverage. And since the Chiefs are tied for 23rd in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 128.2 yards a game, more speed is never a bad thing.
Javon Kinlaw, DT, San Francisco 49ers
As the 49ers (5-6) find themselves in an uphill climb to make the playoffs, they need Kinlaw to play like he has the last two weeks.
One game after generating his first career sack (he actually ended up with 1.5), Kinlaw showed his versatility and ability to read a quarterback when he deftly dropped into coverage and picked off Rams quarterback Jared Goff before he returned it for a touchdown in a crucial victory against a division rival.
"I was really supposed to be rushing, but something told me to drop and step back," Kinlaw said after the game. "I saw the ball come out so I was like: 'Yeah, we're going to the crib.' "
After veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Week 2, the team suddenly needed Kinlaw to step up. And though he has performed well in clogging rushing lanes and stopping the run, Kinlaw has struggled when facing double teams. But the anticipation that led to the pick-six, if it develops further, could be instrumental in keeping the San Francisco defense as dangerous as it has been.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins
This one might seem obvious, but Tagovailoa's short stint as the starter has been mixed. But for the Dolphins (7-4) – who are the current No. 6 seed in the AFC – to clinch their first playoff spot since the 2016 season, Miami needs Tagovailoa to be, at best, good, but more likely, great.
The Dolphins' schedule isn't favorable, with matchups against the Chiefs (10-1), Patriots (5-6), Raiders (6-5) and Bills (8-3) following this weekend's game against the Bengals.
Tagovailoa has had success when he can mix standing in the pocket to deliver throws, while also using his mobility on plays like play-action rollouts and extending plays to find open targets down the field. Look at the 34-31 victory against the Cardinals in Week 9 as an example. But Week 11's 20-13 loss against the Broncos was the opposite; Tagovailoa was flustered by a constant pass rush and was benched. Miami cannot afford for him to have many more games like that.