5 NFL rookies who could turn the tide in NFL Playoffs feat. Ladd McConkey

Ladd McConkey was tasked with filling in the shoes of Keenan Allen, and he succeeded this year. However, with the regular season over, the tricks, pattern of preparation and stress level are elevated significantly.

Most use this as reason to rule out any chance of rookies having an impact automatically, but the newest members of the NFL family can turn the tide of a season, including Ladd McConkey and others.

Here are five rookies that could do wonders, including Ladd McConkey.

#1 - Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels at Washington Commanders v Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

Jayden Daniels hasn't played in the NFL playoffs before, so he doesn't know where he is supposed to stack up against the rest of the league. As such, he could have less pressure on him than most, assuming his mindset is correct.

In the regular season, he has been able to do so, crafting an argument that he can extend his remarkable season into the playoffs. If the Commanders defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it could change the look of the NFC, removing Baker Mayfield from the equation.

#2 - Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey at Los Angeles Chargers v Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Getty

The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver is a 1000-yard receiver in his first season and has seven touchdowns. If he keeps pace, manages to score in his first playoff game, and puts up his fourth consecutive 85-yard-or more game in a row, the Chargers will feel the impact of his contribution.

If McConkey scores and crosses that yardage mark, the Chargers most likely will win against the Houston Texans.

#3 - Joe Alt, RT, Los Angeles Chargers

Joe Alt at Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals - Source: Imagn

As a lineman, Joe Alt hasn't gotten as much credit as Ladd McConkey, but his impact in the upcoming game against the Texans and potential future opponents cannot be understated. If Alt fails in blocking, it opens up a potential fumble scoop and score situation for Justin Herbert.

If not that, pressure resulting from a failed Alt block could pressure Herbert into throwing a game-sealing interception. Alt also could end up getting hit with a drive-killing holding call. Whether the Chargers win could rest on Alt's shoulders as much as anyone else.

#4 - Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

Bo Nix at Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos - Source: Imagn

Bo Nix punched his ticket to the playoffs, regardless of the controversy surrounding his Week 18 win over the Chiefs backups. However, one can argue that overall Nix has been more impactful in 2024 than Russell Wilson was in 2023.

With the Broncos traveling to Buffalo in the first round, Nix could have the same advantage as Daniels in not truly feeling the pressure of the moment because he had not been exposed to the pressure before. The Broncos beat the Bills last season in their building, so one cannot rule out an upset in the playoffs courtesy of Nix.

#5 - Jared Verse, Edge, Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse at Arizona Cardinals v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty

The Rams rookie has been relatively quiet since the mid-season in terms of sacks. However, that has given him a renewed element of surprise. The rookie has a shot to break through the Vikings offensive line and strip-sack Sam Darnold, creating a scoop and score in what could be a game-changing swing.

If not against the Vikings, it could happen in the second round. One only needs to point to Von Miller strip-sacking Cam Newton for proof that those moments can happen in playoff games.