Rookies to watch in the NFL Playoffs

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) reacts after he made a tackle for a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Green Bay Packers

While Clinton-Dix’s first season with the Packers has been inconsistent, he’s a fun player to watch when he’s hitting on all cylinders. While he may never enjoy tackling Rob Gronkowski, he’s a hard hitter and a ball hawk in the Packers’ secondary. He’s essentially Charles Woodson’s “replacement” in the secondary, and he fittingly wears Woodson’s no. 21.

Clinton-Dix has played in all 16 of Green Bay’s games and has recorded 94 tackles with a pick and a fumble recovery – fine numbers for a rookie.

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers

Just as Clinton-Dix was Woodson’s replacement in Green Bay, Benjamin has served as Steve Smith’s replacement in Carolina. He’s made some highlight reel plays – check out this nice one-handed catch, courtesy of SB Nation:

He does drop some passes on occasion, but makes up for them with consistent production. He’s been Cam Newton’s favorite target on the outside this year. Benjamin is an exciting player to watch – he’s not the same athletic freak as Odell Beckham, but he’s a big, tall receiver (6’5”, 240 pounds) who’ll go up and get a pass lofted into his area.

He’s started all 16 games for the Panthers this season and has put up 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns; his success should continue in the postseason.

Next: Davante Adams & Martavis Bryant