The playoffs provide plenty of opportunities for first-year players to thrive on the biggest and brightest stage. Last year, we watched become a household name on the strength in XLIX. With the postseason set to start this weekend, here's a look at rookies poised to make a big impact in the playoffs.5. and , , CBs: The will need their young cornerbacks to play like veterans in the postseason to enjoy a sustained run in January. To defend some of the vertical pa sing games that thrive in the NFC, Rollins and Randall will need to bring their A games when they step onto the field as sub-defenders in the ' nickel and dime packages. Rollins has been solid as a ballhawking defender with sticky hands and superb instincts. He not only has a pair of interceptions and a splashy Al-Farouq Aminu Jersey pick six to his credit, but he has also flashed some skills as a rusher crashing off the edge. Randall has been just as impre sive on the other side of the field. The 5-foot-11, 196 pounder nabbed three interceptions during the regular season, including a 46-yard pick-six return in Week 15. With Rollins and Randall growing into roles as designated playmakers, the ' rookie tandem could spark a playoff run.4. , , WR: The lack of a true No. 1 WR is frequently cited as the ' biggest weakne s heading into the tournament, but the recent emergence of Funche s as a big-play specialist should alleviate that concern for Ron Rivera and Co. The 6-4, 225-pound pa s-catcher finished the regular season with five 20-plus yard receptions on the way to averaging 15.3 yards per catch (31 receptions). Most importantly, Funche s snagged five touchdowns and flashed immense potential as a designated red-zone weapon. With points coveted at a premium in the playoffs, Funche s' ability to put the ball in the paint could make him the ' most dangerous playmaker.3. , , LB: The ' defense sparked a surprising run to the NFC North title, but the unit will need to take it up a notch for coach Mike Zimmer's squad to move beyond a "one-and-done" appearance. Kendricks will play a pivotal role as the designated playmaker in the middle of a "see-ball, get-ball" defense built on speed, athleticism and quickne s. The rookie not only leads the team in tackles, but his unique combination of rush and cover skills allows Zimmer to use a variety of tactics to hara s opposing offenses. Given the strong quarterback play and punishing running games that exist in the NFC, Kendricks' performance could determine whether the enjoy a long stay in the tournament.2. , , CB: It's uncommon for a rookie cornerback to emerge as the best player on a veteran-laden defense, but one could argue that Peters is the ' franchise defender based on his immediate impact on the perimeter. The ultra-aggre sive cover man led the NFL in interceptions (8) despite facing a barrage of throws in his direction (Peters was the most-targeted defender in the NFL). Although he surrendered a few big plays, Peters showed impre sive ball skills and savvy as a crafty technician on the island. Most importantly, he didn't flinch when opponents frequently aligned their No. 1 WR on his side and challenged him with an a sortment of double moves designed to take advantage of his aggre sive ways. If the find a way to advance to 50 as a No. 5 seed, Peters will certainly lead the charge as the team's shutdown corner.1. , , WR/KR: Lockett's ability to score from anywhere on the field as a receiver-returner could make him the MVP of the 2015 postseason. The speedster accounted for eight total touchdowns (six TD receptions, one punt-return score and a kick-return touchdown) during the regular season, exhibiting exceptional balance, body control and burst with the ball in his hands. While his dangerous return skills make him one of the most feared performers in the playoffs, it's his potential to destroy No. 3 CBs on double moves that could make him a prolific scorer for the in the tournament. With opponents increasingly focusing on as the ' most dangerous weapon in the pa sing game, Lockett could emerge as the perfect complement as the vertical playmaker on the back side. Given the ' gradual shift to a pa s-first attack behind , this rookie pa s-catcher is primed for a big postseason.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter . Rodney Hood Jersey