Rookie X-factor for the eight remaining teams in the NFL playoffs

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With wild-card weekend in the books, we’re now down to the final eight teams in the NFL playoffs.

Here’s one rookie who will play a big role in each remaining team’s path to the Super Bowl. 

Buffalo Bills: DI Deone Walker

Walker is the Bills’ starting nose tackle and has been a pretty productive pass-rusher, leading all rookie defensive tackles with a 73.2 PFF pass-rush grade this season. The fourth-round pick hasn’t been nearly as productive as a run defender, only posting a 48.6 grade in that regard. Considering Buffalo has the sixth-worst team run-defense grade in the NFL (49.8), any improvement Walker can give the Bills in the middle of their defensive line would be massive for their playoff run. 

Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland

Many were surprised when the Bears selected Loveland over Tyler Warren as the first tight end off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he has more than proven worthy of that No. 10 overall pick. In fact, Loveland’s 84.6 PFF grade is second only to George Kittle among all tight ends in the league. He’s only dropped one of his 67 catchable targets this season and was the best player on the field in Chicago’s wild-card win over the Packers, posting new career highs in receiving yards (137) and PFF grade (90.5). 

Denver Broncos: RB R.J. Harvey

Harvey has played a pivotal role in Denver’s offense this year, both as a runner and as a receiver. The second-round pick’s 356 receiving yards are ninth among all running backs in the NFL, while his seven rushing touchdowns are the most on the team. Considering how often quarterback Bo Nix checks the ball down, Harvey’s ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield will be important in the Broncos’ potential Super Bowl run.

Houston Texans: OT Aireontae Ersery

Ersery has started at left tackle all year, protecting C.J. Stroud’s blindside. The second-round pick has taken his lumps this year, placing last among rookie tackles with a 59.2 PFF grade. Houston’s offensive line is the team’s biggest weakness right now, so any improvement Ersery can have in the postseason is sorely needed.

Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Josaiah Stewart

Stewart has been used as a rotational edge defender for the Rams to spell Jared Verse and Byron Young. The third-round pick has been effective in that role, trailing only Abdul Carter among rookie edge defenders with a 73.4 PFF pass-rush grade. Stewart’s 15.2% pass-rush win rate is also the highest among all rookie defenders in the league. 

New England Patriots: OT Will Campbell

Campbell was drafted at No. 4 overall to protect Drake Maye’s blindside and has done an admirable job of it this year. His 74.0 PFF grade is the highest of any rookie offensive lineman, as he’s earned 70.0-plus grades as both a pass blocker and run blocker. Considering Maye is third in PFF grade when kept clean (93.6), Campbell will need to keep up this level of play. 

San Francisco 49ers: DI Alfred Collins

The 49ers are tied with the Giants for the worst run-defense grade in the league this season (44.5) and have the fifth-worst pass-rush grade (62.6). The only other team that’s in the bottom-five for both is the Cardinals, who are picking third overall. Collins was drafted in the second round to help fix that problem, but he has the worst run-defense grade of any qualifying defensive tackle (30.0). Any improvement he can give San Francisco’s beat-up defensive line would be very welcome.

Seattle Seahawks: S Nick Emmanwori

Emmanwori has been a great addition to Seattle’s secondary, placing 20th among all safeties with a 71.6 PFF grade. The second-round pick split time between playing in the slot (378 snaps) and in the box (285 snaps), giving head coach Mike Macdonald a versatile chess piece for his defense.