Ten of the 13 playoff games are in the books. And before they fire up the conference championship games, we can look back at seven players who have upped their stock in the postseason.
Deonte Harris, Saints:
Against Chicago, he caught all 7 of the passes thrown his way for a team-high 83 yards. And he had a couple of impact punt returns early in the Tampa Bay game. Prior to the postseason, I saw him as similar to Tommylee Lewis – a small, speedy forgettable kick return who would bounce off and on the roster. But Harris is more than that. I think he’ll be their kick returner next year while rotating in to contribute as a receiver (probably their 4th wide receiver).
Taylor Heinicke, WFT:
He put together a plucky effort against the Bucs, passing for 306 yards and a touchdown, with another 46 rushing yards (including a really cool touchdown run). He did enough that I think he’ll be Washington’s backup quarterback next year.
Tyler Johnson, Bucs:
Johnson had a really nice sideline catch in the fourth quarter of the game at New Orleans. That serves as a reminder that he looks he’s going to be a contributing, starter-type receiver before long. Maybe next year, with Antonio Brown being an older receiver (who’s been plagued by off-field problems) and Chris Godwin headed for free agency.
Darrel Williams, KC:
Williams carried 10 times for 46 yards in a late-season game against Atlanta, and he came up big again against the Browns, carrying 13 times for 78 yards. He’s better than LeVeon Bell. Williams may have come into the league as an undrafted free agent, but he passes the eyeball test. At 5-11 and 224, he looks like an NFL running back. He’s been working on his game, getting better. He played his college ball at Louisiana State, contributing to him being overlooked (he was overshadowed there by Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice). Kansas City has Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Damien Williams will be coming back, but Williams looks like he will be contributor at that position in 2021.
AJ Dillon, Packers:
His day was marred by losing a fumble in the second half (and getting injured on the play – he didn’t return). But Dillon looks like a capable NFL running back. He banged out 27 yards on 6 carries against a Rams defense that ranked 3rd against the run in the regular season. He’s huge (6-0, 247) and with good speed, making him a feared runner behind one of the league’s very best offensive lines. I think he’ll be a contributor for Green Bay next year, most likely in a rotation of two or three backs (both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are good players, but they’re both headed for free agency).
Michael Pittman, Colts:
He had a solid rookie season, coming up big in a couple of games in the middle of the season. He got back to being that guy in the playoff loss at Buffalo, catching 5 passes for 90 yards. It’s early. Let’s see what Parris Campbell looks like in the preseason games (if there is a preseason). But for now, my expectation is that Pittman will be the most productive wide receiver on that team next year.
TreQuan Smith, Saints:
There’s been more misses than hits during his first three seasons, but every once in a while he comes up with a big game, with it looking like he might be more. He had one of those games yesterday, coming off injured reserve to catch a pair of touchdowns.