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5 Rookies Who Could Have A Huge Impact In Super Bowl XLIX

Super Bowl XLIX: 5 Rookies To Watch

Super Bowl Rookies
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots and Seahawks will square off on Feb. 1 in Super Bowl XLIX. Referee Bill Vinovich, head linesman Dana McKenzie, umpire Bill Schuster and back judge Terrence Miles will all be “Super Bowl rookies,” as will companies Skittles, Carnival and wix.com. This game should be highly competitive and entertaining, and these five rookie players could make a huge impact in the Super Bowl.

5. Brock Coyle, LB, Seahawks

Super Bowl Rookies
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Brock Coyle, LB, Seahawks

Super Bowl Rookies
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Coyle went undrafted, but he has proven his worth to the Seahawks after signing with them in April last year. He is an important performer on special teams and a backup linebacker. Coyle even started two games this season due to injuries to other Seahawks players, and he has recorded 11 tackles this season, mainly on special teams. It is very possible that he makes a key play on special teams during the Super Bowl.

4. Cameron Fleming, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cameron Fleming, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Fleming has had some issues while playing guard and he missed time with finger and ankle injuries, but he has been effective, particularly as a sixth blocker, when he’s been on the field. He has lined up as an eligible receiver (as a TE) at times; against the Colts he lined up as an eligible TE on 28 of the Patriots' 78 offensive plays. Fleming could potentially be useful in multiple roles depending on how Bill Belichick wants to utilize him.

3. Kevin Norwood, WR, Seahawks

Super Bowl Rookies
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kevin Norwood, WR, Seahawks

Super Bowl Rookies
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Norwood had nine catches for 102 yards this season. If the Patriots stop Lynch and the Seattle run game and Revis shuts down Doug Baldwin (most likely his assignment), then it will up to Jermaine Kearse and possibly Norwood to step up, especially with fellow rookie WR Paul Richardson on IR. Depending on how the game progresses, Norwood may get a chance to make some big plays on the biggest stage.

2. Bryan Stork, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

2. Bryan Stork, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Stork has been the most impressive of all of the Patriots' rookies. In Week 4 he grabbed the role as the team’s starting center, which was a huge part in the improvement of the Patriots' offensive line. He injured his knee against the Ravens in the playoffs and missed the AFC Championship. But Stork getting around without crutches and not yet being placed on IR means he could play Feb. 1, which would be huge for the Patriots' offense.

1. Malcolm Butler, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

1. Malcolm Butler, Patriots

Super Bowl Rookies
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Butler went undrafted, but he has worked hard to earn some playing time, often taking the fifth cornerback spot on game day instead of Alfonzo Dennard. Butler saw the field for 15 of the Patriots’ 56 defensive snaps against the Colts. While other Patriots DBs (Arrington, Revis, Browner, Ryan, McCourty and Chung) all usually play more snaps than Butler, it is possible he sees the field enough to make some impact plays.

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