Back in 2011, the Baltimore Ravens got late season and postseason production from two of the rookies from their class: first-round cornerback Jimmy Smith and fifth-round defensive lineman Pernell McPhee. Smith was expected to contribute and was part of a defense that contained Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship, notching an improbable, diving interception in the game. But McPhee was the surprise jolt to the pass rush, registering six sacks throughout the season as an interior sub-package rusher.
Fast forward nine years later to this past Sunday’s playoff game against the Tennessee Titans: the two lone 2011 holdovers were still major contributors in the postseason.