NFL Rookie Watch

NFL Rookie Watch

Jerious Norwood

Simon Bruty/SI

Every week we will rank the 10 highest-impact rookies of the NFL season. Let's begin with the speedy Norwood, who ran for 66 yards on 10 carries in the Falcons' 20-6 win over the Panthers. He appears to be the perfect running back to complement starter Warrick Dunn and should be a major headache for opposing defenses.

Haloti Ngata

Bob Rosato/SI

He returned an interception off a tipped pass 60 yards before basically running himself out-of-bounds because he was out of gas. He didn't record a tackle, but he deserves attention since he is part of what could be the best defense in the league and helps keep the blockers off linebacker Ray Lewis.

Vernon Davis

Peter Read Miller/SI

He had very good moments -- including an impressive 31-yard touchdown reception -- but also made several mistakes in the Niners' season-opening loss. He stays on the list since it's clear he'll be a big part of San Francisco's offense.

Demeco Ryans

Bob Rosato/SI

Forget No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams. Ryans is the standout rookie on Houston's defense. He led the Texans with 13 tackles against the Eagles on Sunday.

Tye Hill

Elsa/Getty Images

He is already contributing on a defense that bears watching under new coordinator Jim Haslett. Hill had a nice interception off the Broncos' Jake Plummer in Week 1 and should have plenty more opportunities as the season goes on.

Devin Hester

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Some people thought it was strange that the Bears took a player in the second round who didn't really have a position. But Hester immediately proved he would bolster what was a problem area for Chicago by returning a punt 84 yards for a touchdown.

Mike Bell

AP

He had 10 rushes for 58 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 30 yards in a losing effort. He broke a finger early in the game and ran hard despite the injury.

Laurence Maroney

David E. Klutho/SI

The electric back out of Minnesota had 49 yards on his first two NFL touches and ended up with 86 yards on 17 carries. He has breathed new life into a New England running game that was not very good last season.

Ernie Sims

Jamie Sabau/SI

He was flagged for clobbering Matt Hasselbeck while the Seahawks quarterback was sliding, but the Lions will take that because they love Sims' aggressive play. He led the Lions with 10 tackles, seven of which were solos.

Reggie Bush

Thomas E. Witte/SI

The Saints showed that they plan to use Bush as much in the passing game as in the running game, and the No. 2 overall pick totaled 139 yards from scrimmage in his first game. He didn't have a break-away touchdown, but it's just a matter of time.