NFL Rookie Watch

SI Staff | Oct 11, 2006

NFL Rookie Watch /

NFL Rookie Watch

Mark Anderson

Last week: unranked Anderson sacked Bills quarterback J.P. Losman twice and caused a fourth-quarter fumble last Sunday. The former Alabama standout has 5.5 sacks on the season and has become another factor for opposing offenses to contend with in this outstanding Bears defense.

Richard Marshall

Last week: unranked Marshall, a second-round pick out of Fresno State, has a nose for the ball. He had a key fumble recovery to help the Panthers beat the Saints in Week 4 and had an interception return for a touchdown last Sunday against the Browns. He also has 15 tackles in his last two games.

Marcus McNeill

Last week: No. 7 The AFC offensive rookie of the month for September finally got roughed up a bit when the Chargers took on the Steelers on Sunday night. But the San Diego coaching staff had enough confidence in their young left tackle to open up the passing game, and McNeill helped give quarterback Philip Rivers enough time to throw for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

Demeco Ryans

Last week: No. 4 Ryans was on a bye last week, but don't forget about the Texans rookie. He leads Houston with 38 tackles, 33 of which were solos. Although things have been miserable for the Texans, Ryans has emerged as a leader and a star of the future.

Matt Leinart

Last week: unranked Leinart had a solid debut as a starter, completing 22 of 35 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and only one interception in the Cardinals' loss to the Chiefs. Leinart showed poise against a pretty tough defense and probably would have had even better numbers if not for some dropped passes.

Maurice Jones-Drew

Last week: No. 10 Jones-Drew ran for two touchdowns in the Jags' 41-0 win over the Jets last Sunday. The rookie out of UCLA has proven that he can contribute consistently as a runner, receiver and returner and is a constant threat to break out with a big play.

Laurence Maroney

Last week: No. 2 Maroney came down to Earth last Sunday, rushing for 38 yards on 18 carries against the Dolphins, but the shifty back still leads all rookies with 332 rushing yards and is a huge part of the Patriots' efforts to return to the Super Bowl.

Marques Colston

Last week: No. 1 The steal of the 2006 draft has 23 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. A seventh-round pick out of Hofstra, the 6-foot-4 Colston continues to be a tough matchup for opponents and a vital part of the improving Saints offense.

Greg Jennings

Last week: No. 4 Jennings had five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown on Sunday and has become a bona fide deep threat for the Packers. He had a bad drop in the loss to the Rams, but the good far outweighs the bad for the exciting rookie out of Western Michigan.

Reggie Bush

Last week: No. 6 The No. 2 overall pick's first breakaway run in the NFL came at the right time for the Saints. His 65-yard punt return with under five minutes to go was the decisive score in New Orleans' 24-21 victory. Bush leads the NFL with 34 receptions and has contributed to the running game as well.

Published Oct 11, 2006

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