NFL Rookie Watch

NFL Rookie Watch

Kamerion Wimbley

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Last Week: Unranked <br><br>Wimbley got to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers for 1 1/2 sacks last week, upping his total to 4 1/2 for the year. The former Florida State defensive end deserves credit for adjusting to linebacker and has the physical skills to be a major pass-rushing star.

Greg Jennings

Craig Melvin/US PRESSWIRE

Last Week: Unranked <br><br>Jennings overcame a sore ankle to catch five balls for 69 yards against the Bills. The rookie out of Western Michigan has a gaudy 17.2 yards-per-catch average and helps the Packers stretch the field to open up the running game.

Elvis Dumervil

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Last Week: Unranked <br><br>Every time announcers mention Dumervil, which is often, because he has become a big factor for the Broncos' defense, they bring up that he's undersized. He has six sacks and has become a real problem for opposing offenses.

Vince Young

AP

Last Week: 5 <br><br>Young had a bad week against the Jags, throwing three picks and losing a fumble, but we'll give him a pass. Jacksonville's defense is tough and the weather was horrible. And even in those conditions, Young showed positive signs, especially in the fourth quarter.

Maurice Jones-Drew

David Bergman/SI

Last Week: 5 <br><br>Jones-Drew keeps on racking up yards from scrimmage and he's a dangerous kick returner. Expect him to become an even bigger factor with the Jaguars, who are now in decent position for the AFC wild card. If David Garrard keeps the starting quarterback job, Jacksonville is likely to emphasize the running game and keep its pass routes shorter, which would mean more Jones-Drew.

Mark Anderson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Last week: 4 <br><br>For the first time in four games, Anderson failed to get a sack. But the rookie out of Alabama still ranks seventh in the NFL with 7.5 sacks. Watch closely to see how offenses have adjusted to the Chicago's pass-rush packages in coming weeks.

Joseph Addai

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Last Week: 3 <br><br>Addai has emerged as the No. 1 running back for the Colts over the last couple of weeks. His numbers haven't been gaudy, but he's been solid enough to earn coach Tony Dungy's trust. Look for his stats to improve when the Colts face some easier run defenses in coming weeks.

DeMeco Ryans

John Iacono/SI

Last Week: 8 <br><br>Ryans has improved to fourth overall in the NFL with 73 tackles and has helped the Texans improve their woeful defense. After giving up 29.4 points per game through its first five contests, Houston has allowed just 16.3 points a game over the last three weeks.

Laurence Maroney

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Last week: 2 <br><br>Maroney has been great as a running back, but he's been even better as a kick returner. His average dipped to 29.7 yards (tied for first in the NFL) after the loss to Indy, but that's only because the Colts didn't kick the ball very far. Maroney gave the Pats the ball in good position all game.

Marques Colston

Bob Rosato/SI

Last week: 1 <br><br>Word is out about Colston, but opposing defenses still can't stop the seventh-round pick out of Hofstra. He had 11 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans' win over Tampa Bay last week. Colston ranks third in the NFL with 700 yards receiving.