NFL Rookie Watch

NFL Rookie Watch

Devin Hester

Jim O'Connor/US PRESSWIRE

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>Hester scares his coaching staff some time, but he is electrifying. Last week he tied an NFL record by returning a missed field goal 108 yards for a key touchdown in the Bears' 38-20 win over the Giants. He is tied for second in the NFL with a 13.1 punt-return average and has two punt returns for touchdowns.

Kamerion Wimbley

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>Wimbley has become a real factor on the Browns' improving defense. He got to Atlanta's Michael Vick last Sunday to increase his sack total to 5 1/2 and he forced a key fumble. He has great speed and power for a linebacker and continues to get better.

A.J. Hawk

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>The No. 5 overall pick had his best game as a pro in Green Bay's 23-17 win over Minnesota. Hawk was all over the field, with 13 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. He leads the Packers with 67 tackles and is getting better as the season progresses.

Marcus McNeill

John W. McDonough/SI

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>You have to give credit to the line for the Chargers' recent offensive success and the rookie left tackle has been an outstanding contributor. Quarterback Philip Rivers has gotten enough time to pick apart defenses and running back LaDainian Tomlinson is running through big holes.

Reggie Bush

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>Bush broke out of a slump by rushing for 49 yards on 10 carries and catching seven passes for 40 yards. He had a spectacular 15-yard touchdown run on a reverse in New Orleans' 38-31 loss to the Steelers. Unfortunately, he also had a key fumble in the loss.

Vince Young

AP

Last Week: 7<br><br>Young was outstanding in the first half against the Ravens last week, as the Titans racked up 26 points. But that was it for the game, as Tennessee lost 27-26. Young ended up hitting 13 of 25 passes for 211 yards and an interception, and ran for 39 yards and a touchdown. Young appears more interested in running the ball, which has helped the offense tremendously.

Demeco Ryans

John Iacono/SI

Last Week: 3<br><br>Ryans has been a consistent playmaker for the Texans and ranks fifth in the NFL with 79 tackles. More importantly, Houston's defense has improved dramatically. The Texans have allowed just 24 points over the last two weeks.

Joseph Addai

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Last Week: 4<br><br>Addai rushed 13 times for 78 yards and a touchdown and caught seven balls for 46 yards in the Colts' 17-16 win over the Bills last Sunday. Addai has proven he can help the Colts milk the clock and pull out close wins, which will be key late in the season.

Laurence Maroney

Greg M. Cooper/US PRESSWIRE

Last week: 2<br><br>Maroney, who is struggling with a sore ankle, had an off week against the Jets, rushing 12 times for 37 yards. He still ranks second in the NFL with a 29.7-yard kickoff return average, and the Pats still have plenty of faith in the running back out of Minnesota.

Marques Colston

Bob Rosato/SI

Last week: 1<br><br>The 252nd player chosen in last April's draft leads the NFL with 869 receiving yards. The Saints have barely missed veteran receiver Joe Horn, who is out with a groin injury, because Colston is playing like a bona fide No. 1 receiver.