NFL Rookie Watch

NFL Rookie Watch

Matt Leinart

Bruce Kluckhohn/US PRESSWIRE

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>The 2004 Heisman Trophy winner starts off this week's rookie barometer. Leinart threw for a rookie-record 405 yards in the Cardinals' 31-26 loss to the Vikings. He's had some rough games, but Arizona's offense might be improving. His talent should shine down the stretch.

Devin Hester

Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>Teams are making a point of not punting to Hester, which is a testament of how dangerous the rookie out of Miami is. It's pretty much a guarantee Hester will make a big play in a crucial game for the Bears.

Kamerion Wimbley

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Last Week: 9<br><br>The Browns are terrible, which makes Wimbley's development even more impressive. The speedy outside linebacker has had a sack in each of his last four games and now has 7.5 on the season.

A.J. Hawk

AP

Last Week: Unranked<br><br>Yes, the Seahawks torched the Packers on the ground last week, but they had more success when they ran away from Hawk. The No. 5 overall selection ranks fifth in the NFL with 95 tackles and seems to get better every week.

Demeco Ryans

Rich Kane/US PRESSWIRE

Last Week: 4<br><br>Ryans had 14 tackles against the Jets last week to improve to third overall in the NFL with 99 on the season. The Texans' defense still is inconsistent, but they've improved against the run, and that's in large part because of Ryans.

Laurence Maroney

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Last week: 2<br><br>Maroney had another solid game rushing, receiving and returning kicks in a win over the Bears last week. The Patriots have a very easy schedule throughout the rest of the season, so the exciting rookie back should have big numbers.

Marcus McNeill

Robert Beck/SI

Last Week: 3<br><br>The massive rookie out of Auburn has stood up to every test he's faced this season and deserves tons of credit for the Chargers' offensive success. McNeill has faced a lot of tough rushers and quarterback Philip Rivers has barely a scratch to show for it.

Marques Colston

Bob Rosato/SI

Last week: 1<br><br>Colston teased fans that he would be ready for last week's game against Atlanta, but at the end he decided to sit out with his gimpy ankle. Even after missing his last two games, Colston ranks ninth in the NFL with 869 receiving yards. But his absence has brought home the reality that the rookie benefits from the Saints' system, which hasn't slowed down without Colston.

Vince Young

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Last Week: 6<br><br>Young had the best game of his career against the Giants last Sunday, throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns and running for 69 yards and one score in Tennessee's come-from-behind 24-21 win. Young looks more poised every week and has helped the Titans win four of their last six.

Joseph Addai

AP

Last Week: 5<br><br>Addai had the best game of his career last Sunday, torching the Eagles for 171 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Sure, Philly is sputtering, but this impressive performance should set the tone as the Colts turn to the running game even more.