The rookies were harder to rank this week due to the impact some made on the field as well as some injuries. The list has been shaken up a bit because of these factors.

New faces are showing up for their respective teams while some rookies are falling off a bit. This week’s rankings:

1. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos: Moreno is now the feature back, evident by his 21 carries and four receptions in the game against the Patriots. Moreno did not have the statistical outburst I was expecting against the Patriots, but his 88 yards rushing and 36 yards receiving helped lead the Broncos to a big win. Now that he is the undisputed No. 1 running back in Denver, expect big days from Moreno.

2. Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets: Sanchez and the Jets were defeated on Monday Night Football, but this time Sanchez cannot receive all the blame. He held on to the ball and did not put his team in bad spots. He only finished with 172 passing yards and one touchdown, but the absence of turnovers was important to the young quarterback’s frame of mind.

3. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings: Harvin’s production has fallen off steadily. He has not caught a touchdown pass since Week Two and does not seem to be Brett Favre‘s favorite target. The Vikings are a run-first team, which means when push comes to shove the Vikings will run Adrian Peterson first and pass later. I am still high on Harvin because of his versatility, but the rookie receivers behind him are pushing him for this spot.

4. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: Nicks has scored in the Giants’ offense for two straight weeks, showing why he was a first round pick. Now that his injury is healed he can become a viable option for the Giants as the biggest target in Eli Manning‘s arsenal. Nicks only had 49 yards receiving against the Raiders last week, but his size makes him a favorable target in the red zone.

5. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: Maclin exploded with Donovan McNabb back under center. Maclin finished with six catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns last weekend. He has the same speed as fellow receiver DeSean Jackson, but his size makes him an easier target in the passing game. Maclin has the ability to beat guys deep or jump over defenders. His rise up this list is expected based on his potential.

 

Last Week’s Rookie Report Rankings

1. Knowshon Moreno
2. Percy Harvin
3. Mark Sanchez
4. Matthew Stafford
5. Kenny Britt

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Sponsored Links

Buy Denver Broncos Tickets, NFL Tickets, Football Tickets and Sports Tickets at StubPass.com.

BroncosZone Latest

• The Denver Broncos Must Face Their New Reality
• Denver Broncos: The Beginning of a New Era, Or The Beginning of the End?
• Hey Denver, Where’s the Love for Josh McDaniels?
• Josh McDaniels Is the Poster Boy for “Too Much, Too Soon”
• Denver Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall: “I Love Being a Bronco”