Originally Published: October 6, 2009

Rookie Watch: Week 4

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Green By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
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After a tough weekend against the Saints, Mark Sanchez has been knocked from atop the rookie standings. Who stepped up to take over the No. 1 spot?

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Rookie Watch

Ranking   Player, Position (Draft position) Team Last Week
1.
 Percy Harvin, WR/RB (First, No. 22)
Harvin had two catches for 39 yards on Monday night, but one was a big gain that went for 43 yards. His game continues to evolve on a weekly basis, as he was better in Week 4 in the few times the Vikings used him in blitz pickups and when he was downfield blocking for the running game. 		2
2.
 Michael Oher, RT (First, No. 23)
Oher gave up a few more pressures this week as he faced a sound New England front that does some blitzing and stunting up front. Overall, though, he held his own. He had a nice kick-out block on Ray Rice's 50-yard gallop in the second half. With the Ravens' LOT, Jared Gaither, injured, Oher might be moving over to the left side this week. 		3
3.
 Mark Sanchez, QB (First round, No. 5)
We are not going to hit the panic button over his poor performance against the Saints, as it was expected in his first true road test against a defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, who loves to bring multiple blitz looks. He turned it over four times and while this won't be his last miserable performance, there will be more good ones than bad ones in the future. 		1
4.
 Aaron Curry, LB (First, No. 4)
He had a solid game in Week 4 in Indianapolis, tallying seven tackles. There were a few plays on which he really showed that explosive speed and range by running down the RB outside the numbers. He is getting better every week playing through blockers and getting to the ball. 		4
5.
 Brian Cushing, OLB (First, No. 15)
He has been on our radar the past few weeks now and this past weekend against the Raiders, he was all over the field. Cushing led the defense with seven tackles, had one tackle for loss and had three QB pressures. He has excellent instincts and is getting more comfortable in the defense every single week. 		NR
6.
 Louis Delmas, S (Second, No. 1)
Even though he is not on a great defense, Delmas continues to show up and make plays every single weekend. He had four tackles and a sack in Week 4. He is an excellent playmaker who can do more if the Lions ask him to do so. He is versatile and the team needs to trust it can give him more to do on Sundays.		 6
7.
 James Laurinaitis, LB (Second, No. 3)
He continues to lead all rookie LBs in tackles after another big tackle output this past weekend. He is still making too many of his tackles downfield, though, and we would like to see more explosive plays from the rookie LB.		 8
8.
 Johnny Knox, WR/KR (Fifth, No. 4)
He continues to be the No. 1 playmaker for the Bears. He and QB Jay Cutler appear to be getting more and more comfortable with each other, as Knox caught five balls for 31 yards in Week 4. The real spark, however, came in the form of a 102-yard kickoff return to start the third quarter that broke a 21-21 halftime tie. 		NR
9.
 Kenny Britt, WR (First, No. 30)
He had his biggest game of his young career with seven receptions for 105 yards in a losing effort at Jacksonville. Look for him to continue to be targeted, as he is the Jaguars' best weapon in the passing game. He is big, physical and can make plays after the catch with the ball in his hands. They need to get him the ball more in coming weeks. 		9
10.
 Clay Matthews, LB (First, No. 26)
Another guy who has been on the fringe of this list gets the nod after a big Monday night performance. He had three tackles, a forced fumble and scored a TD against the Vikings. Look for his playing time to continue to increase as he gets more comfortable in the defensive system. 		NR

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