Originally Published: September 9, 2009

Rookie Watch: Preseason

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Green By Jeremy Green
ESPN.com
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Here is a look at the top rookies heading into the 2009 NFL season.

Rookie Watch

Ranking   Player, Position Team Last Week
1.
 Aaron Curry, OLB
He is a versatile player the Seahawks should be able to do a lot with in terms of moving him around the field in certain situations. He is one of the best athletes in this draft class and my choice for defensive rookie of the year. 		--
2.
 Percy Harvin, WR/RB
He is the most versatile offensive rookie in this class. He has the speed and quickness to create mismatches on a weekly basis. He is going to be a guy who can keep defensive coordinators up at night.		 --
3.
 Jason Smith, OT
There has been a bit of a learning curve in his first preseason, and he needs to learn to become a little more consistent, which will come with time. He is going to be the first of a very good offensive tackle class to make an impact. 		--
4.
 Knowshon Moreno, RB
The Broncos have been bringing him along slowly, but he is clearly the most talented back in Denver. The quicker he adjusts to blitz pickups, the quicker he will be on the field consistently. 		--
5.
 James Laurinaitis, LB
Linebackers are relatively easy to develop because the top players are run-and-hit defenders. He is a smart player who will have an immediate impact in the Rams' defensive scheme. 		--
6.
 Brandon Pettigrew, TE
The Lions are going to be playing from behind quite a bit this season, which means there will be plenty of reception opportunities for Pettigrew. With Calvin Johnson seeing a lot of double coverage outside, athletic Pettigrew will get a lot of one-on-one opportunities early in the season. 		--
7.
 Robert Ayers, DE
He has not had a great preseason, but he should start to pick it up. The Broncos do not have a lot of talent at the defensive end, and Ayers gives them an explosive playmaker off the edge. 		--
8.
 Louis Delmas, S
He has been a quick study at safety for the Lions. He is a big hitter and plays with a lot of confidence. He adds a big-play dimension in the back end, which Detroit has been missing for some time. 		--
9.
 Rey Maualuga, ILB
It is going to be hard for the Bengals to keep him out of the starting lineup based on how solid he was in the preseason. If he starts, he can push for defensive rookie of the year honors. He adds a physical dimension to the LB group. 		--
10.
 Pat Chung, S
He has his hands full trying to pick up a tough system in New England, but Chung is a quick study. The Patriots need a hammer against the run, and Chung is a big-time hitter at his position. 		--
11.
 Alex Mack, C
He is taking a lot of first-team reps. He is a smart player who can make the players around him better. It is tough to start inside as a rookie, but Mack has the tools to be effective. 		--
12.
 Mark Sanchez, QB
I think he will move up this list as the season progresses. He is the starter and it will take some time for him to develop, so expect early inconsistency. However, I love his moxie and toughness, and he has a bright future with the Jets.		 --
13.
 Donald Brown, RB
He's the backup to Joseph Addai, but Brown offers that physical inside run presence the Colts are looking for, and that means he eventually could cut into Addai's carries. 		--
14.
 Peria Jerry, DT
He has a chance to have an immediate impact in Atlanta because defensive tackle is the team's biggest need. Jerry is a player who can play on the edges and disrupt, something the Falcons were missing last season inside. 		--
15.
 B.J. Raji, NT
He has a chance to be the starter inside at NT because of the switch to the 3-4 scheme in Green Bay. You won't be able to measure his play on pure numbers, but if guys are making plays around him, especially at inside linebacker, then he is getting it done up front.		 --
16.
 Michael Oher, RT
He is the starting right tackle in Baltimore. His pass blocking was solid in the preseason, and his run blocking continues to improve on a weekly basis. He is poised for an excellent season. 		--
17.
 Hakeem Nicks, WR
He is coming along well in the Giants' offense. He had a huge performance in the third preseason game, even though a lot of his production came late in the game. He is not in the top three right now, but there is too much big-play ability here to keep him off the field for long. 		--
18.
 Brian Cushing, OLB
A knee injury has slowed his progress, but he's a smart and instinctive linebacker who will be able to pick things up and make an early impact on for the Texans' defense. 		--
19.
 Michael Crabtree, WR
He's too good to keep out of the preseason top 20, but he has a ton to prove to this organization. It is tough to develop at wide receiver as a rookie, and he has missed a lot of valuable time. He is good enough to have an impact when he signs, but it won't be what it could have been had he signed on time. 		--
20.
 Andre Smith, OT
He signed late, then suffered a foot injury that likely will keep him out for a few weeks. Once he's healthy, the Bengals will get him on the field because they lack quality bodies along the offensive line. 		--

    2009 NFL PREVIEW


    POWER RANKINGS

    COMMENTARY/BLOGS

    TEAM PREVIEWS

    BACKUP QB PLANS

    RANKING TODAY'S QBs

    • Wednesday, Sept. 2: We turned to a former Super Bowl-winning QB to provide a unique take on today's bunch. Trent Dilfer

    HOW THEY DO IT

    • Thursday, Sept. 3: Breaking down AFC offensive, defensive philosophies. Scouts Insider
    • Friday, Sept 4: Breaking down NFC offensive, defensive philosophies. Scouts Insider

    PREDICTIONS

    10 BIG QUESTIONS

    EMERGING STARS

    ESPN THE MAGAZINE (INSIDER)

    PAGE 2

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