All Rookie Team

[Randall]

Personally on defense I would pick Bethea.

 

By Tony Moss

NFL Editor

 

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - In a year during which rookies have generated a major impact for several contending teams, let's take a look at the best of the best:

 

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OFFENSE

 

QB Vince Young, Titans - Might still be the least polished of the "Big 3" quarterbacks selected in the '06 Draft, but his 7-4 record speaks for itself.

 

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars - Reggie Bush has been good, too, but Jones- Drew has more offensive yards (1143 to 1125) and is way ahead in touchdowns (13 to 7).

 

FB Oliver Hoyte, Cowboys - Undrafted rookie from N.C. State has made four starts at fullback for America's Team.

 

Maurice Jones-Drew's 1143 offensive yards and 13 touchdowns both rank above Reggie Bush.

 

WR Marques Colston, Saints - Fourth-to-last pick in the draft just went over the 1,000-yard mark.

 

WR Santonio Holmes, Steelers - Hasn't made up for the absence of Antwaan Randle El, but has generated an impact with 40 catches and some big moments in the return game.

 

TE Owen Daniels, Texans - Fourth-round pick never had more than 25 catches or four touchdowns in a season in four years at Wisconsin. In '06: 34 receptions, 5 TD.

 

C Nick Mangold, Jets - Looks like multiple Pro Bowls could be in his future.

 

G Jahri Evans, Saints - Fourth-round pick out of Division II Bloomsburg looked like a project, but has developed quickly in starting 14 games.

 

G Jason Spitz, Packers - Third-rounder has been the most consistent of Packers' three o-line rookies.

 

T Marcus McNeill, Chargers - Has been dominant at times in 14 starts at left tackle, despite breaking both hands along the way.

 

T Andrew Whitworth, Bengals - Took over at left tackle when Levi Jones got hurt, and (despite struggles against Dwight Freeney on Monday night) has done a credible job at a notoriously difficult spot.

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DEFENSE

DE Tamba Hali, Chiefs - First-round pick out of Penn State has started every game, and has six sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception to show for it.

 

DE Mark Anderson, Bears - Fifth-round selection ranks among league leaders with 10 sacks in a situational role.

 

 

Tamba Hali has six sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception for the Chiefs this season.

 

DT Barry Cofield, Giants - One of the most consistent (and consistently healthy) members of the Giants defense has 40 tackles to his credit on the season.

 

DT Haloti Ngata, Ravens - Ray Lewis' hand-picked space-eater has stabilized the league's No. 1 defense.

 

LB Ernie Sims, Lions - Detroit has been awful, but Sims' 116 tackles have been a bright spot.

 

LB DeMeco Ryans, Texans - 137 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and should be at the heart of the Texans' defense for years to come.

 

LB A.J. Hawk, Packers - Leads Packers with 109 stops, and has played particularly well during team's recent 5-4 run.

 

CB Tye Hill, Rams - Most productive of first-round corners has three interceptions and a fumble recovery to his credit.

 

CB Richard Marshall, Panthers - Has been more consistent than both Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, and his three picks lead the team.

 

S Donte Whitner, Bills - Hasn't made enough big plays (especially for the No. 8 overall pick), but his future looks bright.

 

S Dawan Landry, Ravens - Fifth-round pick won the strong safety job out of training camp, and has 62 tackles, four interceptions, and a pair of sacks since earning it.

 

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots - He's only made two kicks of 40 yards or longer, but his 10 kickoffs for touchbacks are a plus.

 

P Jon Ryan, Packers - Former CFL star is averaging 44.8 yards per punt.

 

RS Devin Hester, Bears - Has six returns for touchdowns in one of the finest seasons for a special-teamer in league history.