Top 5 NFL rookies so far in the 2009 season

Contributor Written on October 07, 2009

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 20: Wide receiver Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball past safety Louis Delmas #26 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 20, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Vikings won 27-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Ge

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Thus far in the 2009 season, some rookies have disappointed, others have come out of nowhere to become stars, and others have lived up to high expectations. Position wise, rookies have made the most impact at wide receiver, with speedsters like Percy Harvin and tall guys like Kenny Britt. Here's a look at the top 5 rookie performers thus far.

No. 5 Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions

ALLEN PARK, MI - MAY 01: Matt Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws during rookie orientation camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on May 1, 2009 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

So far Stafford has been wildly inconsistent, but with the Lions all you have to do is win one or two games and you're improving. However, Stafford has looked like a leader and is improving. So far he's recorded three touchdown passes and six interceptions.

No. 4 Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings dives for a touchdown as he is hit Brodney Pool #21 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Harvin was touted as the most electrifying athlete in last year's draft, and righfully so. He's already one of Brett Favre's favorite targets and scored on a kickoff return against San Francisco. So far he has 167 receiving yards, 410 kickoff return yards, and 28 rushing yards.

Johnny Knox, WR, Bears

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 27: Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 27, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Bears defeated the Seahawks 25-19. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty

Knox has come out of nowhere to be the Bears go-to guy. Despite being overshadowed by other draftees like Juaquin Iglesias in the preseason, Knox has 190 yards receiving in a potent Bears offense.

No. 2 Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 27: Mark Sanchez #6 of The New York Jets passes against The Tennessee Titans during their game on September 27, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Sanchez has the Jets headed in the right direction and hasn't looked like a rookie so far, leading the Jets to a win over New England. He's accounted for 5 touchdowns and thrown five interceptions. Three of those interceptions came against New Orleans.

No. 1 Kenny Britt, WR, Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 3: Kenny Britt #18 of the Tennessee Titans looks on against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason NFL game at LP Field on September 3, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans beat the Packers 27-13. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty

Britt has looked absolutely top-notch so far, and will be a star for many years to come in the NFL. He can beat any corner with his size but can move surprisingly fast for a big WR. He has been a bright spot on a struggling Titans team.

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