Booyah! Marc is back with the Rookie Report after a brief hiatus. And there is plenty to talk about, as several rookies have taken the NFL by storm in the first two weeks of the regular season.

Let me be the first to welcome Marc back to the blog. We missed the rookie coverage, buddy. Keep up the good work.

The rookie report and I have been on a sabbatical the past few weeks due to Hurricane Gustav and some personal reasons.

But it is back today and a bunch has happened the first two weeks of the season. Rookies already are making noise saying they belong in your fantasy lineups. So without further ado, here is a Top-5 list of leading candidates for fantasy rookie of the year.

Honorable Mention
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Jackson has shown promise and looks to be one of Donovan McNabb’s favorite targets. But until he learns to actually run into the endzone before he drops the ball he won’t make the top five.

5. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: Change may be in the air in Carolina as Stewart saw a bunch of carries against the physical Bears defense in week 2. He responded rushing for two touchdowns in the Panthers 20-17 win.

4. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Johnson has been a spark plug in the Titans running game. While LenDale White is getting most short yardage and goal line carries, Johnson has been finding ways to get his by catching the ball out of the backfield.

3. Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Forte has shown promise with two solid games to start his NFL career. He has big-play potential evident by the 50-yard touchdown run against the Colts. He is averaging over 100 yards a game and 4.7 yards per carry.

2. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: McFadden followed up a lackluster game one with a break-out performance in game two. He is averaging 7.0 yards per carry and is primed to follow up Adrian Peterson’s big year with one of his own.

1. Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos: Most receivers coming into the NFL take a year or two to mature, but not Royal. In two games he has 14 catches for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as a game-winning two point conversion. Not only is that tops for rookies, but he also is near the top for all receivers.

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