Hit The Ground Running

It's too soon to tell how the five quarterbacks chosen in the first round of last April's draft will pan out, but several teams are already getting outstanding play from other rookies. Here are the first-year players who have made the biggest impact (pick in the draft in parentheses).

1. Champ Bailey, Redskins CB (7)
Showed his stuff with three interceptions in Oct. 17 win over the Cardinals

2. Jevon Kearse, Titans DE (16)
Had three sacks against vaunted Browns tackle Orlando Brown; wreaked havoc against Rams

3. Edgerrin James, Colts RB (4)
Looks like a better inside runner than predecessor Marshall Faulk

4. Tony Bryant, Raiders DE (40)
With 4� sacks in his first eight games, already getting double-teamed on occasion

5. Andy Katzenmoyer, Patriots LB (28)
Has silenced critics with 76 tackles, 2� sacks and an interception return for a touchdown

6. Mike McKenzie, Packers CB (87)
Third of three cornerbacks drafted last spring by Green Bay is now best one on the team

7. Fernando Bryant, Jaguars CB (26)
A major reason behind Jacksonville's turnaround on defense

8. Cecil Collins, Dolphins RB (134)
J.J. Johnson, Dolphins RB (39)
Bob Konrad, Dolphins FB (34)

Backfield by committee combines Collins's burst, Johnson's power and Konrad's blocking and pass-catching