Nicks, Byrd selected as top rookies for October

Sports Network | October 29, 2009

New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd have been named the NFL's top rookies for the month of October.

Nicks, selected with the 29th overall pick of the NFL Draft, captured the offensive award after scoring a touchdown in all four games during the month. The North Carolina product had 14 receptions for 297 yards in October and became the first Giants rookie with a touchdown catch in four straight games since Bill Swiacki in 1948.

Byrd, a second-round pick out of Oregon, notched 15 tackles and five interceptions during October to nab defensive honors. He is the first rookie with five picks in a month since Chicago's Mark Carrier in December of 1990.

Other nominees for the offensive award included Indianapolis wide receiver Austin Collie, who had 18 catches for 198 yards and four scores; Philadelphia receiver Jeremy Maclin, who posted 12 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns; and Chicago's Johnny Knox, who caught a touchdown pass and returned a kickoff for a score.

Defensive consideration went to Seattle linebacker Aaron Curry, who registered 21 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble in three games; Houston linebacker Brian Cushing, who notched 30 tackles and added an interception with two forced fumbles in four games; and St. Louis linebacker James Laurinaitis, who recorded 37 tackles with two picks in four games.