NFL Training Camp: 10 Notable Players Who Will Be on the Roster Bubble in 2012

As the 2012 NFL season is less than 100 days away, teams have begun OTAs and continue to prepare for training camp this summer.

The offseason is always filled with plenty of competition for roster spots and a lot of veteran players on the chopping block.

This season will be no different.

Which notable players are in danger of not making the 53-man roster? Here are 10 players who will be on the roster bubble this season.

No. 10) Baltimore Ravens LB Sergio Kindle

Sergio Kindle has endured a difficult start to his NFL career since fracturing his skull two years ago.

Kindle vows he is physically capable of making an impact on a Ravens defense that has already lost Terrell Suggs for at least half the season.

However, there is still the uncertainty that Kindle can live up to the expectations of being a second-round pick.

In today's NFL, teams no longer show patience with high draft picks who cannot contribute to the team for almost three full seasons.

If Kindle does not show significant improvements in camp, the Ravens could cut the former Texas Longhorn standout.

No. 9) San Francisco 49ers RB Anthony Dixon

Anthony Dixon is in a position where being cut by the San Francisco 49ers could ultimately be a blessing.

The 49ers made plenty of changes to the offense this offseason, including the signing of former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.

Jacobs will receive the third-down carries and short yardage situations for the 49ers, which leaves Dixon with limited opportunities.

Many teams will be in search of running back depth during training camp, and Dixon will find another opportunity this summer.

No. 8) Pittsburgh Steelers OT/OG Willie Colon

Willie Colon is hoping to make the 53-man roster after witnessing multiple upgrades to the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.

The Steelers are using Colon as a guard early on in OTAs with the hope of creating depth to a thin offensive line unit.

However, David DeCastro is going to be an immediate starter, and Mike Adams could receive his opportunity to start in his rookie year.

Due to his inconsistent performance on the field, Colon is going to be in major competition for a roster spot for the Steelers this summer.

No. 7) Cleveland Browns QB Seneca Wallace

Seneca Wallace does not appear to have a bright future as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

With quarterback Brandon Weeden slated to be the starting quarterback in 2012, Wallace must be content with his role as a backup quarterback.

However, will the Browns hold onto three quarterbacks to start the season? Will Wallace earn his salary as a third-string quarterback?

There is no guarantee that the veteran Wallace will be given one of the open spots on the 53-man roster.

No. 6) Buffalo Bills LB Shawne Merriman

There is no guarantee that Shawne Merriman will be able to make the Buffalo Bills roster for the 2012 season.

Merriman has been a non-factor since signing with the Bills a few years ago. Injuries have plagued Merriman, who has not displayed the same explosiveness since playing for the San Diego Chargers.

The Bills made significant upgrades to the defense, specifically with the signing of All-Pro defensive end Mario Williams. Also, there are plenty of talented young defensive players on the roster who have developed well with the Bills.

With the recent improvements made to the defense, it appears Merriman could be the odd-man out in training camp.

No. 5) Arizona Cardinals TE Todd Heap

Todd Heap has not proven to the Arizona Cardinals that he can still perform near the All-Pro level he played at while with the Baltimore Ravens.

Once again, injuries have limited Heap from making any impact on the football field. He recorded just one touchdown and 283 receiving yards with the Cardinals last season.

Jeff King and second-year tight end Rob Housler will get the majority of reps in training camp this season, which could lead to the end of Heap's tenure in Arizona.

In fact, Heap's career could come to an end if he is released by the Cardinals.

No. 4) Miami Dolphins QB David Garrard

David Garrard will attempt to make an impact on an NFL field in 2012 after missing last season due to a back injury.

He will find himself competing for the starting job with quarterback Matt Moore and rookie Ryan Tannehill.

However, there is no guarantee that Garrard performs anywhere near his days while with the Jaguars. If Garrard does not come close to winning the quarterback competition, he might see himself back on the free-agent market quickly.

Tannehill is in prime position to eventually become the starting quarterback for the Dolphins. Garrard must win the starting job to ensure a roster spot this upcoming season.

No. 3) Seattle Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson

The Seattle Seahawks came to the realization that Tarvaris Jackson has not improved as a quarterback since his years with the Minnesota Vikings.

Jackson never grew as a quarterback after showing his potential early in his career with the Vikings. This offseason, the Seahawks signed former Packers quarterback Matt Flynn and drafted former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson.

Flynn and Wilson appear to have the edge in the three-way competition for the starting job. It is very likely that Jackson will need to search for a new team this summer.

No. 2) New England Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco

It appears that Chad Ochocinco does not have an exciting future with the New England Patriots. After being traded to the Patriots last summer, Ochocinco has been a major disappointment for the defending AFC champions.

Ochocinco did not grasp the offensive playbook quickly last season, and he did not find many playing opportunities with the high powered Patriots offense.

With the signing of Brandon Lloyd, Ochocinco will have a very difficult time making the Patriots' roster in August.

No. 1) Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno has not been capable of becoming an every-down running back since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009.

Now it appears that Moreno is not guaranteed a roster spot heading into training camp. He has not fully healed from a torn ACL which he suffered late in the 2011 season.

Moreno has never been able to stay healthy for an entire season, and his recent ACL injury is another example of that.

He will be competing with Lance Ball and Mario Fannin just to earn a roster spot this upcoming season.

If Moreno does not fully recover from the ACL injury, it is very likely he will not be in a Broncos uniform in 2012.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport. He has been featured by ESPN.com and CBS Sports, while also making appearances on ESPN Radio. Follow him on twitter: @MattMiselisNFL