Antonio Cromartie and the NFL's Most Capable Two-Way Players

The NFL preseason is officially underway, and fans can now sleep better than they have in months because their beloved football is back. With the 2012 NFL season set to begin in less than one month, teams are working vigorously to mix up their packages by utilizing two-way players. 

The New York Jets have already made it known that Antonio Cromartie will be featured on offense this season. 

Every fan loves to see the game's best athletes on the field at all times, especially when the ball is in their hands. These players are super heroes to the common fan. They give the game an added jolt of electricity as fans hold their breath waiting for these guys to explode. 

Here are the most capable two-way players that fans just can't get enough of. 

Setting Parameters

Let's face it, just because a player doesn't play offense and defense doesn't mean that they shouldn't be considered a two-way threat. 

The guys featured in this article are like pure dynamite—waiting to explode on a football field. They're the best athletes in the game, priceless to their teams and the reason we love the sport. 

In this article, there are six types of two-way players.  Each type or category is based on raw talent, hype and undeniable career numbers.

Here are the categories:

The Rookies: Guys who will have the opportunity to impact the scoreboard in multiple ways this season.

A Little Bit of Everything: These guys will never be superstars, but they can do a little bit of everything.  

Up and Coming Stars: These guys are the future of the league. Every fan wants to see the ball in their hands, regardless of who they root for. 

Established Threats: The opposition can't take their eyes off these guys because they've made a living in the end zone. 

Quarterbacks with Moves: Pure fun to watch because no one quite knows what to expect. 

Defensive Freaks: The best athletes in the league. These players deserve the utmost respect for their natural ability and for knowing when to shine. 

These Rookies Will Make a Name for Themselves Early and Often

Brandon Boykin is the Definition of Dynamic: The Philadelphia Eagles swiped multi-threat Brandon Boykin in the fourth round of the latest NFL draft. He'll be the starting kick returner this season in Philly and could even see time in the defensive backfield in certain situations. His all-around prowess on a football field is undeniable. Expect him to make a highlight reel or two in 2012. 

Keshawn Martin will Play a Crucial Role for the Texans This Season: After Andre Johnson, the Houston Texans are thin at wide receiver. Every superstar needs a sidekick and rookie Keshawn Martin will be that man this season, deep in the heart of Texas. Martin has not only impressed head coach Gary Kubiak on offense, but he'll also get a shot in the return game. 

Chris Rainey is a Diamond in the Rough: The Pittsburgh Steelers have a must-see player in 2012 fourth-round pick Chris Rainey. Is he a running back? Is he a receiver? Who cares, just give him the ball and watch the theatrics unfold. 

These Guys Can Do a Little Bit of Everything

Dexter McCluster is a Solid Threat: The Kansas City Chiefs have a triple threat option in Dexter McCluster. He doesn't stand out in any specific category, but his numbers are solid across the board. In 2011, he managed 516 rushing yards, 328 receiving yards and 557 yards on kick returns. Always a home run candidate, he's a joy to watch. 

Don't Sleep on Leon Washington: The Seattle Seahawks have something special in veteran back Leon Washington. He'll never be a star, but he'll always pose danger to the opposition. He has 1,000-plus kick return yards in four of the past five seasons, and he'll do it again this season. Not only is he a reliable return man, but he'll be the primary third down back this year. If your fantasy football team is desperate, consider Washington and hope he'll take it to the house. 

Will Percy Harvin Become a Star This Season? The Minnesota Vikings have something every team desires in wide receiver Percy Harvin—the kid can do it all. Last season, he totaled 1,832 total yards, including 967 receiving yards. Right now, he's the best player on offense for the Vikings. Will he ever become an undisputed star? Unfortunately he will not. With star running back Adrian Peterson still hobbled with a knee injury, Harvin is a one-man band in Minnesota right now. The opposition won't have a hard time figuring out who's going to get the ball this season.

Reggie Bush will Eclipse 1,750 Total Yards This Year: Reggie Bush was supposed to be a star when he came out of USC with a Heisman in hand. While his NFL career hasn't been a flop, it hasn't necessarily lived up to its potential. Regardless, Bush is an asset to the Miami Dolphins. He passed the coveted 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time last season and will reach the 1,000-yard receiving plateau this season. He caught 88 balls as a rookie in 2006, and the Dolphins plan on finding him through the air in 2012.  

These Kids Are Up-and-Coming Stars

Randall Cobb is the Real Deal: Green Bay Packers returner/receiver Randall Cobb will be a household name by the season's end. He burst onto the scene in 2011 when he took a return the full distance in his first NFL game. That was only a precursor to what's about to take place this season as Cobb will become a star. His youth is exactly what the Packers need in their receiving corps, as he'll get more time on offense this year.  Draft Cobb late in your fantasy drafts and sit on him for a few weeks until a true role is defined, he'll be worth the wait. 

Antonio Brown Got Paid Like a Star: The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't hesitant to sign wide receiver Antonio Brown this offseason while holdout Mike Wallace continued to hastily weigh his options. Brown earned his money last season when he accounted for 2,211 total yards. The expectations are now high, but he's up to the challenge as he'll be targeted more often than not. 

These Guys Are Established Threats and Are Feared by All

Josh Cribbs May Be Nothing but a Return Man Now, But He Deserves Credit: Many could argue that the only reason to watch the Cleveland Browns since they returned in 1999 has been return man Josh Cribbs. While he's always been primarily a return man, he was forced to extend his role in the receiving game last year. Forty-one catches for 518 receiving yards to go along with 1,382 return yards make him worthy of this list. Now that he has some reinforcements in town in a handful of rookies, he can concentrate at his specialty. Expect him to find the end zone a few times this season.

Devin Hester is Hall of Fame Bound: The Chicago Bears have a legend in return man Devin Hester. His 18 career special team touchdowns speak for themselves, but let's not forget that he's a very capable receiver. Right now, he's slated to be the No. 2 receiver for the Bears this season, although that position is subject to change. Nevertheless, Hester is electric. 

Not Only Does Ray Rice Run, He Catches Everything: How could Ray Rice be left off of this list? He's as good of a receiver as he is a rusher. His 250 catches in his first four NFL seasons is all you need to know. He has an astounding 6,612 yards from scrimmages in his young career, and he will be the league's MVP within three years. 

Darren Sproles Holds the Crown Right Now: What can't Darren Sproles do on a football field? His 2,696 total yards in 2011 suggest that he's capable of doing it all. The man is simply stunning to watch. He looks like he is shot out of a slingshot on every play. The dude is a can't miss, unless you're trying to tackle him. 

Quarterbacks with Moves Always Keep Defenses on Their Toes

Aaron Rodgers is Just Plain Smart: He may not consider running the ball a major part of his game, but Aaron Rodgers' innate ability to scramble at the right time gets him on the list. He may not do it often, but the three to four times a game when he does helps his team extend drives and pad his stats. 

Robert Griffin III is a Gift to Football: Based on hype alone, RG3 has earned respect. Yes, he may be a rookie, but he carries himself on and off the field like a grizzled vet. His wisdom and ridiculous athleticism will help him escape hungry linebackers throughout his rookie season until he gets a true feel for the game. Any guy this disappointed at not competing in the current Olympics should cause defensive coordinators nightmares. 

Tim Tebow will Become a Bruiser: Sure, Tim Tebow may not be the best quarterback in the world, but he's a dependable running back. At 250 lbs., he has the size to punish his opponents as he crashes into the end zone. The New York Jets didn't trade for him in the offseason in order for him to hold a clipboard. Expect 15-18 total touchdowns from Tebow this season.

Michael Vick Will Prove That He's Still Michael Vick: The Philadelphia Eagles will become the team this year that they were supposed to be last year. Quarterback Michael Vick has settled in, and fans will once again be reminded of how he revolutionized football. There have been plenty of other duel-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, but no quarterback has ever dazzled like Vick. He has 5,519 career rushing yards on just 729 carries. Although Vick won't try to beat 11 men by himself anymore, he'll rely on his legs to take the Eagles to the playoffs this year. The mere possibility of Vick pulling the ball down and gliding down the field brings pure excitement to mind.  

These Defensive Freaks Are the Best the Game Has to Offer

Dear Jim Harbaugh, Can Patrick Willis Play Fullback Just Once? OK—this may never happen, but who doesn't want to see it? San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has made it known that he wants two-way players, so why can't Patrick Willis be one? He's a pure beast. Here's a dream scenario—Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, the HarBowl, Niners vs. Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh. Late in the fourth quarter, down by three on the one-yard line, Jim decides to go for on fourth and goal. He puts Willis in at fullback to meet Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in the hole. You fill in the rest... 

Ndamukong Suh Has Played Fullback Before: Although Ndamukong Suh had a troubled 2011 season, he'll remind everyone of the freakish athlete that he is this year, as he slowly wins back fans. He can play fullback, and let's not forget, he can attempt the extra point too. 

Charles Woodson's Defense Quickly Turns to Offense: The Green Bay Packers hit the jackpot when Charles Woodson decided to sign with them in 2006. The veteran is capable of scoring six every time that he touches the ball. His 11 career interceptions for touchdowns are tied with Darren Sharper for second on the all-time list. The former Heisman winner will have his chance to tie Rod Woodson's record of 12 in 2012. He's had at least one pick-six in every season since joining Green Bay. Expect the future Hall of Famer to at least tie the record this season. His knack to find the end zone has defined his outstanding career. 

Patrick Peterson Is Downright Nasty: You name it, Patrick Peterson can do it on a football field. By season's end he'll be a top-notch cornerback along with being the best punt returner in the game. Four returns for scores and a touchdown on defense in 2011 gave us all a glimpse of his talent. Now with experience under his belt, this season should be "The Patrick Peterson Show" in the desert. 

Antonio Cromartie will Play Receiver This Season: Just when everyone thought the New York Jets were done trying to pull a rabbit out of the hat, they have announced that cornerback Antonio Cromartie will play offense this season. While he won't be featured on every drive, this should be entertaining to say the least. There's no question that Cromartie is a stupendous athlete, but whether he'll make an honest impact remains to be seen. He truly believes that he should be the No. 2 wideout when the season begins. If head coach Rex Ryan is serious in his attempts to deploy Cromartie, he better hope that this experiment works. 

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