NFL Waiver Wire: Surprise Cuts Who Will Shine with New Teams

Here we are, just one week away from the start of the NFL season, and there are still roster moves to be made. 

All 32 teams have their current 53-man roster set after Friday's cut deadline, but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of action in the final seven days before the season starts (and even after it starts). 

Cut day is a difficult time for those players who need to find new jobs, but it can also be a chance for a fresh start with a team that sees something that his old team didn't anymore. 

Here is a look at players who have the talent to shine in the right system. 

Tim Hightower, Running Back

The Redskins released Hightower, who was coming off a torn ACL suffered last October. The move was a bit of a surprise given how little depth they have at running back and Hightower's age (26). 

Having a running back coming back from a torn ACL is a lot like having a starting pitcher coming back from Tommy John surgery: There is apprehension, but it is no longer the death blow to someone's career that it used to be. 

Hightower averaged over four yards per carry on 296 attempts combined between 2009 and 2010. He has also shown himself to be very adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, with 128 receptions in four seasons. 

Teams who need a No. 2 running back who can contribute in the passing game will find a steal in Hightower. 

Deion Branch, Wide Receiver

With all the weapons at New England's disposal, it can be very easy to get lost in the shuffle. There was a time when Branch was easily the No. 1 receiver for that offense, even winning a Super Bowl MVP award in 2004. 

Despite never having 1,000 yards in a season, Branch is still a productive pass-catcher who can play an integral role as a slot receiver. 

With the Patriots last season, Branch managed to have 51 catches for 702 yards and five touchdowns. He had the benefit of playing in a pass-oriented offense that gave him more opportunities, but in the right situation he can be a valuable asset. 

Chris Cooley, Tight End

The Redskins are building an offense around Robert Griffin III, so you would think that having two tight ends like Cooley and Fred Davis would be a major part of that process. 

Instead, the team decided to go a different direction by letting the 30-year-old go. Despite missing 11 games last season, Cooley was not exactly a decrepit NFL player who had no value left. 

He was still one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL before his injury, posting 77 catches in 2010. Given the state of the Redskins' quarterback situation at that time, it speaks to how valuable he was. 

Tight ends are an integral part of the NFL today. Cooley is still in the upper echelon despite his injury-plagued 2011 season. 

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