What Have You Done For Me Lately? Volume One

In the NFL, anything can happen.

A great player can fall off the radar, and a seventh-round pick can become a Pro Bowler.

Anything is possible.

So with that said, which players have something to prove in 2009?

Kansas City Chiefs Running Back Larry Johnson

The elite running back hasn't been so elite the past two seasons. In both 2005 and 2006, Johnson rushed for over 1,700 yards. He had a total of 40 touchdowns in that span (37 rushing TDs).

In the past two seasons ('07 and '08) Johnson hasn't crossed the 1,000 yard mark, and has totaled only nine touchdown's (eight rushing TDs).

Of course he has injured a lot in the past two seasons, missing 12 games—but still. Johnson has something to prove, especially with the Cheif's talking about trading him.

A change of scenery could work for Johnson—but if wants to have any success, he needs to concentrate on being healthy. If healthy, he would benefit any team he is on.

Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver Javon Walker

Javon Walker signed with the Raiders following the 2007 season, and it is an understatement to say he was a disappointment. He signed a huge contract and had a horrible season. He missed eight games and only caught 15 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown.

Nobody can blame JaMarcus Russell. He wasn't great but he wasn't horrible. If Walker wants any success, he'll have to work hard as well as concentrating on staying healthy.

If Walker could return to his '04 and '06 form, and the Raiders were to draft Michael Crabtree (or Jeremy Maclin), the Raiders offense could be one of the NFL's best. They have a great running game in McFadden, Bush, and Fargas.

Cleveland Browns Outside Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley

Since Wimbley's great rookie season, in which he had 11.0 sacks, Wimbley's performance has dropped. His amount of tackles has remained a constant but his amount of sacks has lowered tremendously (5.0 in '07 and 4.0 in '08).

He hasn't lived up to his first-round potential since his rookie season. Many think Wimbley only has one pass-rushing move and that's to blame for his lowering performance. It explains his drop-off.

Playing defensive end for a team with a 4-3 defensive scheme could benefit Wimbley but I doubt the Browns will trade him. Injuries aren't to blame for his performance, he just needs to work hard and learn some more pass-rushing moves.

If he doesn't, he will never be more than a mediocre linebacker.

Houston Texans Defensive Tackle Amobi Okoye

Just like Wimbley, Okoye hasn't quite lived up to his first-round potential. He had 5.5 sacks his rookie year, which is decent—but not first-round caliber. You would think playing on the same D-line as Mario Williams would benefit him, but it appears it doesn't.

Okoye has played in two NFL seasons so he could blossom in 2009. If he can manage to be at least a great defensive tackle, the Texans D-line could be great.

Okoye needs to concentrate and work hard if he wants to live up to his potential. Look for him to have a breakout season in '09.