2011 NFL Free Agency: The 10 Best Highlights of 2011 Free Agents

Even though the group of upcoming free agents has had their overall talent questioned, there are still plenty of players available that could drastically improve teams. 

Nnamdi Asomugha is the big fish that everyone is trying to reel in, but players like Cullen Jenkins, Santana Moss and Ronnie Brown will be fought for also.  Whatever needs weren't addressed through the draft will need to be figured out through free agency, whenever that may happen.

Here is proof that this group of available players can make game changing plays.  Today, we look at the 10 best highlights from the 2011 free agents. 

By the way, this list isn't the best free agents, but the best plays by free agents.

10. Cadillac Williams Finds the Hole

Struggling with injuries is difficult for any player in the NFL, but especially for a running back.  All it takes is one good game by a back-up for a running back to go from first-round draft pick to bench-warmer.  That is exactly what happened to Cadillac Williams in 2010.  LaGarrette Blount came in and took the job from him.  That doesn't mean that Williams doesn't have what it takes to succeed in the league anymore; he just simply lost his opportunity in Tampa Bay. 

When you watch Williams run with speed and vision, like he does in the clip above, you can see why there will be great interest in him during free agency.  He hits the hole hard, and no one even comes close to catching him.

9. Takeo Spikes Denies LaGarrette Blount

With over 1,200 total tackles, there is no denying Takeo Spikes' productivity throughout his career.  His career has taken him from Cincinnati to Buffalo to Philadelphia and San Francisco.  Spikes had his best season in recent years lined up next to Patrick Willis, and he might of done enough to warrant some attention in free agency.

Attempting to stop a big running back like LaGarrette Blount at the goal line can prove to be very difficult.  Proving he still has great instincts and power, Spikes should be starting somewhere next year.

8. Kevin Burnett Lays out Jason Wright

Having not lived up to expectations in Dallas, Kevin Burnett moved on to San Diego and had two productive seasons.  He finished last season with 95 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions.  While he may never be a top middle linebacker in the league, Burnett should be able to roam the middle of the field for a team and produce.

Burnett saw what the Cardinals were doing the whole time.  I know that Arizona was really bad this year, but someone needs to see Burnett running at full speed looking to take off Jason Wright's head. 

7. Terrell Owens Catch of Great Concentration

Did anyone else foresee disaster when the Bengals signed Terrell Owens?  Owens has had difficulty producing headlines on the field like he produces off the field.  Whether it's reality television shows or doing push-ups in his driveway, T.O. has had issues being a good influence in a locker room.  Unfortunately, for many teams, it is difficult to overlook his production through the years.  Even in a "down" season for Owens, he still managed to put up nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

I just want to point out that Carson Palmer throws a terrible pass in the above highlight that should have been intercepted.  Luckily for Palmer, Owens shows amazing hand-eye coordination and turns an awful pass into six points.

6. Shaun Ellis Destroys Joe Flacco

Having been in the league since 2000, Ellis is a seasoned veteran who can add depth to any defensive line.  He has recorded 73 sacks over his 11 year career and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.  Although there might be younger linemen available, there aren't many that are as productive as Ellis.

Even at the age of 34, Ellis can still get around that edge and lay a hit on the quarterback.  Baltimore might consider picking up Ellis just so he can't demolish Joe Flacco again.

5. Braylon Edwards Game Sealer

Having a career defined by dropped passes is generally a bad thing for a wide receiver.  That is exactly what happened to Braylon Edwards in Cleveland, and the Browns got sick of it real quick.  After being shipped off to the Jets, Edwards has appeared to fix his dropping issues and has become a valuable deep threat for Mark Sanchez.

It is unlikely that Braylon Edwards is actually going to leave New York, but after watching that game sealing catch, some other teams might be interested in Mr. Edwards.

4. Mark Clayton Makes Sideline Grab

Mark Clayton has yet to live up to his first round draft pick status, but there is still time.  At times, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to be on a team that excels in the passing game.  Baltimore is a run first team, and while Clayton was there, Joe Flacco was still learning the offense.  Sam Bradford was only a rookie while having Clayton, and no wide receiver is going to put up huge numbers with a rookie quarterback.

This catch shows off some of the abilities of Clayton.  He makes a difficult catch with a defender all over him and has enough awareness to get both feet down before falling out of bounds.  Simply a spectacular catch.

3. Alex Smith Crushes Greg Ellis

There probably aren't many teams that have Alex Smith high on their free agent list.  To say that Smith hasn't lived up to expectations in San Francisco would be an understatement.  To make matters worse, Smith had to watch Rodgers, who was picked 24 picks after him, win the Super Bowl this past year.  That must have really made the 49ers front office shake their heads in disbelief.

Even though Smith most likely won't be a starting quarterback next year, I wonder if a team will give him a chance on defense after watching that hit.  Can you imagine how much crap Greg Ellis' teammates gave him after seeing him get laid out by a quarterback?

2. Randy Moss One Handed Catch

Last year, Randy Moss basically lost all credibility after being traded from the Patriots to the Vikings then from the Vikings to the Titans.  With only 28 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns, Moss had his worst statistical season ever.

However, when you see him make a play like the one above, you know he still has what it takes.  Moss basically palmed the ball in mid-air.  He didn't even attempt to put up his other hand.  What makes this play even more impressive is that he burned Darrelle Revis, one of the best cornerbacks, to make this sick catch.

If some team can figure out how to motivate Randy Moss, he might surprise some people with a comeback year.

1. Nnamdi Asomugha Is Just the Man

I just couldn't leave the top free agent off this list.  Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and will improve whichever team he is on.  He has everything a team could ever want in a defensive back, including being a shutdown corner and stellar tackler. 

While it is difficult to find just one incredible highlight from Asomugha, mainly because no team will throw his way, enjoy the highlight video above.  Soak in his greatness and hope that your team lands him.