Plaxico Burress and Top 10 Offensive Comeback Candidates

Well folks, the 2011 NFL season is less than a month away.

All the big name free agents are essentially off the market and each team is ready to use the short preseason as fuel for September's can't-miss regular season launch.

With that said, we can officially put the tedious lockout in the rear view and focus our attention on the things that matter, discussing who's in for a serious bounce-back season.

Whether it's Dallas Clark, Plaxico Burress or Donovan McNabb, some of these elite comeback candidates still soar above the rest.

So without further adieu, put your thinking caps on, discard any hometown bias and let's discuss the top 10 offensive rebound artists for the 2011 season.

10. Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans

There's a reason why Owen Daniels comes in at No. 10 over so many other offensively potent players: He's pretty freaking good.

The 2010 season wasn't a truly successful one for the tight end when you look at his career numbers.  Heck, neither was 2009.

Daniels has battled an array of injuries over that two-year span and is finally proclaimed healthy.

The 28-year-old has shown in the past that given a full 16 games, he's more than capable of catching 60-70 balls with 700-900 yards and a few scores.

Coach Gary Kubiak has compared Daniels to Shannon Sharpe's legendary game-changing, play-making abilities, so you can see how often he turns heads.

Heading into 2011, coming off only 11 games played last year, Daniels has exactly what it takes to be the centerpiece to the Houston Texans' playoff push.

9. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Tennessee Titans

Now, while I'm not completely sold that Matt Hasselbeck can win games for the Tennessee Titans, or hold off rookie Jake Locker for that matter, I still think he has what it takes to regain his once top 10 form.

The 35-year-old vet has been in a down spiral since 2007 when he threw 28 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards.

He's yet to eclipse the 20 score mark since '07 and has struggled to get past even 3,000 yards.

With that said, he's moving to a Titans team that features the best running back in the AFC and more talented wide receivers than what Seattle offered the past few seasons.

It's hard to doubt Hasselbeck's talent considering his history of dominance at football's toughest level, but it's easy to gauge his potential for 2011.

With a new home to call his own, better weapons and finally a healthy start, the strong-armed quarterback could be on the fast track to 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns.

8. Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota Vikings

With Sidney Rice pulling a disappearing act to Seattle, the Minnesota Vikings and newly-signed Donovan McNabb are hoping that Bernard Berrian can finally live up to his potential.

Berrian's career in Minnesota has been blocked not only by Rice and guys like Troy Williamson, but it's been entrenched in Brett Favre's three-ring circus and Brad Childress' public decay.

Fortunately for Berrian and his "do-or-die" season, he's going to be paired up with a legendary quarterback who likes to throw deep.

How ironic—that's Berrian's forte.

Alongside Adrian Peterson's deadly rushing and Percy Harvin, the 30-year-old could finally eclipse 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Well, that me be a little drastic, but let's just say he's in for a big year.

7. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Jets

Plaxico Burress might be out of shape. He may lack the explosive burst and down-field ability that made him so successful as a New York Giant. Heck, he may have lost his desire to win on Sundays.

With that said, all of those things are curable. Burress has a month and change to get out of jailhouse form and make an impact for the New York Jets.

He's ultimately replacing Braylon Edwards who was targeted on a consistent basis by a hot dog eating Mark Sanchez, so the opportunity for the 33-year-old will be there.

Beyond his health and how he reacts to getting hit by a strong safety, the infamous shooting incident could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Jets and their 2011 season.

6. Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis Rams

Before you ridicule me for putting Donnie Avery on a list featuring Donovan McNabb and Plaxico Burress, you have to consider his promise before the start of last season.

Avery was and still is the St. Louis Rams best wideout. His speed is virtually unmatchable and causes a lot of trouble for opposing teams down the sidelines.

With that said, he isn't going to burn anyone off the line if he continues to get hurt. Avery missed all of last year and is still needs to shake off some cobwebs.

If he proves healthy heading into September, with Sam Bradford at the helm, Avery could be a intricate part of the Rams' yearly success.

5. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

Either Steve Smith could be at No. 5, but I'm going to stick with the original.

Smith is coming off off back-to-back disappointing seasons, posting just over 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns during that span.

Carolina's main scoring threat had posted four straight 1,000 yard seasons from 2005-2008, but was unable to eclipse that mark in 2009.

And at 32, Smith is still relatively young to function as an elite receiver.

He's a hard worker, finally has a legitimate young quarterback and could find himself on another Pro Bowl roster come season's end.

4. C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills

What happened to C.J. Spiller's rookie season? Not a lot of people know.

Spiller came into Buffalo in 2010 after being drafted in the first round as an elusive, well-rounded runner. However, his totals from last year would suggest he was a depleted veteran.

In 14 games, Spiller failed to surpass 300 yards and averaged a dismal 3.8 yards per carry.

As a speed back who prides himself in breakout ability and big run potential, Spiller's disappointment translates into a comeback year for 2011.

The young back does have an obstacle in his way by the name of Fred Jackson, but if he starts out hot, Jackson isn't talented enough to hold the speedster back.

3. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts

Dallas Clark should be No. 1 on this list, but let's face it, a tight end doesn't hold more potential than quarterbacks and running backs.

In 2010, Clark only managed to play in six games, taking away from the Indianapolis Colts' offense his  elite numbers.

Over the past four seasons, the 32-year-old has been one of the most consistent receiving and scoring tight ends in the game, playing well over the middle, down the field and in the red zone.

Please just take a look at Clark's numbers and check out his dominance. Him making this list is pretty much a no-brainer.

2. Donovan McNabb, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Yes, Donovan McNabb is No. 2.

I realize he had his worst season ever as a pro last year with the Washington Redskins, but the Minnesota Vikings offense is substantially better than Mike Shanahan's pony show.

McNabb will be paired with Adrian Peterson and Peterson is easily the best back he's started alongside in his entire career, except maybe Brian Westbrook for a season or two.

With Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian, McNabb will have ample talent down field and could easily turn to Visanthe Shiancoe in check-down scenarios.

There's no doubt that the veteran quarterback has enough left in the tank to make a splash in 2011 and could easily be the comeback player of the year come February.

1. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

After signing a five-year, $43 million contract this offseason, DeAngelo Williams better have his A-game in 2011.

Williams, 28, has consistently been one of the more underrated starting backs in the NFL over the past few seasons despite his usual weekly dominance.

However, 2010 was not a usual year for the former Memphis Tiger. Williams played in a career low six games, compiling just 361 yards on 87 carries.

Now, I realize his yardage total is a direct effect of nagging injuries, but he averaged another career low with 4.1 yards per carry.

He recorded only one touchdown, failed to make an impact in the receiving game and was nowhere near his past production.

Heading into this year, with a new contract and a healthy demeanor, Williams is on track for another 1,200 yards, 12 touchdown campaign.