2011 NFL Preseason: 50 Players You Must Watch in Coming Weeks

The NFL opens up their 2011 exhibition season Thursday. With training camps shortened because of the players strike, there are some pundits wondering how crisp the play on the field will be this season.

Critics believe a lot of rookies will call 2011 a wash because so much classroom and practice time has been lost. This makes free agent signings by each team come more to the forefront than ever before.

While the first week of preseason is mostly about getting their feet wet again, veterans could conceivably see extra snaps because they are desperately trying to make up for lost time. This will give fans a first glimpse of how well the free agent meshes with their new teams and how those teams plan to use them.

Here are 50 players who figure to factor in heavily into their team's successes and failures in the regular season, so their progress certainly bears watching with a scrutinizing eye this August.

Nnamdi Asomugha

The top free agent of 2011, and probably the last decade, Asomugha teams up with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel to give the Eagles three Pro Bowl cornerbacks.

Asomugha should start, but he has experience at safety. How the Eagles plan to use their three star cornerbacks, with Asomugha as the centerpiece, will be interesting to watch. Let alone how opponents decide to try and pass on the trio.

Plaxico Burress

Everything coming out of New York City is carried by the media winds to over-hype a situation. Living in a fish bowl, the athlete is generally aware of this when playing for a team from that city.

Plaxico Burress forgot this over two years ago and went to jail for carrying a illegal firearm in public. Now back in the NFL, he has chosen to stay in the city by moving from the Giants to the Jets.

This is a huge gamble, because no one knows how much the 34-year old has left or how rusty he will be after being away from the game so long.

A coach cannot teach height, and the 6'6" Burress has plenty of it.Yet the Jets will be relying on him as a starter who replaces the departed Braylon Edwards.

The amount of burst in his step and sharpness in his cuts should be determined before the regular. The areas could have a factor on just how much success the team has in 2011.

Johnathan Joseph

The pass defense was the biggest reason the Houston Texans failed to reach the playoffs last year. Wade Phillips was hired as defensive coordinator to shore up this area.

After drafting heavily on defense, the Texans kept getting bodies in the fee agency market. Joseph was one of the better cornerbacks on the market, and Houston gave him a five-year deal worth $48.75 million to bring him in.

Joseph has just 14 interceptions since being drafted in 2006, but he is able to cover anyone in the league. He now teams with Kareem Jackson, a 2010 first-round pick who shows promise, to hopefully fix the porous pass defense.

Phillips has a lot of new defenders to work with, so Joseph might be often left alone on an island in schemes. How he responds could determine if opponents can still win versus Houston in the passing game.

Kevin Boss

After losing their starting Pro Bowl tight end to free agency, the Oakland Raiders pounced on Boss. Boss, who earned a Super Bowl XLII ring, is a big tight end whose 2010 season may have been his best since being drafted in 2007.

Oakland didn't pay him as much as some other tight ends, but Boss might end up being a steal. He is a big tight end who is excellent run blocking, and his 15.2 yards perr catch average off of 35 receptions last year shows he can stretch the seam of a defense well enough to open things up for his teammates.

Oakland threw the ball to tight ends 72 times last year, so Boss should get plenty of opportunities to set career best marks in virtually every statistical category.

Darren Sproles

Sproles replaces the departed Reggie Bush, who never played up to expectations after being the second overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft.

The two halfbacks are virtually identical in what they bring to a team. Both can catch the pass and return kicks, yet neither are considered as big as a threat when receiving a handoff.

Since being drafted in 2005, Sproles has 9,958 yards and four touchdowns off of punt and kickoff returns. He has caught 146 passes, run for 1,154 yards, and scored 17 times.

Bush gave the Saints 4,984 yards and four scores on punts and kickoffs, while running for 2,090 yards and catching 294 passes and scoring 29 times.

It appears Sproles will be plugged into the role Bush held, yet expand it by returning kickoffs. It will be interesting to see how the diminutive Sproles is used on other downs, and just how many times he carries the ball.

With the Saints deep at running back, Sproles might have to make his biggest impact on special teams.

Kevin Kolb

He was a Philadelphia Eagles reserve until suddenly traded a few weeks ago. Now he is the starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. Getting to throw to Larry Fitzgerald and Todd Heap should give the Big Red all the reason to warm this motor up soon.

Ricky Williams

While Ray Rice will start for the Baltimore Ravens this year, he is the type of back you want getting 20 to 25 touches via the ground and passing attack each game. Baltimore likes to run the ball well over 30 times per contest, so this is where Williams steps in.

With Willis McGahee and La'Ron McClain gone, Williams will be the main option while Rice rests. The 13-year pro showed no signs of slowing down last year, so it is possible Williams nears 200 rushing attempts in 2011.

Since he just recently signed with Baltimore, we may not see much of Williams the first few weeks.Yet expect his workload to increase before the regular season starts.

Mike Sims-Walker

Sims-Walker has shown a lot of promise since 2009, yet he has yet to play a full season. He wasn't happy with his former team, so he has stepped into a real opportunity to be a star with the Saint Louis Rams.

The Rams are a young team coming off a good offseason. They can be an explosive offense in 2011, yet Sims-Walker may hold the key for a team needing a wide receiver to step up to be the go-to guy.

Bob Sanders

Way back in 2007, Sanders was both the NFL and AFC Defensive Player of the Year. He carried nicknames like "The Eraser" and "The Hitman". He helped his team win Super Bowl XLI, and he was the highest paid safety in the league.

Yet Sanders has never played a full year, and 29 of his 48 career games over seven years came in two seasons. He has played just nine games since 2007.

He wants to play, so the San Diego Chargers have given him a low risk one-year deal. If Sanders can finally stay healthy and play like he is capable, the Bolts could have the steal of the 2011 free agency market.

Braylon Edwards

Edwards is still in demand because he intrigues people with his athleticism. He has the size and speed combination to be special, yet he hasn't always attained those heights.

Since being the third overall pick in 2005, Edwards will join his third team this year by signing with the San Francisco 49ers. He had earned the nickname "Butterfingers", despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007.

Teamed with the exceptional Vernon Davis and the promising Michael Crabtree, Edwards could give the Niners a very impressive trio if he finally realizes his potential. The Niners are probably his last chance to be a top receiver, so now is the time for Edwards to step up.

Sidney Rice

After his first two years in the NFL were riddled by nagging injuries, Rice exploded with a Pro Bowl year in 2009. The 6'4" receiver showed he was as dangerous in the red zone as he was going out for a long pass.

Then his 2010 season was cut short to six games due to injury. Rice then announced he wanted to go on to another team.

The Seattle Seahawks ponied up $43 million over five years to get him. While Hall of Famer Steve Largent is the best wide receiver in Seahawks history, Rice has a chance to be the first big receiver to excel with the team.

That will be contingent on the quarterback who gets him the ball.

Tarvaris Jackson

Jackson knows Rice well, so the communication factor should not be an issue. Jackson was brought in to start, and the word is that Jackson is having a good training camp so far.

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft, Jackson has gone back and forth between starter and backup. He started 12 games in 2007 and won eight times, but he soon found himself on the bench watching a veteran commit bigger mistakes than he did to get benched.

He will rejoin Rice and his former offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell with Seattle. The job appears to be his, so how he performs for the young Seahawks could determine whether or not they capture a second straight NFC West title.

Michael Koenen

A punter important? You bet'cha, especially since he was the Tampa Buccaneers main free agent signing and was given $19.5 million over six years.

What Koenen does is kick the ball off well. With the kickoff starting point now at the 35-yard line, it will be fun to see how far he can put the ball into the stands.

Matt Hasselbeck

After 10 of his 12 NFL years as a starter for the Seahawks, Hasselbeck was brought in by the Tennessee Titans because they basically had a rookie and second-year player as their quarterbacks.

It is very possible he starts this year, but how long he lasts is the question. Hasselbeck has been dealing with a nagging back issue the last few years, so it is feasible 2011 first round pick Jake Locker gets starts this year.

Ben Roethlisberger

Here is the mature and married Big Ben. A year after beong suspended, Roethlisberger has had a quiet camp. Seeing how he comes out the gate in camp may give a glimpse if the Pittsburgh Attelers are ready to go back to yet another Super Bowl.

Dawan Landry

Coming right up behind Posluszny to support the run will be the fierce Landry. A starter since coming into the league in 2006, Landry had a career best 108 tackles last year.

Safety has been a Jaguar issue for years, and Landry should solve this problem. The Jacksonville pass defense also looks to improve after signing six veteran free agent defensive backs.

Yet the signing of Landry was the most important, giving the team a much needed leader in the secondary.

Todd Heap

It almost seems the Arizona Cardinals have not had a great tight end since Hall of Famer Jackie Smith left after the 1977 season. Heap, who attended Arizona State University, hopes to give the team similar greatness.

A first round pick in 2001, Heap has gone to two Pro Bowls and grabbed 467 passes so far. He is consistent when healthy, a factor that has made him a fan favorite.

Quarterback Kevin Kolb will have a lot of weapons to throw to this year, but the safety cushion a veteran like Heap provides may be leaned on often.

Donovan McNabb

McNabb has a lot to prove in 2011. He has said he is not playing to retire for many years, but his miserable 2010 season said otherwise. Minnesota fans do not want another season of an over the hill quarterback with nothing left.

Cullen Jenkins

When healthy, Jenkins is tremendous pass rusher from his defensive tackle position. He had a career high seven sacks in 11 games played last year.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed him to also help stop the run, a weakness in 2010. If he can stay on the field, Jenkins is primed for an excellent season.

Vince Young

The last time we saw Young, he was throwing his team, coaches, and fans under the bus in response to getting benched.

Since starter Michael Vick may not play much in the preseason, Young should get a lot of reps. One thing Young showed as a starter was the ability to lead his team to victories.

If he shows he can adjust to a new system well with quickness, this could come in handy somewhere in the season at a position where not many last an entire season healthy.

Alex Smith

The 49ers have been patient with the first overall pick of the 2005 draft. While there is competition in camp on the form of rookie Colin Kaepernick, it appears Smith will start at quarterback again.

He is basically written off and disregarded by many now, so this is the now or never time for Smith.

Ronnie Brown

Every team needs a reserve running back and the Eagles were no exception. Though Brown has dealt with nagging injuries throughout his career, he has run for 1,000 yards one season and has 4,815 total yards in his six seasons.

What makes Brown a really good fit in Philadelphia is his versatility and receiving skills. He has 184 receptions so far, and he has the ability to pass the ball accurately.

Brown could become a very important member of the Eagles offense sometime this year.

Donte Whitner

Ever since the Buffalo Bills surprised the NFL in 2006 by picking Whitner with the eighth overall selection, he has been trying to justify the move.

Whitner has 451 career tackles so far, showing he is adept at supporting the run. This should come in handy for a San Francisco 49ers team that lost their starting nose tackle to free agency.

Nate Clements

A first round pick in 2001, Clements has swiped 30 interceptions and been to a Pro Bowl in his career. When the Cincinnati Bengals lost a starting cornerback to free agency, they called on the savvy veteran to fill the hole left.

Tim Tebow

Drama seems to follow Tebow everywhere. He latest gaffe has caught the ire of critics, and the flying rumors that Tebow will start as incumbent Kyle Orton will be traded has died down.

Fun is to be had in Denver the next few weeks.

Eric Wright

Now calling the Detroit Lions home., Wright got a much needed change of scenery. After struggling with injuries last year, the promising fifth-year pro incurred the wrath of irate fans by his performance.

Still just 25-years old, Wright is a play making cornerback who has a very good chance starting for Detroit.

Steve Breaston

Dwayne Bowe is the top wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jonathan Baldwin was drafted to compliment him. Breaston is attempting to fit snugly in the slot between the two big wide receivers.

Breaston is a dual threat as a return specialist and a 1,000-yard receiver in 2008. He is a determined player whose drive could rub off on his new team.

Cam Newton

When you are the top pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, all eyes will be on you. Even if there was a players lockout.

The Cam Newton Era begins with the Carolina Panthers in a matter of hours.

Michael Jenkins

Replacing Pro Bowler Sidney Rice may be a tall task for Jenkins, who never met the expectations placed upon him after being selected in the first round of the 2004 draft.

He has 254 receptions in his career and has the desired size for the position. The Minnesota Vikings can only hope this is the year he realizes his potential.

Oshiomogho Atogwe

The Washington Redskins signed the free safety well before the players strike. Atogwe led the NFC in interceptions in 2007 and has 22 in his six seasons.

While a ball hawk, Atogwe is an all-around player with 390 career tackles so far. He also have five sacks, giving the prospects of his teaming up with strong safety LaRon Landry very exciting.

Zach Miller

The Seattle Seahawks got aggressive this offseason in order to improve their offense. Besides getting a new quarterback and wide receiver, Seattle grabbed Miller.

Coming off a Pro Bowl year in 2010, Miller will team up with the promising John Carlson at tight end. After 106 receptions his first two years, Carlson's 2010 was inhibited by injury.

The prospects of an explosive offense were greatly enhanced for the Seahawks when they snared the best tight end off the 2011 free agent market in Miller.

Jeremy Shockey

The Carolina Panthers also got their hands on two tight ends this summer. After signing Shockey, a four-time Pro Bowler with two Super Bowl rings, they traded for Greg Olsen.

The duo has 699 receptions and 53 touchdowns combined. With a rookie quarterback now at the helm, the tight end is often used as the youngster learns his position. It will be interesting to see how often Cam Newton targets Shockey and Olsen.

Carlos Rogers

When the San Francisco 49ers decided to part ways with their best cornerback, they filled that position by signing Rogers.

With just eight interceptions since being the eight overall selection in the 2005 draft, Rogers has never quite played to the level many had predicted for him. Though he has the skills to cover anyone in the NFL, his lack of created turnovers drew the scorn of critics.

Now the Niners top cornerback, the team can only hope he becomes the player all expected him to be years ago.

Roy Williams

Williams has had a career that has resembled a roller coaster so far. After a strong start to a career that began as the seventh overall selection in 2004, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 and struggled.

Now a new member of the Chicago Bears, the veteran has a chance of becoming the top receiver on a team that needs it. He excelled once as a player in the NFC North, something the Bears are hoping he can duplicate.

Tony Romo

After a 2010 season ended early by injury, Cowboys fans want to see their quarterback last a whole year firing passes all over the place. That may be the teams only hope to win the NFC East.

John Beck

The Washington Redskins say Beck is going to be the starting quarterback this year. Redskin fans will be very interested in how he does.

As a 'Skins fan, I am praying to never hear a chant for Rex Grossman. Ever.

Donte` Stallworth

Head coach Mike Shanahan wanted more bodies at wide receiver in 2011 for the Washington Redskins. He drafted three, then signed Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney.

Stallworth is on his sixth team since being a first-round draft choice in 2002. While his athleticism and intriguing skill set keeps getting an NFL job, his behavior soon loses it.

He has 296 career receptions so far, and reportedly has found maturity that last few years. Washington needs his to play up to his abilities because the team purportedly will rely on the pass heavily this year.

Barrett Ruud

After 577 tackles in his six years with the Tampa Buccaneers, the team parted ways with Ruud. The middle linebacker soon landed on his feet by signing with the Tennessee Titans, a team needing him because they had lost their starter.

Ruud can play every down on defense if needed. He has shown intelligence as well as tenacity. How fast he and his teammates adjust to their new coaches will need to be watched.

Harvey Dahl

Dahl joins Jason Brown, Jacob Bell, Jason Smith, and Rodger Saffold to give the Rams one of the top offensive lines of the NFC. Dahl is known for his surly demeanor, which often infuriates opponents.

Given the fact the Rams gave Sam Bradford a ton of money to be their franchise quarterback, getting sound blockers is key. The addition of Dahl could help the offensive line lead the Saint Louis Rams to an NFC West title.

Chad Ochocinco

Patriots fans cannot wait to see how it looks during a live game when Tom Brady throws a pass to Ochocinco.

Reggie Bush

Let's face it. Bush is more than the guy who got his Heisman Award disregarded. He is the guy who never lived up to the hype and is basically a third down back and punt returners.

Maybe this changes now since the Miami Dolphins have no established running backs in camp. This could be his time to shine.

Cadillac Williams

Williams was the fifth overall selection in the 2005 draft. His rookie year was his best, where he ran for 1,178 yards and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He has battled injuries since then, but Williams does run hard when he gets on the field. His carries decreased in 2010, but he showed all-around skills by catching a career best 46 passes.

Now a member of the Saint Louis Rams, he will battle Jerious Norwood for the right to be the primary backup to Steven Jackson. Both Williams and Norwood have had careers often sidetracked by injury, so maybe watching which of these two goes down first could hold someones interest.

Robert Gallery

After being the second overall pick in 2004, Gallery was often criticized for not being as good at offensive tackle as expected. Things changed in 2007 when he was moved in to play left guard. Since then, he has been solid and steady.

One of the top free agent guards on 2011, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. At 6'7" 325, Gallery brings a load with him at the guard spot.

Vonta Leach

Leach joined the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2004 with the Green Bay Packers. Hew stayed with them until he was cut after one game in the 2006 season.

The Houston Texans claimed him and Leach showed them what an excellent lead blocker he was from the fullback position. He hardly touches the football, but he often pancakes the opponent he has in his sites.

Leach is now the highest paid fullback in the NFL after recently signing a contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He will be paving path for two 1,000-yard backs in Ray Rice and Ricky Williams.

Stephen Tulloch

Tulloch has gotten better each year since being drafted in 2006. His 2010 saw him rack up a very impressive 160 tackles.

He hit the free agent market in 2011 and found the Detroit Lions calling. Detroit has been starving for a tackling machine at middle linebacker for years, and they are hopeful Tulloch fits the bill.

Nick Barnett

Replacing Paul Posluszny will not be easy. Barnett will also need to expect to be busy. Buffalo will be watching him to see how he does.

Andy Dalton

Rumors are flying in the Bengals camp that the rookie may start sooner than some expected. This angle is hastened by the fact Carson Palmer refuses to play for the team.

Some think veteran Bruce Gradkowski will start at quarterback, but Dalton is impressing his staff right now.

Josh Freeman

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went gangbusters to draft Freeman in the first round in 2009, some folks scratched their heads. Now the confused understand.

Freeman chucked 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions last year. This 6'6" quarterback is just getting it going, so tune in now in what appears will be a wonderful career for years to come.

Matt Stafford

The first overall player chosen in 2009, Stafford has yet to last an entire season healthy for the Detroit Lions. The team will need him to stay erect this year because they already lost promising running back Mikel Leshoure for the year from injury.

Detroit is a sleeper team to some, expected to entertain playoff hopes in 2011. But it will be hard to reach them without a healthy Stafford.

Green Bay Packers

When you are the champs, everyone wants to take you down. It doesn't matter if it is a preseason or regular season affair, an opponent revels in the idea of knocking the kings down a notch.

Aaron Rodgers health is the biggest concern heading into 2011. Not just because the team relied on him heavily last year, but the road to repeating as champion is hard enough with everyone healthy.

The Pack knows there is a big target on their back, and that they will twice face the Chicago Bears team they defeated to win the NFC. A sound and healthy start is paramount, but many people expect this very talented team to be firing on all cylinders before preseason ends.