NFL Preseason 2011: 5 Free Agents Who Have Impressed so Far

After one of the busiest free-agency periods in NFL history, it was really unclear which teams made the biggest splashes and who were just the pretenders.

For a while, fans and analysts alike were all over the Eagles, but a poor preseason has many second-guessing. Both the Jets and Patriots brought in big-name receivers to help out their passing game.

With a lot of guys looking like busts, here are the five free-agent signings I’ve found impressive so far.

5. Chad Ochocinco

Now, before I get a ton of angry comments about how No. 85 only has 14 yards and one touchdown, I know.

Putting him here isn’t about his production on the field. Mr. Ochocinco is here because so far he’s managed to not piss off Tom Brady or do something royally stupid.

That in and of itself is pretty surprising and worthy of notice.

I doubt that once the season begins his lack of production will continue.

The guy is too talented to not be a star. Only Ochocinco can prevent Ochocinco from having a breakout year in 2011.

4. Donovan McNabb

To be completely honest, I thought McNabb was done. It seems pretty apparent that he still misses Philadelphia and the Eagles organization, which is pretty unfortunate when the team basically ran him out of town.

The colossal disappointment in the nation’s capital seemed (to me at least) to be McNabb’s last productive season and that it was time to hang up the cleats.

Faced with the daunting task of replacing legend Brett Favre, he has been pretty decent. McNabb is the likely starter in 2011, with Joe Webb and rookie Christian Ponder nipping at his heels.

3. Matt Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck is another guy who I thought was done.

In his final season with the Seahawks, Hasselbeck battled injuries and was inconsistent most of the time.

So far with the Titans, Hasselbeck has completed 24-of-37 passes for 264 yards.

He probably has one, maybe two, years left in the tank and he will be the mentor and groomer of future franchise quarterback Jake Locker.

2. Plaxico Burress

When did I miss the memo that going to jail is the new way to get back your “A” game?

After spending 622 days in prison for criminal possession of a deadly weapon, Burress has reconnected with his family and is once again a free man. Burress is most known for his touchdown with the Giants in Super Bowl 42 against the New England Patriots on a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Eli Manning.

He didn’t participate in the Jets’ first preseason game, but recorded three catches for 66 yards and his first touchdown in almost two seasons.

Burress could have a Michael Vick-type of turnaround, which would add a big weapon to the Jets offense.

1. Kevin Kolb

Again, hold off on the angry comments and listen.

The guy has only completed 10-of-17 passes, which makes him an interesting choice for the most impressive free-agent signing, I'll admit.

Considering how much pressure Kolb has been under, being the most talked about free-agent quarterback for six months, he has done a pretty decent job to say the least.

In practices, he has seemed to have built a bit of a rapport with his receivers, especially with newly re-signed target Larry Fitzgerald.

Initially, I figured Kolb would have an average season for the Cardinals, and now I’m thinking he’ll put up big numbers.