2011 NFL Predictions: 5 Players Not Currently on an NFL Roster Who Will Be Soon

Week 1 of the 2011 NFL season is close. The closer the season gets, the more exciting it is for fans. 

All across the country, people have dug out their favorite quarterback’s jersey and begun to plan for the Week 1 tailgate.  These people wait with bated breath for kickoff, excited to be able to watch football again.

Unfortunately for some people viewing these games, it is just another reminder that the 2011 season finds them jobless.

With teams readying themselves for Week 1, many players are hoping to still be able to find a team for the current season. A majority of these players will not find a position before the season’s end. For some, though, their signing is inevitable.

Here are five players who could find themselves on your favorite team’s roster very soon.

Leonard Davis, Guard

When a team is nearing their salary cap limitations, there is not a lot of money to throw around to an aging offensive lineman, no matter how good. Because of this, Leonard Davis finds himself without a team going into the 2011 season.

Davis has been a steady presence for the Dallas Cowboys, being named to the Pro Bowl in 2007, 2008, and 2009. With his play declining as he aged, the Cowboys released Davis to free up some desperately needed salary-cap room.

While Davis is far removed from his younger days, he still has a lot to offer a team needing help on their offensive line. There is no doubt that a team will be willing to pay him.

Brian Waters, Guard

Much like Leonard Davis, Brian Waters is an aging player with a record of great play. Just like Davis, Waters finds himself without a team.

After 11 seasons in Kansas City, five of those leading to a Pro Bowl selection, Waters and the Chiefs agreed to part ways, allowing Waters a chance to find a new opportunity. That opportunity has not arrived yet, though.

At 34, teams building for the future will have no interest in Waters. Teams who are ready to compete now, though, would definitely benefit from the services he could provide. Any contending teams needing a boost for their offensive line should give Waters a look.

Shaun O’Hara, Center

What team would not be interested in a center who has been selected to the last three Pro Bowls?

O’Hara has been a leader for the New York Giants’ line for years. At age 34, O’Hara brings a veteran knowledge of the game and would be a great addition to help guide an offensive line full of young players.

O’Hara is coming off of an injury, but it is inevitable that a team will need a boost on their offensive line. When they do, O’Hara will be there for them.

Lofa Tatupu, Linebacker

After a bad 2009 season, Lofa Tatupu bounced back in 2010. Starting every game for the Seattle Seahawks, Tatupu showed that, while he may not perform as well as he did his first few seasons, he is still able to get the job done.

The only reason Tatupu continues to be unsigned is due to money. Seattle was unable to offer him what he thought was deserved, and, with the regular season about to begin, Tatupu finds himself without a job.

That will not last long, though. While Tatupu is unlikely to get paid like a premier linebacker, eventually a team will offer him enough to convince him to join their team.

Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver

Love him or hate him, Terrell Owens is a great wide receiver. Right now, though, Owens is a great wide receiver without a team.

Owens was injured at the end of the 2010 season and was forced into ACL surgery over the offseason. At age 37, this is a concern that has kept most teams from nabbing TO for their offense.

While these are very real concerns, Owens’ talent is also an undeniable factor. When Owens went down with an injury last season, he had totaled 983 receiving yards in 14 games. He easily would have passed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the 10th time in his career.

If and when a team is willing to take a gamble, Owens will be a terrific pickup.