50 Most Impressive Moves of the 2011 NFL Offseason

The 2011 NFL regular season is right around the corner, as we wrap up the fourth and final week of the preseason this Thursday and Friday.

The 2011 offseason has been an odd and quirky one, dating back to the start of it prior to the lockout, through the draft and then finally once the lockout was lifted.

Each and every team did the best it could to improve, and there have been quite a handful of impressive moves, whether it's a signing, trade or even a draft pick.

Here are 50 of the most impressive moves of the 2011 NFL offseason.

Carolina Panthers Drafting Cam Newton

Believe it or not, I actually love Cam Newton going first overall to the Carolina Panthers. Granted, Newton is the ultimate boom or bust, but talent and tremendous upside are there.

Newton may not have the best stats throughout the preseason thus far—21-of-52 for 275 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions—but he has had glimpses of brilliance.

If the Panthers' offensive coaching staff can develop Newton's once spread-offense quarterback skills into a pro-style passing attack, he could emerge as one of the NFL's most dynamic quarterbacks—far more dynamic than Michael Vick.

Believe it.

Philadelphia Eagles Signing Ronnie Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles may have their running back of the future in LeSean McCoy, but outside of him, they didn't really have any other dependable and reliable options.

Now they do—former Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown.

Brown may be a bit injury-prone and could quite possibly be on the decline of his career, but he's certainly a reliable and productive option outside of McCoy.

Baltimore Ravens Trading for Lee Evans

The Baltimore Ravens literally got Lee Evans for nothing from the Buffalo Bills—all they actually had to trade was a 2012 fourth-round pick. Big deal!

Evans was Buffalo's top receiver, but now in Baltimore, he'll line up opposite Anquan Boldin and likely emerge as a very productive receiver for Joe Flacco.

The 30-year-old is certainly an upgrade from what T.J. Houshmandzadeh offered in 2010, and I'm expecting a lot of good things out of Baltimore's passing attack this season.

Cincinnati Bengals Drafting Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton may have had his fair share of struggles in the preseason, but I actually love the Bengals drafting Dalton in the second round of this year's draft.

The Bengals lost their former starting quarterback Carson Palmer and now have to roll with Dalton.

Granted, Dalton is not ready to win now and will struggle tremendously this season—it's really a shame. However, I see Dalton as a winner that could be the face of Cincinnati's franchise for years to come.

Houston Texans Signing Johnathan Joseph

The 27-year-old Johnathan Joseph is exactly what the Houston Texans needed—a veteran playmaker for their bottom of the league pass defense.

Joseph was once Cincinnati's top cornerback; now he'll take on the same role as a member of the Texans.

It appears the Texans are ready to win now, and Joseph is going to be a key part moving forward for Houston entering 2011.

Tennessee Titans Drafting Jake Locker

Jake Locker is the future of the Tennessee Titans.

Locker was the Titans' first-round draft choice this year, and he's got all the talent in the world to be an All-Pro passer.

If Tennessee grooms and develops Locker well, the team should have a top passing attack in years to come.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Drafting Da'Quan Bowers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers practically stole Da'Quan Bowers in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Bowers was one of the most talented pass-rushers out of the 2011 draft class, and if his knee is healthy, he'll flourish in Tampa Bay's 4-3 defensive attack.

New Orleans Saints Signing Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles isn't just a solid change-of-pace running back; he's a dynamic punt and kick returner as well.

New Orleans signed quite an offensive weapon in Sproles this offseason, and he could be an upgrade over Reggie Bush.

New England Patriots Trading for Albert Haynesworth

The New England Patriots pretty much got Albert Haynesworth for nothing from the Washington Redskins.

Haynesworth was once a dominant defensive tackle that thrived in the 4-3 alignment.

Now, with New England shifting to the 4-3 alignment, Haynesworth could be quite the steal for the Patriots.

Philadelphia Eagles Signing Nnamdi Asomugha

The Philadelphia Eagles came away with the ultimate prize this offseason with the signing of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Asomugha is one of the league's best shutdown cornerbacks and will now join Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to create the NFL's deepest cornerback corps, and arguably the league's most talented one.

Pittsburgh Steelers Extending Lawrence Timmons' Contract

Lawrence Timmons is made for Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense, and the Steelers front office is well aware of that.

The Steelers re-signed Timmons to a six-year contract worth about $50 million.

Last year for the Steelers, Timmons accumulated 135 tackles and three sacks.

New York Jets Re-Signing Santonio Holmes

The New York Jets did what they had to do this offseason by re-signing wide receiver Santonio Holmes.

Holmes is the Jets' top offensive weapon, and they're going to need him moving forward if they want to win a Super Bowl.

Indianapolis Colts Drafting Anthony Castonzo

The Indianapolis Colts needed offensive line help, and they got some by drafting offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo.

The former Boston College Eagle was projected to be one of the draft's best pass-blockers that could play left tackle at the next level.

Castonzo should do a fine job protecting Peyton Manning this season.

Oakland Raiders Draft Terrelle Pryor

You may disagree with this one, but I loved seeing the Oakland Raiders draft Terrelle Pryor in the third round of the supplemental draft.

Quarterback or not, Pryor is a football player with loads of potential. If he can develop into an NFL passer, then he'll be a unique one, but he could very well be an extremely productive tight end.

All in all, Pryor is simply a talented human being and has too much talent to pass on.

Carolina Panthers Re-Signing Charles Johnson

The Carolina Panthers could have lost an elite pass-rusher in Charles Johnson, but they didn't, as they re-signed him to an incredible six-year deal worth about $76 million.

Johnson was a key part to Carolina's defense last season, as he racked up 11.5 sacks, and he's going to have to continue to produce with his new huge contract.

Seattle Seahawks Signing Zach Miller

Zach Miller is one of the NFL's best offensive tight ends, and the Seattle Seahawks stole him away from the Oakland Raiders.

Miller will be one of Tarvaris Jackson's top targets in Seattle.

Minnesota Vikings Trading for Donovan McNabb

The Minnesota Vikings are in very good position moving forward with Donovan McNabb as their starting quarterback.

McNabb is the short-term answer for the Vikings until rookie Christian Ponder is ready to take over at quarterback for the franchise.

Cincinnati Bengals Drafting A.J. Green

The Cincinnati Bengals did a fantastic job in this year's draft by replacing two players they knew were on their way out—Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer.

A.J. Green was projected as the draft's top wide receiver and should have a solid career for the Bengals.

The Bengals just need to make sure that Andy Dalton and Green develop quality chemistry between them.

Miami Dolphins Trading for Reggie Bush

The Miami Dolphins needed help at running back with both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown not returning in 2011—so Miami went out and traded for Reggie Bush.

If Bush can stay healthy for the Dolphins, he'll be quite the offensive weapon for years to come.

Atlanta Falcons Drafting Julio Jones

The Atlanta Falcons gave up a lot for Julio Jones, as they traded a total of five draft picks to move up and snag him with the sixth overall pick.

Jones should be very productive for the Falcons, as he'll line up opposite Roddy White in Matt Ryan's passing attack.

New England Patriots Trading for Chad Ochocinco

The New England Patriots got Chad Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals for virtually nothing.

If Ochocinco can develop a nice relationship with Tom Brady, he'll end up being a huge part in New England's offense this season.

On paper right now, the Patriots look to have the league's most dynamic passing attack.

Carolina Panthers Re-Signing DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams is the ultimate dual-threat running back—he's an outstanding runner and a very talented receiver.

The Carolina Panthers did a great job of locking him up for six more years this offseason.

Williams will now be teaming up with Cam Newton to create a young and unique offensive attack out of Carolina.

Buffalo Bills Draft Marcell Dareus

Rookie Marcell Dareus is an absolute beast and a perfect fit in Buffalo's 3-4 defensive attack.

Dareus may not produce impressive numbers, as he's a defensive linemen in the 3-4, but his presence will be known.

Philadelphia Eagles Signing Cullen Jenkins

The Philadelphia Eagles needed defensive line help entering 2011, and they addressed it in a big way this offseason with the signing of Cullen Jenkins.

Jenkins, the former Green Bay Packers defensive end, looks to be a perfect fit in Philly's defense and is a lock for at least five sacks per year.

Arizona Cardinals Trading for Kevin Kolb

All of Arizona is praying that Kevin Kolb is the answer for the Cardinals, and I firmly believe he is.

Kolb has all the tools and skills to be a top of the league passer, especially with Larry Fitzgerald.

Kolb will definitely stabilize Arizona's passing attack and could even lead the Cardinals to a playoff berth in the lowly NFC West.

Baltimore Ravens Re-Signing Marshall Yanda

Marshall Yanda is relatively unknown among the football world, but he's quite the offensive lineman.

Yanda is extremely versatile, as he can play both tackle and guard.

Yanda is a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens, and it was a very wise decision to re-sign him.

Denver Broncos Drafting Von Miller

Von Miller is exactly what the Denver Broncos needed—a potential top of the league pass-rusher.

Miller was the second pick of the 2011 draft and is projected to be a stud outside linebacker for many years to come.

St. Louis Rams Signing Mike Sims-Walker

The St. Louis Rams and Sam Bradford needed a No. 1 wide receiver, and they got one by signing Mike Sims-Walker.

Sims-Walker spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team's No. 1 wide receiver for David Garrard.

Now, as a member of the Rams, I'm betting that he'll have quite the breakout year with Bradford at quarterback.

New York Giants Re-Signing Ahmad Bradshaw

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw is wildly underrated and is a perfect fit in New York's rushing attack.

The New York Giants made a very wise decision by re-signing Bradshaw, as he's one of the league's most elusive running backs and was a proven player for the team over the past few seasons.

Dallas Cowboys Drafting Tyron Smith

Tyron Smith is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys needed—a young, freakish and beastly blocker for many years to come.

Smith, who spent his college years at USC, can play both left and right tackle and should do a tremendous job at protecting Tony Romo for many years to come.

Seattle Seahawks Signing Sidney Rice

The Seattle Seahawks needed a wide receiver, and they got one in Sidney Rice.

Rice was one of the league's most reliable receivers for the Minnesota Vikings but was injured quite a bit.

If Rice can stay healthy for the Seahawks, he'll emerge as Tarvaris Jackson's favorite target in 2011 and could even help put the Seahawks over the .500 mark this year.

New England Patriots Drafting Nate Solder

Nate Solder may not start a game for the New England Patriots in 2011, but he is the left tackle of the future for the team.

Solder will sit on the bench until Matt Light is ready to pass the reins over to the 6'8", 320-pounder.

Atlanta Falcons Signing Ray Edwards

Ray Edwards is exactly what the Atlanta Falcons needed—a defensive playmaker.

Edwards has had eight-plus sacks in each of the last two seasons for the Vikings and now will look to be even better in Atlanta's 4-3 defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers Re-Signing Ike Taylor

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a very wise decision to re-sign the team's best cornerback in Ike Taylor.

Taylor has been the team's most reliable defender in pass coverage, and the team has now locked him up for four more seasons.

New Orleans Saints Drafting Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram is exactly what the New Orleans Saints needed.

Over the past few seasons, the Saints have been quite the passing attack; however, they haven't really had a dominant running game.

Now, with Ingram, he'll have a chance at balancing out New Orleans' offense, which could make the team even more dominant for many years to come.

San Diego Chargers Re-Signing Eric Weddle

A lot of people may not know who Eric Weddle is, but the 26-year-old safety is certainly on the rise and should be recognized as one of the NFL's best defensive players for years to come.

The San Diego Chargers re-signed their prized possession to a massive five-year deal worth $40 million.

Seattle Seahawks Signing Robert Gallery

Robert Gallery is a beast and is one of the most underrated offensive guards in all of football.

Sure, you can say that he was a bust for the Oakland Raiders, as he was selected to be an offensive tackle but never panned out.

However, Gallery has made a comeback as an offensive guard, and man, he is a good one.

Gallery signed a three-year contract with Seattle.

Baltimore Ravens Signing Ricky Williams

When I say that I love this move, I really do love this move.

Ricky Williams is a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens and should be a solid change-of-pace running back behind Ray Rice.

Baltimore should have one of the NFL's best rushing attacks in 2011.

New England Patriots Drafting Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallett may or may not be the heir to Tom Brady, but I strongly believe that he'll have the best NFL career out of all the quarterbacks from the 2011 draft class.

Despite Mallett's "character issues," he is arguably the perfect quarterback prospect—he has all the tools to be great.

Oakland Raiders Signing Kevin Boss

Kevin Boss is exactly what the Oakland Raiders needed—a tough, physical tight end that could be a threat in the passing game.

I'm expecting a lot of great things out of Boss now that he's a starter in Oakland.

Philadelphia Eagles Signing Steve Smith

The New York Giants are certainly going to miss wide receiver Steve Smith, especially now that he's a member of their rivals the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smith is just another option for Michael Vick, as he'll likely be the team's third wide receiver behind DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

Indianapolis Colts Signing Kerry Collins

Kerry Collins is a perfect fit for the Indianapolis Colts—he's the ultimate insurance quarterback behind Peyton Manning and Curtis Painter.

If Manning isn't able to go in the regular season and Painter struggles, Collins will be waiting on the bench as a veteran quarterback who is a winner.

Baltimore Ravens Signing Vonta Leach

Vonta Leach is one of the most underrated players in the NFL, as he's one of the best run-blocking fullbacks in the entire league.

Leach was a huge reason for Arian Foster's success in 2010, as he was his lead blocker in Houston.

Now Leach is the Baltimore Ravens' fullback and should do wonders for Ray Rice and Ricky Williams.

Washington Redskins Trading for Tim Hightower

Mike Shanahan has quite the résumé when it comes to running backs who he's turned into 1,000-yard rushers, and Tim Hightower could very well be the next player added to that list.

Hightower was acquired in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals and is projected to be the Redskins' starting running back in 2011.

San Francisco 49ers Signing Carlos Rogers

Carlos Rogers is a veteran cornerback that has a lot to offer, as he's a quality cover cornerback who is a playmaker. He's a nice fit in San Francisco, as he addresses one of their major needs.

Washington Redskins Re-Signing Santana Moss

The Washington Redskins need to be very thankful that the team re-signed Santana Moss, as he's arguably the team's only offensive playmaker entering 2011.

St. Louis Rams Drafting Lance Kendricks

The St. Louis Rams needed to get an offensive weapon for Sam Bradford, so they went out and drafted tight end Lance Kendricks.

We all know that young quarterbacks love having a reliable tight end, and I'm expecting the pair to develop a relationship similar to the one Michael Vick and Alge Crumpler had back in Atlanta.

Minnesota Vikings Drafting Christian Ponder

The Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up very nicely entering the years to come.

The team will have veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb as their short-term answer until rookie Christian Ponder is able to take over and emerge as the starting quarterback.

San Francisco 49ers Extending Frank Gore's Contract

Frank Gore is the man in San Francisco, as he's the team's best offensive player and has been a workhorse during his time as a 49ers.

The team decided to reward him with a deal that has him staying in San Fran until 2014, as he'll earn $25.9 million.

Gore has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in four of his six seasons in the NFL.

No Team Signing Brett Favre

I am praying right now that Brett Favre stays retired. I can safely say that I'm sure all NFL fans are sick and tired of Favre and just want him to move on.

There have been no concrete reports of any team showing interest in the 41-year-old gunslinger despite several rumors.

Let's just hope Favre stays retired this time.