2011 NFL Predictions: Reggie Bush and 5 Players Who Will Flourish with New Teams

All these celebrated 2011 offseason additions won't matter once the NFL regular season begins unless they can prove their worth on the field each Sunday.

Of course, it is easier to see how some players will play in their new positions as opposed to others.

Here are five players who are in the best positions to flourish with their new teams.

Jared Gaither

Gaither is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you think of players in the best new positions to succeed this year. In fact, most of you probably didn't even know he had moved or even who he is.

The former Baltimore Ravens left tackle was an outstanding blind-side protector for Joe Flacco during his short time on the field. Gaither's only problem was not being able to stay healthy.

He easily outperformed Michael Oher for the Ravens and was hugely missed during last season. Gaither has all the abilities to be an elite left tackle and was exceptional in pass protection against James Harrison in particular when the Ravens matched up against the Steelers.

Gaither landing with the Chiefs puts him in a great position because he does not even have to play left tackle anymore.

Branden Albert is entrenched protecting Matt Cassel's blind side on the left-hand side, so Gaither will be slotted in on the right.

In the Chiefs offense, he will get plenty of opportunities to show off his mauling ability in the running game, while his expert pass-protecting abilities will only be aided by the switch to playing in his quarterback's line of vision.

Quintin Mikell

Mikell is being asked to replace the impact at the safety position in St. Louis that was lost when O.J. Atogwe left for Washington.

Atogwe and Mikell played different positions, as Mikell was a strong safety for the Eagles last year, but he will still be able to flourish playing alongside Craig Dahl.

The former Eagle has previously worked with Steve Spagnuolo during his time with the Eagles and will provide a veteran presence to a defensive group that is mostly led by its young stars.

Mikell is a versatile player that will being solid coverage to the team's pass defense while also being able to move into the box as the eighth man. The Rams have a strong front seven that should allow him to do plenty of things on the field.

With James Laurinaitis in front of him and Chris Long rushing the passer with James Hall as well as Robert Quinn, Mikell will have plenty of chances to run through gaps in the offensive line to shut down the running game with hard hits while also jumping routes for interceptions.

Mikell was an expensive addition for the Rams, but both he and the team will be delighted come season's end in all likelihood.

Bob Sanders

The only problem for Bob Sanders is staying healthy. If he can stay healthy, however, the Chargers have arguably the best starting secondary in the whole league.

Sanders and the extremely underrated Eric Weddle would work perfectly together, as both can make plays without risking big plays going the other way.

If he can replicate his performances from the past, his hard hitting in the box and ability to pick off passes, it will be difficult for any opposing quarterback to find a place to go to with the ball.

The Chargers front seven will once again be a quality unit, while the cornerback pairing of Antoine Cason and Quentin Jammer is one of the best in the league.

Most secondaries in the league will have at least one player that has one significant flaw; the Chargers group with Sanders involved has no obvious concerns.

Johnathan Joseph

Johnathan Joseph has landed in the perfect position to continue his excellent play from Cincinnati.

The Texans had one major issue last season, and that was their coverage on the back end. With Brooks Reid and J.J. Watt replenishing an already talented front seven and Wade Phillips returning to his specialty of being a defensive coordinator, Joseph should be able to make big plays in Houston.

Joseph has gone from struggling to hold up a pretender to being a vital part of what looks certain to be a contender.

Danieal Manning and he will bring a veteran and talented pair to the Texans back end to complement their talented rusher Mario Williams and hopefully aid Connor Barwin's development.

Joseph may have had a better corner playing across from him in Cincinnati with Leon Hall, but he will soon shoot to acclaim with a better defense as a whole around him in Houston.

You can see why Carson Palmer wants to leave the Bengals; Joseph's job appears to be much easier this year with the Texans.

Stephen Tulloch

Stephen Tulloch was an incredibly underrated addition to the Detroit Lions roster.

He has landed in the perfect position to rack up the tackles and make more plays in Detroit. His arrival moves DeAndre Levy to the outside, as he will line up directly behind Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley—once he returns from injury—or Corey Williams.

With the talented defensive line occupying offensive lines all year round, Tulloch will be able to have a huge season this year, whether he is dropping into coverage or shutting down the running game.

Tulloch never got many sacks in Tennessee but could become an impact player for the Lions, as he won't have to fight through blockers as much as he has in the past.

Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush may be leaving a powerhouse offense with an elite quarterback in New Orleans for an average offense with an unproven quarterback in Miami, but he could have a huge year this season.

Providing he can stay healthy—which has been an issue—Bush should be allowed to return to a more typical running back role. He will never be an every-down back but could see a lot more carries behind an offensive line with some grafters such as Jake Long, Richie Incognito and Mike Pouncey.

With the Larry Johnson signing, the Dolphins have compounded the concerns over Daniel Thomas' early showing as a professional, which could see them turn to Bush more.

Bush should get even more receptions for the Dolphins than he did with the Saints because I expect him to be split out to receiver when either of the other backs are in the backfield. With Bush, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Brandon Marshall on the field together, Chad Henne will have options, with Bush being one of the best.