2011 NFL Predictions: Reggie Bush and 7 Players Who Will Excel With New Teams

To veterans that move to new teams, the NFL's opening week is like Christmas Day. It's a new chance to not only win over a new city but wave a taunting hand at teams that gave up on them.

Several have been cast aside, but have now signed with teams that have systems to really accentuate what they bring to the table. Many will see expanded playing time, and others will make the transition to smaller, but valuable specialist roles.

Future success for the veterans-turned-newbies remains to be seen. But what is certain, however, is that the road to do so is certainly paved. Let's see who could be riding along a smooth one.

1) Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins

Reggie Bush had a nice niche role in Sean Payton's high-octane offense in New Orleans. Now, it appears that one of the generation's most explosive college athletes will get his shot at an expanded role in Miami.

The Dolphins' offense is not the Saints' offense, but lack of running-back depth and a vote of confidence from head coach Tony Sparano indicates that Bush will see a career-high in touches in 2011.

If Bush remains healthy and adapts well to running between the tackles, those touches could translate into plenty of yards.

2) Chad Ochocinco, New England Patriots

After being traded from one of the poorest run franchises in the NFL to one of the best, it's no wonder that Chad Ochocinco is smiling more than he usually does.

He will be a key contributor in the all-out aerial assault that Tom Brady and company provide weekly. Because of that, we may have yet to see the best from the eccentric former pro-bowler.

We've seen this happen before in New England. Randy Moss was fading into the obscurity of the Oakland Raiders, but had a record-setting campaign in his first season under Bill Belichick.

We can't expect that ridiculous output from Ochocinco simply because he isn't Randy Moss. No one in this league could do what he did in 2007.

Ochocinco is still a very good receiver who will likely see a vast improvement in his numbers now that he is in one of the league's most intimidating offenses.

3) Nnamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia Eagles

Despite displaying a free-agency period for the ages, there are some questions about the defense in Philadelphia.

But Nnamdi Asomugha is not one of them.

Arguably the most-feared corner in the league has found a new home, and he will be the marquee name on an already star-studded defense.

Whether it's zone or man coverage, Asomugha has the talent to eliminate his entire side of the field—much to the chagrin of quarterbacks.

Juan Castillo, who hasn't been a defensive coordinator since coaching for Kingsville High School in 1989, is now at the helm for the Eagles' defense. But if Asomugha could excel for seven years in Oakland, he will do the same in Philadelphia regardless of who is calling the shots.

4) Ray Edwards, Atlanta Falcons

Ray Edwards has been one of the league's most consistent defensive ends, and the Atlanta Falcons signed him for a reasonable five-year, $30 million contract. Quite a bargain.

There was concern that Edwards' solid statistics were much to the credit of his peers on a stout Minnesota defensive line. While there is some truth in that, Edwards will still be on a solid unit that features John Abraham and Kroy Biermann, who is also a capable pass-rusher.

Edwards was one of my favorite free-agent signings this offseason and what he will do in Atlanta for the price tag he warranted will explain why.

5) Stephen Tulloch, Detroit Lions

Stephen Tulloch is a tackling machine. He proved that in Tennessee, and now, he will further prove it in Detroit while playing behind one of the most feared lines in the NFL.

Adding a bonus to that is the fact the Lions acquired him for just a one-year, $3.25 million contract. There is no risk involved, and the payoff could be massive.

Isn't it nice not having Matt Millen call the shots?

6) Josh Wilson, Washington Redskins

He was a reliable cornerback that turns heads every time he has the ball in his hands, but that wasn't enough to stop the Ravens from letting him sign with the Washington Redskins at a reasonable price.

Now, penciled into Jim Haslett's starting defense, Wilson has an opportunity to see more snaps and match up with secondary receivers while DeAngelo Hall mostly handles the No. 1s.

It will likely be another year of growing pains within the Redskins defense, but Wilson should be a bright spot to look back on when the season is all said and done.

7) Andre Carter, New England Patriots

When Andre Carter was in Washington, he was a formidable foe for any offensive tackle. But that scariness evaporated when the Redskins moved to a 3-4 defense, which Carter struggled in.

Now, Carter resides with the New England Patriots, and he has already turned heads while working in a hybrid defense that suits his playing style.

The last time that Carter played in a 4-3 defense, he recorded 11 sacks. There is a ton of upside for the veteran that is now playing in a four-man front.