4 NFL Players Who Were Exposed as Frauds in 2011

All NFL players want to be considered the best at their position. In order to be in the discussion with the NFL elite, a player needs to have sustained success. These star players also perform in every situation, especially when things get tough.

It only takes one failed season to get knocked out of the elite category. This season several stars have struggled to produce and have taken a step back. There are several different reasons for a player to drop in production. However, the elite players find a way to overcome every situation.

Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals surrendered a second-round draft pick and Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie to acquire Kevin Kolb. This trade was made because of Arizona's desperation for a quarterback and Kolb's potential. However, things haven't exactly gone as planned.

Arizona actually have two more wins with John Skelton under center, who has replaced Kolb after a few injuries. Skelton isn't considered a threat to Kolb's starting job, but that is only because of what it took to acquire Kolb and his large contract.

Kolb is dangerously close to earning the label of being injury prone. He suffered a few injuries while in Philadelphia and has missed significant time this season. So much of Kolb's value is based on potential. At this point, Kolb's upside has taken a major hit.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson's season has been as disappointing as the Philadelphia Eagles team. His contract situation is impacting his play on the field. Jackson's success depends on making plays down the field. Those explosive plays have not been as regular this season.

So far this season, Jackson only caught three touchdown passes while he has also failed to record more than six catches in a game. The best players in the NFL don't let anything impact their play on the field. For example, Chicago's Matt Forte is among the league leaders in yards from scrimmage. Forte's contract situation is very similar to Jackson, but he didn't let it impact his on-field play.

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season, Josh Freeman surprised a lot of of people by putting together a great year. He completed 61 percent of his passes and threw 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That production raised expectations.

The common belief is that quarterbacks develop the most between year two and three. It is at this point that the quarterback has experienced almost every scenario. There would be a total of three offseasons where he would become more comfortable with the offense.

However, Freeman failed to take a step forward. The biggest concern is the mounting interceptions, which currently sits at 16. Those 16 interceptions are 10 more than Freeman threw all of last season.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Every NFL wide receiver hopes to land on a team with a great NFL quarterback. Peyton Manning is responsible for the success of many pass catchers. Reggie Wayne's career benefited from the presence of Manning.

This season has been a major struggle in Indianapolis, but not all of that can be placed on the injury to Manning. The remaining stars failed to step up and play competitive football. Wayne is one of those stars who failed to rise to the occasion.

Because of his track record, he was expected to help the inexperienced quarterbacks. Instead, his play slipped and he will fail to gain 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in seven seasons. This poor season makes you believe that Manning is responsible for the bulk of Wayne's success.