Every player in the NFL has something to prove. But some have extenuating circumstances that push their cases to the forefront. Whether it be injury, inconsistent play, or inexperience, they all have something big to overcome. Following are the most prominent ten players, in my opinion, who have doubters to silence:
1. Daunte Culpepper, QB Miami
After an embarrassing year both on and off the field that included a devastating knee injury, Culpepper was dealt to the Miami Dolphins for the bargain price of one second-round draft pick. Coming back from the injury is enough concern in itself, but the veteran QB’s play wasn’t exactly stellar before the injury either. Culpepper has two things to prove. One… he’s healthy enough to be effective. And two… he can play without his safety net (also known as Randy Moss).2. Philip Rivers, QB San Diego
With the Chargers choosing Rivers over former Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees, the pressure is going to be on the inexperienced signal caller. Expectations would have been very high this year with Brees behind center. So if Rivers gets off to a rocky start, the second-guessers will be popping out of the woodwork and things could get ugly fast.3. Rex Grossman, QB Chicago
The Bears are dying to see this guy stay healthy for an extended period. He’s shown flashes of ability along with good leadership skills. Unfortunately, injuries have dogged him since joining the league. And now he has Brian Griese breathing down his neck should he falter in his performance or go down to injury again.4. Michael Vick, QB Atlanta
If he’s ever going to be considered a serious threat passing the ball, this is the year he needs to show a marked improvement in his game. He’s played in the West Coast system long enough to have a grip on it, and now he needs to show he’s more than a glorified running back behind center.5. Mario Williams, DE Houston
Having been selected over Reggie Bush in the NFL Draft, Williams had better produce from day one. With Texans fans all but guaranteed (pre-draft) to get a close-up view of Bush’s explosiveness this season, there could be some animosity should Williams not produce some electrifying plays of his own. Expect the careers of these two talented players to be compared for years to come.6. Charles Rogers, WR Detroit
This is assuming Chuck is still on the Lions roster come September… which could be a dangerous assumption. Rogers has been a colossal bust since being selected No. 2 overall in 2003. After sitting four games in 2005 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy (again), he was left off the active roster for several weeks and managed to catch just 14 balls over the remaining nine games.7. Kevin Jones, RB Detroit
Following a rookie season in which he rushed for more than 1,100 yards with a 4.7 ypc average, Jones slipped to just 3.6 yards per carry and managed to break free for more than 20 yards just three times in 2005. Some of the blame can be placed on injury and the inconsistent play by the offensive line, but Jones needs to prove 2004 wasn’t a fluke.8. Javon Walker, WR Denver
After forcing his way out of Green Bay, Walker needs to prove he’s worth the money he was demanding… especially since he’s coming off a knee injury that followed his only big season.9. Kris Jenkins/Dan Morgan, Carolina
Both of these guys are fantastic players… when they’re on the field. The problem is, neither can seem to stay there. In fact, Jenkins has spent very little time on the field over the past two years. Morgan has missed 25 games during his five-year career. If the Panthers defense is going to look as pretty on the field as they do on paper, these two have got to stay on the field. And Jenkins must prove he’s still the player he was prior to all the time off.10. Randy Moss, WR Oakland
For most receivers, 1,000 yards receiving would be a great season. But it’s not for Moss, especially since he's now coming off back-to-back less-than-average (by Moss standards) seasons. Another disappointing year and people are going to start questioning his status as the league’s most dangerous receiver. In all fairness, injuries have limited him the past two seasons. Which means he not only needs to prove he can again be a consistent explosive threat, he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
