The hot seat: Thirty-two players who must produce early in 2008

Most of the time, the term "hot seat" focuses on coaches and front office personnel, but there is no shortage of players who realize they may be at a crossroad in their careers should they not get off to fast starts during the 2008 season.

The following list looks at some of those players -- one from each team -- a few of them on longer leashes than others with which to show what they can do. While some are in danger of losing a starting role, others are in the more precarious position of losing their roster spot. In a quarterback-driven league, perhaps it comes as no surprise that this is a quarterback-centric list.

1. Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: Though it is not being talked about much in Philadelphia, if the Eagles get off to a horrific start, some members of the organization and fan base may clamor to see what Kevin Kolb can do. The oft-injured McNabb is now having some shoulder issues, a bad sign for a quarterback in June. Andy Reid's loyalty to McNabb leads one to believe he will be given every chance to succeed, especially given some of the holes he has led this team out of in the past. But at some point this organization has proven they will move on if they have to.

2. Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins: New coach Jim Zorn has said publicly Campbell is his starting quarterback but this is a veteran-laden team that is built to win now. If Campbell struggles to assimilate himself to another new offense, the reins may have to be turned over to last year's hero, Todd Collins

3. Roy Williams, S, Dallas Cowboys: The object of a lot of frustration among Cowboys supporters, Williams must find a way to make an impact early or he will find himself back on the bench in passing situations, and ultimately, off the roster altogether.

4. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New York Giants: If Shockey has a bad attitude or is not productive, the Giants will not hesitate to move him before the trade deadline, especially if Kevin Boss proves he is worthy of handling the role full-time. The Giants will not allow Shockey to mess up the chemistry that was created during last year's Super Bowl run.

1. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina Panthers Jarrett was a huge disappointment in year one and has drawn the ire of Panthers star Steve Smith. With the additions of Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, Jarrett risks fading into oblivion.

2. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints: Though Bush is not in jeopardy of losing his job or his role as 3rd down back for the Saints, he is getting closer to being considered a disappointment at best and a bust at worst. Bush needs to ignite the Saints offense with some big plays early in 2008 to renew confidence in play-caller Sean Payton

3. Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Bucs: Clayton has been plagued by a myriad of injuries after a fantastic rookie season. Gruden's patience is wearing thin with Clayton and his roster spot might even be in danger with the addition of second-round pick Dexter Jackson

4. Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta Falcons Another first-round pick at wide receiver that has not developed as hoped, Jenkins is quickly becoming expendable behind Roddy White, Laurent Robinson and Joe Horn. A new coaching staff gives Jenkins one more chance to make a positive first impression.