NFL Free Agency Preview

Bill Polian posted his Free Agent List last week. I don’t have hours and hours to watch tape on all of these guys so I’m not going to do as extensive a list. I’m going to list my top 10 Free Agents for both offense and defense. As teams really try to determine whether to fill their needs via the draft or through free Agency. You'll notice that on offense I've gone with mostly skill position players and on defense I've gone with younger defensive lineman and specialists. This draft is loaded with lineman and athletes on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.  Most higher picks will be used on them, and then supplemented with veterans.

Offense:

1.Joe Flacco- The best QB available, and will almost certainly re-sign with the Ravens. This is more based upon demand than anything else. The only obstacle to this would be Flacco's demand to be the highest paid QB in the NFL.

2.Jake Long-The best offensive lineman available, and is still somewhat young.  He does have a few injury issues, but would be a great get at left lackle for quite a few teams.

3.Wes Welker- He’s top 3 if he stays with the Patriots, but has less value everywhere else. My guess is he stays with the Pats.

4.Mike Wallace-Take off the top speed, and you can’t put a price on that. Darkhorse in this race is Oakland, because they are just crazy enough to pay for pure speed.

5.Ryan Clady- Looks like the Broncos will franchise him, but he’s very close to Jake Long, and very durable.

6.Martellus Bennett- Developed into a top flight tight end this year. His best fit is to re-sign with the Giants, but with so few top flight TEs he could get a big payday this offseason.

7.Dwayne Bowe- If Bowe was a little more disciplined and focused he’d be higher on this list, but he’s the big possession type receiver that most teams crave.

8.Greg Jennings-Is only this high if he gets in the right system. He’s a west coast receiver, and will only fit in that type of system. That being said, if he can stay healthy he would be a good pickup for a few years for any team.

9.Steven Jackson- Running Backs have lower Value in the current NFL, especially ones that have more than a few miles on them. Several options for S-Jax. Detroit would be a good fit for him at the right price.

10A.Delanie Walker- The “Swiss Army Knife” would be a great pick-up for any team. I would have him higher but I don’t think there’s much of a chance that San Francisco doesn’t re-sign him.

10B.Shonn Greene- Might be a better value than Steven Jackson because he’s got a little bit less wear and tear on him. He’s going to be a good fit in a run heavy offense that is in need of either a big power back to change the pace, or to back up a current power back. Best fits are Washington, Seattle, or Carolina.

Defense:

1.Henry Melton- Really took big strides in improving last season. He’s really only a fit in a 4-3 defense though. Dallas and Chicago will be his best bets to get paid.

2.Paul Kruger-Really made a name for himself in the postseason. Was probably the Ravens’ best defensive player in the playoffs and would be a great addition for any 3-4 team.

3.Brent Grimes-Probably the top cover corner available, but has been plagued by injuries and is limited to mostly zone based schemes because of his size.

4.Anthony Spencer- Will be leaving Dallas, but only because he needs to play in a 3-4 defense.

5.Michael Johnson-Young and explosive. Makes a lot of plays and is disruptive. Could make a lot of money this offseason in a long term deal.

6.Phillip Wheeler-Durable and has made great strides in his play over the last few seasons. Would be an upgrade for most teams at the ILB position in a 3-4 scheme.

7.Sen’Derrick Marks- Really has developed well as a DT since coming into the league. Is definitely on the upslope of his career and will only get better. A team would be smart to give him a good contract.

8.Ed Reed-Still productive, but there are really only two options for him: Re-sign with the Ravens or sign with the Patriots.

 9.Erik Walden-Always flashes great potential and has incredible athleticism for a 3-4 team. He could get a nice contract from a team willing to bet on his motor staying high.

10A.Dwight Freeney-Still have good value as a speed rusher in certain down and distance situations.

10B. Israel Idonije-Might have slightly higher value than Freeney because he can play more downs, but is not as explosive as a pass rusher. The Bears could sign them both for a good deal and pair them together to form a more than formidable end opposite Julius Peppers while some of their younger players develop.

Feel Free to agree or disagree! Let’s get some comments and discussion going on here!