2012 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Forecasting Where Top Defensive Stars Will Land

It's shaping up to be one of the deepest NFL free agent classes in years, which should make for an exciting offseason for fans around the league. While most of the focus will be on offensive stars like Peyton Manning, there are also several marquee defensive players available.

Let's examine potential landing spots for the market's biggest names.

Mario Williams

The Houston Texans received a lot of flack for selecting Williams over Reggie Bush in 2006. It turned out to be the right decision as Williams developed into one of the league's most impressive young pass rushers, but now it appears the team won't retain him.

That opens up an opportunity for the countless teams in need of players who can attack the quarterback. Williams will be coming off a serious pectoral injury, but is still the most attractive defensive player on the market at just 27 years old.

While plenty of teams will likely kick the tires on him, no franchise needs him more than the Buffalo Bills. They haven't had a consistent rusher in years and Williams' versatility will help as the team's transition back to a 4-3 defense.

Prediction: Buffalo Bills

Cortland Finnegan

Even though Finnegan is perhaps best known for his fight with Andre Johnson, he's actually a rock-solid cornerback as well. He's intercepted 14 passes in his career, including three he returned for touchdown. He even has a 100-tackle season to his name. 

He plays with a chip on his shoulder like you'd expect from a former seventh round pick. Not only is he terrific in coverage, but few corners are more willing to help in run support than him. It's the perfect combination for a team in need of secondary help.

Two teams who would seem to make the most sense would be the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams. The Cowboys have long coveted a physical corner like Finnegan, while Jeff Fisher would surely love to attract him to St. Louis. Slight edge to the Rams.

Prediction: St. Louis Rams

Brandon Carr

Carr hasn't received a ton of notoriety playing in Kansas City, which isn't a major surprise. If he moves to a bigger market during the offseason, however, he should start getting the respect he deserves as one of the NFL's top young corners.

It's not often a corner of his caliber hits the open market before hitting his prime, so a team will need to pay a hefty amount to bring him in. That said, he'll be worth every penny if his cover skills with the Chiefs are any indication.

Dallas seems like the most likely landing spot, especially if they don't sign Finnegan. The Cowboys are always willing to throw money around to fill needs and they don't have a bigger one this summer than their secondary.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys