NFL Free Agents 2012: Analyzing Marcus Trufant and Other Veteran DBs Available

With free agency a lot more quiet now than during its first week, players who end up moving will receive a good amount of attention.

Here, we take a look at some veteran defensive backs that can help anyone with a weak pass defense. After all, playing in a pass-heavy league, it's much safer for a coach to rely on an experienced veteran who can then influence a rookie.

William Gay

Despite being a former fifth-round draft choice, William Gay has had an impressive career in Pittsburgh.

Since 2007, Gay has appeared in all 80 games and has also appeared in all eight playoff games for the Steelers since 2008.

In 2011, Gay started 15 of 16 games and the past three seasons has defended 34 passes and recorded 187 tackles.

Although he's not yet developed into a No. 1 corner, Gay is a great No. 2 corner right now and has solid potential. A reliable man-coverage defender, Gay is just as good in zone, and much like all defensive backs from the Steelers, he isn't afraid to help with run support.

He's only 27 years old, so at least five or six years are available for Gay to consistently produce.

Provided that he goes to a team who presents a strong front seven, Gay's addition will significantly improve the perimeter run defense and boost the secondary.

Jim Leonhard

At just 5'8", 188 pounds, Jim Leonhard is an undersized safety.

However, after being a part of the New York Jets' secondary the past three seasons, Leonhard's role has clearly been a major part in Gang Green's run at two AFC titles.

But first, we begin with Leonhard's contributions with Baltimore in 2008. There, Leonhard started 13 of 16 games, made 69 tackles and defended six passes. No, not sexy stats by any means; however, he also started all three postseason games for the Ravens, who lost the AFC title game to Pittsburgh.

Playing for the Jets the past three years, New York made it to two consecutive AFC Championship games and Leonhard started in every game in 2009. Had he not been struck by injuries in 2010 and 2011, the Jets would have had increased odds at making the Super Bowl.

Since joining Gang Green, Leonhard has tallied 185 tackles and defended 15 passes. Despite his size, Leonhard can play anywhere near the box and is an excellent Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone defender.

Last season, the Jets were 8-5 when Leonhard went down and then proceeded to lose three straight games. Coincidence?

With a supreme amount of postseason experience and consistent reliability, Leonhard just needs to get healthy, because his instincts for the game are second to none.

Marcus Trufant

A nine-year veteran with a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2007, Marcus Trufant is one of the NFL's better and more complete cornerbacks.

Through his first six seasons Trufant had 92 passes defended, made 460 tackles and recorded 17 interceptions. Unfortunately, years 2009 to 2011 haven't been nearly as productive due to injuries.

His most disappointing season was easily in 2011, as Trufant appeared in only four games. With two of his last three seasons being inconsistent, Trufant is also 31 years old.

Now, provided that he can return back to full health and get back to his pre-2009 form, Trufant still has a good four years left.

He's great at press coverage, has the size to match up with No. 1 receivers and is an aware zone defender. In addition, Trufant is a better run defender than given credit for and on four different occasions has posted 80-plus tackle seasons.

Even in a limited role such as long down-and-distances or a specific pass defense package, Trufant is an upgrade to any secondary.

Oshiomogho Atogwe

Turning 31 years old before 2012 kicks off, Oshiomogho Atogwe still has a few years left—at the very least—to help a franchise.

In seven NFL seasons, Atogwe has recorded 25 picks, 453 tackles, forced 16 fumbles (in a five-year span) and has defended 48 passes.

A good-sized safety who can play near the line and take on tight ends and bigger slot receivers, Atogwe has great instincts, football IQ and is a consistent producer.

Only once in his career has he intercepted less than two passes, and excluding his rookie season Atogwe has never recorded less than 60 tackles in a year.

An alert zone defender, Atogwe can quickly dissect plays and knows how to make the proper hit to jar the rock loose.

Any team needing a safety that can sit back and read, roll down to help against the run or intermediate passing game and have the ability to force turnovers must consider Atogwe to spruce up the secondary and rush defense.

John Rozum on Twitter.