The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go, Pt. 3

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

If you have trudged on long enough you have now come to the third part of my Free Agency series.

The last article on TE's and OL was not the greatest subject matter on the planet; luckily the crop gets fresher.

In this article, we begin to move to the defensive side as we take a look at the top three DTs, DEs, and OLB's available on the scrap heap. 

If you have not yet already, check out the first two parts to this series for more free agent insight: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/191348-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-part-two

Defensive Tackle

Dewayne Robertson

He was once a highly touted prospect who came out after his junior season and got selected at No. 4 overall by the New York Jets.

Robertson came in with high expectations his first year and got a mediocre 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In his Jets' tenure he averaged 51 tackles per season, but failed to generate much pass rush never eclipsing four sacks in a season.

He was traded in April, 2008 to the Denver Broncos for a conditional 2009 draft pick that turned out to be a fourth rounder. After the Denver stint did not turn out positive, the team cut him loose and he is currently playing football for the AF2 Oklahoma Yard Dogs Franchise. 

As it stands with what's available on the scrap heap, Robertson has the most potential to be able to land a starters job on an NFL team. 

Now that the high expectations have been failed and are in the past, he can attempt a redemption run. He could be someone's missing rotational guy that could push their pass-rush over the edge. He could be the guy who comes in to mesh with a run stuffing DT like Jaguars' Pro Bowler, John Henderson.

He has shown enough to warrant someone taking a flyer on him by averaging decent 51 tackles per season as a starter. 

Plausible Destination: Houston Texans

The Texans are a great young talented team that is poised for a playoff berth this season. They upgraded at DE by adding big ticket FA Antonio Smith with a five year, $35 million dollar contract.

Not retaining Jeff Zgonina or Anthony Weaver was not devastating, but creates some depth concern. 

Adding Robertson would give them a good rotational guy who could edge projected No. 2 DT Shaun Cody. Pairing him alongside Amobi Akoye and Cody would give the Texans an interior on defense with a good blend of size, speed, and athleticism.

With Antonio Smith on the outside, the Texans have a good thing going with the front four. 

John Thornton

He has been a reliable starter for many years, including the last six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. With all of the roster turnover teams experience, you have to be decent to nail down the same starting job for six years. 

His play has dropped off as of late; the dismal Bengals' defense he was playing in likely had a role.

With a better supporting cast, Thornton could be an effective starter again. 

Plausible Destination: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Peria Jerry in the first round and already possess a young talented DT in Jonathan Babinueax. Subtracting reliable veteran DT Grady Jackson leaves the need for a veteran presence in the interior, and Thornton fits the bill.

Adding Thornton would give them a veteran starter to plug in if Jerry struggles during his rookie season. 

At worst, Jerry thrives and Thornton becomes an excellent rotational tackle. 

With all of the veteran subtractions on defense this offseason for the Falcons, adding some proven depth would not hurt.

Darwin Walker

Plain and simple, he has been a mediocre player his entire career.

In the six seasons he has held a significant starting role, averaging 4.6 sacks and 31 tackles per season.

After he left Philadelphia, he hit rock bottom in terms of production. His average production in the past means he will probably find his way onto an NFL roster by the time training camp rolls around. 

Plausible Destination: Minnesota Vikings

With the Williams duo facing four game suspensions, the Minnesota Vikings are likely going to turn to the FA market for some short term depth.

They could go after any of the aforementioned players, but Darwin could fill their short term need. His ability to create pressure in the pocket will lead plays to their All Pro DE Jared Allen. When the Williams brothers return, he could be an effective rotational tackle along with DT Jimmy Kennedy.

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