NFL Free Agents 2012: Ranking the 5 Biggest Playmakers on the Market

Before we dive head first into the 2012 NFL draft talk, the ever-so-vital free agency period will be upon us.

There is loads of talent in this year's free-agent pool.

Many teams can make huge upgrades, especially on the offensive side of the ball. 

Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints 

Colston was injured early in the 2011 season, but after recovering, he returned to his typical form. 

He caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns, some of the scores coming in acrobatic fashion.

The most reliable and experienced of the free-agent wideouts, a new contract for Marques Colston will be the Saints' top priority after Drew Brees.

Jermichael Finley, TE Green Bay Packers

Although Finley didn't progress the way Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski did in 2011, he is still one of the most physically impressive and dynamic tight ends in football. 

Finley wasn't the go-to target for Aaron Rodgers during his epic season, but he's certainly an option he'd like to keep around. 

Is he disposable? 

If Finley isn't resigned by the Packers, a handful of teams will come calling for the former Texas Longhorn stud.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles 

Jackson's attitude doesn't help his reputation around the league, but when he's "happy" there aren't many receivers with more big-play potential. 

There's a chance he'll be kept in Philadelphia, but as of now, his future is unsure. 

Many teams are in dire need of a jolt on offense, especially in their passing game and Jackson can unquestionably provide that. 

Robert Meachem, WR New Orleans Saints

Meachem is much more of a dangerous deep threat than Colston, and the former Tennessee Volunteer has been a major contributor to New Orleans' offense for the last few years. He grabbed 40 passes for 620 yards and eight touchdowns this year. 

It will be hard for the Saints to re-sign both these sought-after wideouts.

Ray Rice, RB Baltimore Ravens / Matt Forte, RB Chicago Bears

Rice and Forte get grouped together because they are essentially in the same situation with their current teams. Each guy is the unquestioned lifeforce of his respective offense and they are arguably the most versatile running backs in the NFL. 

If someway, somehow they hit the open market, they'll be the hottest commodities. 

I'd be stunned if both weren't re-signed, however.