2012 NFL Free Agents: Michael Bush and Other Underrated Free Agents

With top free agents such as Green Bay's Matt Flynn and New Orleans' Tracy Porter, it's easy to overlook a lot of other solid players on the market, regardless of position.

That being said, here are four players to keep an eye on this offseason:

Note: Projected team is where that player would fit excluding his current team

Michael Bush: RB, Raiders

If Michael Bush remains in Oakland he'll be a part of one of the NFL's better two-back tandems alongside Darren McFadden. The question is how much he'll get to contribute when McFadden gets healthy.

Filling in for Darren most of 2011, Bush gained 977 rushing and 418 receiving yards while scoring eight TDs. Bush clearly established himself as one of the better free agent running backs, however, he's being overlooked as this was his breakout season.

Any team needing a solid No. 1 running back can't go wrong with Bush as he was basically Oakland's offense. The Raiders lacked in the passing game and were horrendous on defense. Bush though, kept rolling on the ground and kept the Raiders alive for the postseason until Week 17.

Still, Bush proved his value by the numbers and deserves a shot to become a full-time starter.

Projected Team: New York Jets

D'Qwell Jackson: LB, Browns

He's certainly not a player the Cleveland Browns want to lose, but based on how 2011 panned out, it would not be surprising to see D'Qwell Jackson sign elsewhere.

This season Jackson recorded 158 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He was Cleveland's only legit defender against the run and deserves to be a part of a defense where help immediately surrounds him. Any team needing a stud linebacker who can defend the run and intermediate passing routes will suit him nicely.

2011 was Jackson's third season of 100-plus tackles and second with 150-plus. His ability to read in the trenches and reliability as a sure tackler goes vastly overlooked because of Cleveland's No. 30 ranking against the run.

If Jackson goes somewhere with a solid defensive line, he'll dominate and earn more deserved recognition.

Projected Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Rashean Mathis: CB, Jaguars

Despite being on the wrong side of 30-years old and having his season cut short in 2011, Jacksonville's Rashean Mathis can really help anyone needing to improve against the pass.

After an excellent three-year stint from 2004-06 where Mathis picked off 18 passes and defended another 57, he was rarely challenged thereafter, even when dealing with injuries.

That being said, his 6'1", 190-pound frame is ideal for a physical corner and can lock down most, if not all No. 1 receivers. He's also great after the interception.

Mathis' eight picks in 2006 were returned for 146 yards and the four he got in 2008 were taken back for 151 yards. So, regardless of where he signs, Rashean significantly helps his team win the field position battle.

Projected Team: Dallas Cowboys

Adam Carriker: DE, Redskins

A solid pass-rushing defensive end, Washington's Adam Carriker didn't get many tackles as a member of the Redskins the past two seasons because of linebacker London Fletcher and fellow pass-rusher Brian Orakpo.

On a solid defense though, Carriker still recorded 5.5 sacks and 34 tackles in 2011 and will definitely increase those numbers regardless of where he plays in 2012. A good fit for Carriker however, would be a team with a vulnerable pass defense.

After all, causing pressure is his specialty and most teams with a weak pass defense don't get a lot of sacks either. So, even as a utility defensive lineman in passing situations, Carriker will flourish when strictly using his strengths. 

Not to mention he's got good enough size to plug gaps as a defensive tackle as well.

Projected Team: New England Patriots

Follow John Rozum on Twitter