2012 NFL Free Agents: Ranking the Top 5 Players at Every Position

And with that, the 2011 NFL season is over.

Of course, the 2012 season has just begun. We've got the 2012 NFL Draft coming up and of course, another vital component to that—free agency.

Free agency starts on Tuesday, March 13th at 4 pm EST, so there is certainly plenty of time to debate who should go where. However, the fact is that some players are much better than others on the market—even if those players will be on the market for exactly two seconds before their current teams snap them back up.

I didn't included restricted free agents on this list, as the best aren't likely to be really free and have huge price tags via draft picks.

So what follows are the top five players available in free agency, regardless of how likely it is they move on or not.

Because you just never know when someone will slip through a team's fingers and land where he isn't expected to.

Quarterbacks

1. Drew Brees

It's unlikely Brees moves on from the Big Easy, but that doesn't change the fact that he is far and away the best quarterback in this free-agency class. You can debate if he makes his receivers better or if they make him better, but the fact is he throws for a ton of yards, makes few mistakes (201 touchdowns to 93 interceptions since he landed in New Orleans) and is a great leader.

You won't pry him from Sean Payton's cold, dead fingers, but if you could, you'd sell your soul, your firstborn son and your entire collection of Friday Night Lights DVDs.

2. Alex Smith

I like Smith, but he's a big step back from Brees. That's not the knock it sounds like—only a handful of quarterbacks wouldn't be. Newly minted Coach of the Year Jim Harbaugh finally found a formula that worked for Smith, and frankly, it wouldn't take a genius to replicate it.

It's hard to say if Smith will continue the success he had in 2011, so he carries risk. I believe San Francisco will retain him, but he might be able to be had on the open market for the right price.

You just need to use him right or you might overpay for a guy who could revert back to every other mediocre year he's had prior to 2011.

3. Jason Campbell

While he may not have lasted too long as Oakland's No. 1 quarterback, I actually think Campbell is being underrated by many as a potential backup who could carry a team for a while in the event of an injury to the primary quarterback.

He's likely to want a starting gig—or at least a shot at one—but the chances of that are slim and eventually he'll just be looking for a job. He should be cheap and the value you'd get for him could be immense.

4. Matt Flynn

Sure, Flynn has to be on here just based on pure upside. We don't really know how good he is, and he could be this year's Kevin Kolb. On the other hand, he could be this year's Matt Schaub as well.

He's pure upside with what should amount to a hefty price tag, which knocks him a bit down this list anyway.

You roll the dice, but you run the risk of a flame-out and like Arizona, rumors that Peyton Manning might stop by.

5. Kyle Orton

Orton, like Campbell, likely has delusions of grandeur (or a starting job) and could land one. He's a quarterback who can get you from the 20-yard line to the opposition's 20-yard line, but the yardage after that can be an issue.

He'll work best as a backup who has the ability to carry a team in case of injury. He's just good enough to push a young incumbent as well, if you needed to light a fire under an under-performing quarterback. Just be aware that when it comes to Orton, the ceiling is limited.

Running Backs

I didn't include Arian Foster here because he will fetch a pretty significant set of draft picks, assuming the Texans don't just franchise him outright.

1. Ray Rice

Rice just capped off his third-straight 1,000-rushing-yard season, as well as his second season in the last three where he capped 2,000 in total yards.

Yeah, he's pretty darn good.

The Ravens will do everything they can to retain him, but Rice would be a jewel for any team to grab if the Ravens hesitate. He has proven that there is little he cannot do in the backfield, and all 32 teams would be glad to add him if they could.

2. Matt Forte

The Bears are a funny team because while they should pay Forte handsomely (since he's their biggest offensive weapon), they will either nickel and dime him or franchise him.

If they don't franchise tag him, another team will probably come along and make him an attractive offer. Really, all they have to do is show him some respect for his abilities, something the Bears seem not to be all that interested in doing. He was well on his way to an absolute monster season before he got hurt.

The Bears have threatened to franchise him if they can't get a long-term deal done to their liking, and he has threatened to hold out if they do that. This has all the makings of a bad situation. If he happens to slip away, teams will be all over him.

3. Marshawn Lynch

Lynch had a beauty of a season, and the Seahawks are interested in keeping him one way or the other. The problem is that they have 18 free agents to pay. So it's not an easy balancing act, and franchising Lynch may just aggravate him.

Regardless, Lynch had a career resurgence in 2011 and showed he could run hard for the short yards as well as break off a long run with frequency.

Lynch could very well remain a Seahawk, but if he gets a chance to test the open market, he may find several teams willing to give him a shot at replicating last season behind their offensive lines.

4. Michael Bush

Bush played well in the absence of Darren McFadden, and if the Raiders are smart, they want to keep him. Again, here is another guy who could get franchised, though the price tag might be prohibitive. With other issues for the team and a complete lack of draft picks due to some trades, do you overpay your backup?

With McFadden hurt so much, can you afford not to?

Bush is a good runner, not as explosive as McFadden, but durable and tough. He would be an excellent balance to a smaller, quicker back in a backfield, and there are several teams who could use him to wear down defenses.

5. Peyton Hillis

Hillis hurt himself a bit with the in-season antics and didn't have a great season when he wasn't hurt, but he had an exceptional 2010 and teams will look to that rather than the sub-par 2011 we witnessed this fall.

Hillis runs hard and (usually) plays tough. If he can stay healthy, he should be a productive back. His injuries this year as well as his attitude may scare some teams off, but overall, given the chance, he will succeed. Of the remaining backs, he's probably got the best starting potential, even if he also has the most baggage as well.

Wide Reciever

1. Vincent Jackson

I don't know how this is going to end in San Diego. After a scorched earth campaign in 2010, both parties are interested in Jackson remaining. Of course, this could be some posturing on both parts, but clearly Jackson is the best wide receiver on the roster. Norv Turner realizes this, and that could be a factor as well.

However, we also know of a few teams who could go hard after Jackson, including the Bills if they let Steve Johnson walk—not an impossibility.

Jackson would find plenty of takers if he hits the free agent market and is both the best and most stable player on this list. If he goes free, the Bills will be just the tip of the iceberg.

2. Dwayne Bowe

Bowe is another guy whose name is being bandied about for the Bills, with some citing Chan Gailey's connection from his time as a Kansas City coordinator.

Bowe has really hit his stride and could be tired of the chaos that has marked the Scott Pioli tenure at the Chiefs. While Bowe can be erratic, he can also be brilliant—in the right system, with the right coach, he could be very successful.

The Chiefs could franchise him, but with Bowe's personality I would be wary of that. They might be able to talk him into staying—the whole team seems fired up to play for Romeo Crennel—but don't be surprised if he wants to see what the world has to offer outside of KC.

3. DeSean Jackson

Jackson would be higher on this list if he weren't such a headcase. He has ability, of that there is no doubt. Not only is he an exceptional return man, but he is explosive once he has the ball in his hands and is a big play waiting to happen after the catch.

The problem is, you know if he's not happy he will quit on routes and be lackadaisical as well. The Eagles are talking about keeping him, but we'll have to see what that costs. They may balk if his price is too high.

4. Marques Colston

Colston is a playmaker and a very good receiver. He's also a guy who now has had multiple knee issues and a Lisfranc injury in his career. And yet he wants top dollar.

Other teams will certainly take a look and kick the tires—whether he leaves is likely dependent on the Saints locking Drew Brees down to a long-term contract and not using the franchise tag on their quarterback.

Colston is very talented and despite his injury issues, can put up very good totals. Someone will take a shot that he and his knees will hold up under duress.

5. Wes Welker

Welker lost some money Sunday night with a critical drop and the question remains: Is he as good as he has looked in New England or is he a product of Tom Brady and an offensive scheme?

His possession skills are second to none, but ultimately his impact will depend on the offense he's in. How much the Pats are willing to pay him is a question mark, since they have two inexpensive tight ends who can duplicate what Welker does pretty well.

Welker would be a reliable and solid addition to any lineup, and if he were to work with a young quarterback, his (usually) solid receiving abilities would be a huge boon.

If the Pats decide to get out while at the apex of Welker's talent (a consistent trend in New England with vets), someone will roll the dice that Welker can continue his production outside of Bill Belichick's offensive scheme.

Bonus: Reggie Wayne

I wanted to give Wayne a shout out because while his upside isn't as good as those above, I think he would be an exceptional veteran presence for a team in need of some wide receiver leadership and consistent production. If Manning leaves Indianapolis, you can bet Wayne won't be around, and some team will be lucky to end up with him, even if he won't put up No. 1 numbers anymore.

Offensive Line

The vast majority of the top talent for offensive line is at the guard position. Beyond that, it's pretty hit or miss.

1. Ben Grubbs (OG)

You can argue that Grubbs and Carl Nicks are 1 and 1a. It's that close. I give Grubbs the edge in part because he has a better chance to be available—the Ravens already have a ton tied up at the other guard spot.They are concerned that keeping Grubbs could cost them other players. His recent Pro Bowl berth only makes it tougher.

Grubbs is one of the best guards in the league, powerful but quick and agile as well. There is a ton of need across the league for good offensive linemen. He will get plenty of offers.

2. Carl Nicks (OG)

Nicks isn't feeling too good about his chances of remaining in New Orleans even though he wants to stay. This is another situation where a team already has invested heavily in their other guard and would be hard-pressed to add more money to the position—especially with Drew Brees, Marques Colston and Robert Meachem all free agents.

Nicks is still one of the best though, and teams will be falling all over themselves to woo him this spring.

3. Evan Mathis (OG)

For as maligned as the Eagles' offensive line was for much of the season, they were really pretty good. Mathis was flat-out their best (and at the veteran minimum, most economical) signing all year. Don't expect him to be cheap this offseason, though he does like the Eagles' blocking schemes.

Mathis is well worth a look if someone can get in there before the Eagles lock him up (or if he and the Eagles cannot come to terms before March). At age 30, he's a bit long in the tooth, but he showed this year that he still has plenty of ability to spare.

4. Chris Myers (C)

Meyers is a very good center, with tremendous experience in a zone-blocking scheme as well as solid skills all the way around. I can imagine the Texans want him to stay in-house, so the question is what money he wants and what they can afford to spend.

Top-notch centers are at a premium. If they let him peek out the door, the Texans will find many teams looking for a guy like Myers.

5. Jared Gaither (OT)

Gaither stepped into the Chargers' offensive line and immediately had a positive impact, not allowing a pressure or a sack in his first three starts at Philip Rivers' blind side.

That alone will get him a look. The Chargers would do well to retain him, but they have plenty of other fish to fry and Gaither will have multiple suitors.

Defensive Line

1. Mario Williams (DE/OLB)

Rumor has it the Texans are thinking of letting Williams test the waters, and if so, he's an intriguing guy for teams to look at. While he did all right once he acclimated to linebacker, his true strength lies in his original position of defensive end.

If the Texans let him walk, plenty of teams will be looking for a guy who has added positional versatility to his tools. He was an elite pass rusher as a defensive end, and he'll get a shot to become one again in somebody's scheme.

2. Calais Campbell (DE)

The Cardinals didn't have much to crow about last year—Campbell was one of the few guys who produced. They won't want him to leave, and he is happy to stay even if he's franchised (which is pretty rare).

Of course, we need to see it to believe it, and Campbell is one of the elite players at his position. Depending on how other things pan out (Peyton Manning anyone?), the Cards might have to make some tough choices. Campbell would then see plenty of interest.

3. Cliff Avril (DE)

You know how I said just now that Calais Campbell was rare in that he was OK with a franchise tag? Yeah, Avril is not.

He thinks the Lions want him back, and they should on the heels of an 11-sack season. However, they might hesitate to tag him if it's going to cause issues. Avril has been getting better and better the last few years and will continue to improve. With Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Lions may feel confident they can let Avril go.

4. Broderick Bunkley (DT)

Bunkley's tenure with the Broncos has been up and down, and he has underperformed his first-round draft stock and been injured a few times.

That said, he can be a solid run stopper and is good at clogging up the middle of the field. The Broncos have a lot of work to do, though they are interested in retaining Bunkley if possible. They also have Marcus Thomas to retain as well, so it may be tough to keep both.

5. John Abraham (DE)

Abraham was the Falcons' best pass rusher this past season, and yet the expectation is he might have to take a pay cut to stay with the team. That may seem counter-intuitive, but age certainly plays a factor in that.

A vet with a few more years left in the tank, Abraham could bring some leadership to a young team and probably be very effective as a pass-rushing specialist. If he won't take that pay cut, he should find some interest in his skills as both things in the open market.

Linebackers

1. Stephen Tulloch

Tulloch excels at shedding blocks and making tackles, and while the Lions would like him back, a one-year deal won't do it for him again. Several teams, including the Eagles, are interested, and Tulloch is likely to see what else is out there if the Lions come up short in terms of years.

2. Anthony Spencer

Spencer is an exceptional run stopper and he can create turnovers, but he hasn't quite been able to really make a name for himself as a sack artist. While that may make the Cowboys let him test free agency, plenty of teams will want his skill set and will be willing to pay more than the Cowboys.

3. Curtis Lofton

Lofton will be a big target for the Falcons to retain, and he is looking for big money to stay. He's a tackling machine, though as the linked article states, he plays as mostly a two-down linebacker. For the money he wants, they'll want more from him—other teams will feel the same.

It's time for Lofton to make the next step.

4. D'Qwell Jackson

Jackson missed the 2010 season with an injury but made up for it in 2011. He's willing to be franchised, which could help the Browns immensely as they have a lot of holes to fill. If he isn't franchised, expect some heavy bids on a guy who had 158 tackles in 2011.

5. David Hawthorne

It looks like Hawthorne might be let go by the Seahawks, despite being young and productive. He has led the team in tackles for three seasons and played hurt. While Seattle might decide to change things up, other teams (both 3-4 and 4-3) will be interested in a guy who has the ability and merely needs to stay healthy to continue to be productive.

Defensive Back

1. Cortland Finnegan (CB)

While there is a very real chance Finnegan ends up franchised, Finnegan wants a long-term deal, and it's unclear how willing the Titans are to give it to him or how he feels about playing when franchised.

Finnegan has been very productive in Tennessee and would be an ideal candidate for many teams looking for a physical corner who can cover as well. We already had one (albeit brief) Finnegan holdout last August. The Titans may not want to risk a second, in which case Finnegan will see a lot of interest in free agency.

2. Brent Grimes (CB)

Grimes is an excellent corner, but while his play warrants consideration for a long-term, big deal, his age may hurt him. The Falcons may tag him, as it's hard to let him go, but if he hits the market he will see some good money.

His interceptions dropped off, but that was mostly due to the rest of the secondary being vulnerable. In the right situation, Grimes will flourish.

3. Carlos Rogers (CB)

Rogers wants a four to five-year deal which, since he's turning 31, could be an issue for the 49ers. He clearly has plenty left in the tank, and if the Niners decide to retain the younger Dashon Goldson, Rogers will find several teams interested in his services.

Coming off a career high in interceptions and a Pro Bowl year, Rogers is looking for a team that believes he still has something left in the tank, which he does.

4. Brandon Carr (CB)

Carr is coming off of a bit of an off year but has had a productive tenure with the Chiefs and could find himself franchised. He will want a long-term deal but will have to settle for less money than fellow cornerback Brandon Flowers got.

He could hit the open market, which might be more lucrative for him. He showed great ball instincts this year in getting a career-high four interceptions and has proven to be a willing tackler and run defender in the past.

5. Michael Griffin (S)

Griffin doesn't expect to be back with the Titans next year, which is not a shock given the off year he had. A willing run defender and a solid safety in coverage, I could see multiple teams taking a look at him this offseason.

Griffin may be a bit inconsistent at times, but he is a very solid safety and one of the best available in this free-agent class.