2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing London Fletcher and Other Free Agent Linebackers

Unless it's Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens or Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, the linebacker position doesn't get much recognition as other positions by comparison.

As for the 2012 free agents, there's some excellent talent to be had if their current team's decide to part ways. That being said, here's a look at some free agent linebackers that your team should consider this offseason.

London Fletcher, Redskins

Despite his age, London Fletcher is defying those odds and continuing to play extremely well at the middle linebacker position. When 2012 kicks off he will be 37 years old and still looking to do work in the trenches.

Last season, Fletcher recorded 166 tackles, which was a career-high, and he defended eight passes, tied for fourth-most in his career. Fletcher is excellent at reading then reacting to the run, knows how to beat blocks and is a sure tackler.

Against the pass he's solid with underneath coverage and is at his best when in zone, so he can patrol the middle. It would be a travesty if Washington parted ways. However, any team needing a stud linebacker, whether it's a 4-3 or 3-4 front, could use him.

After all, you don't average 127 tackles per season without doing something right.

D'Qwell Jackson, Browns

Next to cornerback Joe Haden, Cleveland's middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is their next best player. Unfortunately, in an offense driven league, Jackson is significantly underrated.

In 2011, Jackson recorded 158 tackles, 3.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles. Much like London Fletcher, Jackson simply knows how to find the football and make plays.

Being with the Browns though, he has literally no help around him inside the front seven. If Jackson didn't make the tackle, odds are the opposing offense made a big run. Now, he's not as good at defending the pass, however, Jackson is a better than advertised blitzer.

Mainly up the middle but he can also react well to a scrambling quarterback. As for free agency, Cleveland desperately needs to keep him otherwise someone else is getting a run-stuffing specialist.

Chase Blackburn, Giants

He's not one of the premier linebackers in the game, however, Chase Blackburn has developed into a reliable and completely solid player for the New York Giants.

His 6'3", 240-plus pound frame gives Blackburn a distinct advantage at the linebacker position. A consistent contributing member of both of the Giants Super Bowl teams under head coach Tom Coughlin, Blackburn really took advantage of his opportunities in 2011.

Despite only playing in five regular season games as he was not signed until late November, Blackburn was mainly known as a stud special teams player who occasionally received playing time on defense.

Well, thanks to his 26 postseason tackles and interception of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI when he was covering Rob Gronkowski, Blackburn should get re-signed. If not though, someone will be eyeing the 'backer who can cover downfield in a Tampa-2 look while being quick enough to stop the run across the line.

Curtis Lofton, Falcons

One of the better young and consistent linebackers in the game, Atlanta's Curtis Lofton finished No. 5 in 2011 with 147 tackles. Additionally, Lofton also defended seven passes and made two interceptions.

He's obviously better against the run but an underrated pass defender, Lofton was the Falcons only complete legit chance at stopping the run. Being that they ranked No. 20 against the pass and No. 6 against the run, teams didn't run much against Atlanta.

And in the passing game, the deep middle and anywhere opposite of corner Brent Grimes is where they got burned. Lofton however, did his part at holding up the fort inside and was a big help to defensive linemen John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux.

For Atlanta's sake though, re-signing Lofton will be huge because new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 scheme will be interesting to watch. If not, Atlanta is losing a key ingredient to its defense. 

John Rozum on Twitter.