2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing Mario Williams and Other Free Agent Pass Rushers

In a pass-oriented league, it's clear that defenses are going overlooked as offenses are expected to put up all kinds of points to win games.

Well, as we saw in Super Bowl XLVI, having a great pass rush is the best ingredient to slowing down any offense. With that said, here are some pass-rushing specialists to keep an eye on in free agency.

Mario Williams, Houston Texans

Despite losing Mario Williams due to injury before the 2011 season was even halfway over, the Houston Texans defense still ranked No. 2 in allowing just 285.7 yards per game.

As for Williams, pre-injury he still recorded five sacks and 11 tackles through five games. Still, the two-time All-Pro is one of Houston's best defenders. However, with other studs such as JJ Watt, Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin, it would not be surprising to see Williams and the Texans split.

Provided that happens, one of the NFL's better raw pass rushers will be available on the open market. Because in addition to being a sack machine, Williams is a great defender against the run and has a knack for forcing fumbles.

It would be unfortunate if he left Houston, but Mario does give any defense the luxury of switching between a 4-3 and 3-4 front and the versatility it provides.

John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons

An under-the-radar pass rusher because of how terrible the Atlanta Falcons pass defense was in 2011, John Abraham is a seasoned veteran that has been dominating since 2000.

Between the past two seasons, Abraham has recorded 22.5 sacks and forced six fumbles while also defending six passes. Now, he isn't the best run defender, but since Abraham will be 34-years-old before 2012 kicks off, if he and the Falcons part ways, expect him to strictly be used in passing situations.

After all, with that being his ultimate strength and specialty, Abraham's production can be quite effective when fresh. Also, since he is mainly a 4-3 defensive end, only those teams will come calling should he hit the market.

There's no doubt that he can still bring the pain, but just not as much as a few years ago.

Cliff Avril, Detroit Lions

It would be a travesty for the Detroit Lions if they let pass rusher Cliff Avril slip through their fingers this offseason. The man is hitting his prime, coming off 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2011.

As a rookie in 2008, despite the Lions going 0-16, Avril was one of the few decent performers not named Calvin Johnson. There, Avril recorded five sacks and forced four fumbles, so it's clear he wants to win in the Motor City.

His explosiveness is as good as anyone in the game, and being that he isn't asked to defend much against the run, Avril is only developing more as a pass rusher. To that end, with age will come the ability to read and react against the run, the question is where.

Detroit can't afford to lose him and leave offenses to double-team Ndamukong Suh every week. However, if Avril does become available, don't expect him to be on the market long.

Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts

A pass-rushing specialist who has seemingly been in his prime since 2003 (rookie season), it's quite a long-shot for Robert Mathis to remain in Indianapolis for 2012.

With so many other offseason free-agent concerns, re-signing Mathis would be a surprise. Fortunately for Mathis, though, he is still considered one of the game's better defensive ends. Excluding his rookie season, Mathis has never recorded less than seven sacks and an average of 46 tackles in a season.

Mathis also had a stretch from 2004 through 2009 where he forced at least four fumbles each year (32 during that span) and there is still a lot left in the tank.

Before the 2012 season kicks off, Mathis will only be 31-years-old, so another solid three or four years of every down production remains. It would be unfortunate to see him and the Colts split, but then again, a new franchise will be getting one of the most complete defensive lineman in the game.

John Rozum on Twitter.