2012 NFL Free Agents: 10 Free Agents Who Will Have the Most Suitors

There won't be a player in 2012 NFL free agency more pursued than Mario Williams.

Let me attempt to explain this as simply as I can: Football games are won in the trenches, and when you have one of the best defensive ends in football stalking opposing quarterbacks, the tide begins to turn in your favor.

It's been shown on the college level, with the SEC winning championship after championship, and it's because they possess freaks on the defensive line that are composed of size, speed and athleticism. Ask any of the coaches in the conference, and they'll tell you that.

Why is that important? Well, Williams is the elite of the elite at the defensive end position. His dominance at the position has every team eying him this free agency, and the big guy is deservedly going to receive a huge contract.

Along with Williams, these are the top free agents who will have teams fighting over them.

10. Curtis Lofton

With the Atlanta Falcons placing their franchise tag on Brent Grimes, that frees up Curtis Lofton for the market.

Lofton is an outstanding linebacker that is a tackling machine. In 2011, Lofton had 147 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions.

With very few great linebackers on the market, Lofton is going to be one of the best free-agent linebackers on the market.

9. Lardarius Webb

Lardarius Webb's performance in the playoffs will attract a lot of attention his way this offseason.

Webb had three interceptions in the postseason, including an interception on All-Everything quarterback Tom Brady.

Webb was outstanding all season for the Ravens, as he accumulated 67 tackles, a forced fumble and five interceptions.

Webb not only is a great cornerback, but he is a good return man as well. At the age of 26, Webb's versatility could very well get him a big paycheck from an opposing team.

8. Matt Flynn

Once the Peyton Manning soap opera comes to a conclusion, Matt Flynn will be the most pursued quarterback of the offseason.

Flynn's smart and calm demeanor illustrates that he has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback for a team that doesn't have Aaron Rodgers as the starter.

Not only is he cool in the pocket, but the guy can post big-time numbers.

Flynn showed that last season when he threw for a franchise-record 480 yards and six touchdowns in Week 17.

Expect Flynn to draw a lot of attention from the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

7. Ben Grubbs

Like I stated in the intro, football games are won in the trenches, and having a guy like Ben Grubbs starting at guard for your team can only increase your chances.

Your quarterback needs solid support from his guard and the center to be able to climb the pocket without having his head taken off, and Grubbs' Pro Bowl selection in 2011 speaks highly of his ability to play the guard position in the NFL.

Grubbs is a powerful run-blocker, and he's an athletic pass-blocker.

With Ray Rice receiving the Baltimore Ravens' franchise tag, it opens up a window for teams to snatch Grubbs away from the Ravens.

6. Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson looked more like the player fans have grown accustomed to seeing in 2011, and his play might have earned him a long-term deal in a city outside of San Diego.

Last season, Jackson caught 60 passes for 1,106 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

In fact, besides Jackson's rough 2010 season and his rookie year, he's been extremely productive for the Chargers.

Jackson is a two-time Pro Bowl selection that is fast enough to get behind the coverage and athletic enough to reel in circus catches.

All I know is that the San Diego Chargers better lock Jackson up, because he will have many suitors trying to get a piece of him very soon.

5. Marques Colston

I just can't see a possible scenario for the New Orleans Saints to keep Marques Colston.

The contract issues with Drew Brees really cost the organization, because they could have used that franchise tag for either Colston or Carl Nicks.

Colston is expected to command a contract worth $7 million to $9 million, and that's going to be quite the challenge for the Saints' front office.

Teams that are looking for a receiver with sure hands and great size are going to target Colston and will most likely be able to give Colston what he wants.

4. Cortland Finnegan

To steal a phrase from the greatest wrestler of all time, Cortland Finnegan is "the dirtiest player in the game," and if teams want the man, they're going to have to pay the man.

Finnegan will most likely not receive a franchise tag from the Tennessee Titans, and this should open him up for free agency.

Though Finnegan gets a bad rep for his trash talking and cheap shots, he's still a physical cornerback who is able to hold down the receiver he's guarding.

Finnegan had 75 tackles and one interception last season with the Titans.

3. Mike Wallace (Restricted)

Want a playmaker who can stretch the field?

Every team wants a tall, athletic receiver who can keep safeties from crowding the box, and that's exactly what Mike Wallace can do.

That along with the fact that ESPN already reported he won't receive a franchise tag means Wallace is setting himself up for a big payday this offseason.

The last two seasons combined, Wallace had 2,450 yards receiving and 18 touchdown receptions.

You'd better believe the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have to fight to keep this guy.

2. Carl Nicks

How good is Carl Nicks, you might ask?

Nicks allowed only 12 pressures in 700 passing plays last season, and he's a powerful run-blocker.

He's only 26 years old, and he formed the best guard tandem in the entire NFL with Jahri Evans for the past couple of seasons.

To go even further, I believe Nicks is the best guard in the NFL today, and that's why he wants to be paid more than Evans.

If the Saints are unable to satisfy Nicks, it'll be an all-out war in free agency to see who gets this gem.

1. Mario Williams

Think about it.

What was the Houston Texans' answer in trying to dethrone Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South?

They drafted a game-changing defensive end, and 2012 free-agency teams will be looking to add this game-changer to their clubs.

Since being drafted by the Texans in 2006, Williams has 241 tackles and 53 sacks.

Remember when everyone was laughing at the Texans for selecting him in that draft?

Looks like it will be Williams that gets the last laugh this offseason.