2012 NFL Draft: 15 Ways 2012 NFL Free Agency Will Shake Up the Draft

The 2012 NFL Free Agency Period begins in one week, with Peyton Manning, Mario Williams and other elite players headlining the free agent class.

And with less than two months until the 2012 NFL Draft, the free agency period will play a crucial role in these teams draft strategies. 

What teams will sign an elite player within free agency? How will it affect their draft plans?

Here is a list of 15 ways that the free agency period will shake up the NFL Draft.

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15. Will the Colts Pick Up Peyton Manning's Option?

It appears to be a foregone conclusion that the Indianapolis Colts will not pick up Peyton Manning's option.

Instead, all signs point to the team moving in a different direction by drafting Andrew Luck.

However, suppose Jim Irsay does indeed bring back Manning if he is healthy. 

This would make a significant impact on the upcoming draft.

Robert Griffin's value would improve greatly, and teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins would have to consider trading him for the former Heisman winner.

One simple decision this week could change the dynamic of the NFL for years to come.

14. Will a Team Pry Mike Wallace Away from the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not place the franchise tag on Mike Wallace, which allows other teams to potentially sign one of the game's elite wide receivers.

If a team does indeed sign Wallace, it could shake up the value of wide receivers in the draft.

Teams such as the New England Patriots or San Francisco 49ers could make a play for Wallace and forfeit a first round pick.

Thus, the handful of receivers that could become first round selections could fall to the second round of the draft.

13. Brandon Carr Will Alter the Value of First Round Cornerbacks

The Kansas City Chiefs appear content to allow cornerback Brandon Carr find a new team in free agency.

Carr will demand a big contract, even with Cortland Finnegan out on the open market. The Dallas Cowboys are among the few teams that are expected to make a run at the 26-year-old cornerback.

Carr's signing could affect how far the cornerbacks fall in the first round. Could Dre Kirkpatrick become a late first round selection if the Cowboys pass him up? Is there a team willing to take a risk on Janoris Jenkins in the first round?

On the other hand, this could also improve the market for these cornerbacks. Teams could become more aggressive in pursuit of one of these young prospects if they miss out on the opportunity to sign Carr.

12. Seattle Seahawks Could Pursue Ryan Tannehill After Resigning Marshawn Lynch

The Seattle Seahawks finalized a new contract with Marshawn Lynch, which includes 18 million dollars guaranteed.

It was expected that the Seahawks were going to pursue a running back early on in the draft. However, with the return of Lynch, the focus could be shifted to quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Many scouts believe that a team will select Tannehill within the top ten. Pete Carrol could pull the trigger on Tannehill and find the franchise quarterback he needs in Seattle.

11. Trent Richardson's Draft Stock Could Be Ruined by Marshawn Lynch

The Marshawn Lynch signing might have increased Ryan Tannehill's value. However, it could have impacted former Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson appears to be the only running back that will be selected in the first round of the draft. But, as the value of a running back continues to decrease, his draft status is unknown.

He could have been selected by the Seahawks early in the first round. Instead, if he falls past the Jets at 16th overall, he could receive the same fate as former teammate Mark Ingram, by becoming a late first round pick.

10. Which Contenders Will Stay Quiet During the Free Agency Period?

In today's NFL, it appears that the league's elite share a similar formula. Instead of signing the top players through free agency, they build their respective rosters through the draft.

The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers are among the few teams that like to build through the draft and focus on keeping their players on the roster.

Will these teams change their formula this year? With many big free agents on the move, the Patriots and Ravens have been linked to sign one of these elite players. In return, the idea of sacrificing some draft picks could potentially become a reality.

On the other hand, the Steelers could allow Mike Wallace to walk in order to gain additional draft picks. As long as these teams stay focused on the draft, many prospects will continue to hold high value in the draft.

9. Ben Grubbs Will Alter the 1st Round

There is a good possibility that the Baltimore Ravens will allow Pro Bowl guard, Ben Grubbs test the free agent market.

It is rare to see a quality lineman enter the free agency pool, which could lead to a major bidding war between teams.

More importantly, it could impact the first round of the draft.

The Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Cincinnati Bengals are among the teams that are targeting offensive lineman early in the draft.

If one of these teams signs Grubbs, there would be a great increase in draft value for these young lineman.

8. A Stevie Johnson Signing Weakens a Thin Receiver Market

The wide receiver market could potentially include several big names.

However, it doesn't appear that Stevie Johnson will be joining a new team this off season. Adam Schefter is reporting  that the Bills and Johnson are nearing a new five year deal.

One less receiver off the market means teams will be more aggressive in pursuing young receivers through the draft.

7. Matt Flynn Could Shakeup the Draft

Matt Flynn could be the biggest benefactor in this free agency period. He is destined to be a starting quarterback, and be compensated accordingly.

If the Miami Dolphins don't land Peyton Manning, it seems reasonable to think that Flynn would join his old offensive coordinator Joe Philbin ( now the head coach) in Miami.

However, Flynn could shake up the value of the top quarterbacks in the first round and the St. Louis Rams could lose more leverage in their attempt to trade the 2nd overall pick.

Ryan Tannehill could fall significantly if the Dolphins don't select him with the 8th overall pick.

6. Brandon Lloyd Could Make the Rams Select Justin Blackmon

Brandon Lloyd appears to be departing from St. Louis, and could potentially follow Josh McDaniels to the Patriots.

In this case, the Rams would have no choice but to select receiver Justin Blackmon. In fact, the Rams may have to stay with the 2nd overall pick.

As of now, there are no teams that are meeting their trade demands for the 2nd overall pick. It may be in their best interest to draft a quality receiver who extend the field and make Sam Bradford's job easier.

5. The 49ers Could Trade Up in the Draft to Select a Young Cornerback

The San Francisco 49ers are willing to allow cornerback Carlos Rogers test the free agent market.

Therefore a potential trade could be on the horizon for the defending NFC West champions.

They could take a risk and draft talented cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

The option of trading up in the draft is also a possibility. Dre Kirkpatrick is not expected to be selected in the top 10, and could fall very quickly depending on what happens in free agency.

It would not be a shocker if the 49ers traded up and selected Kirkpatrick to replace Rogers. 

4. The Eagles Could Trade Desean Jackson

Once the free agency period opens, teams will be given the opportunity to make improvements through trades.

The Philadelphia Eagles may be willing to trade disgruntled Desean Jackson. Both sides have still not found common ground in contract negotiations.

The Eagles did franchise Jackson, a sign that they may attempt to trade the young receiver.

There would be a big market for Jackson. The compensation would be high draft picks, which would allow the Eagles to address their needs on defense.

If the Eagles agree to a trade, they will impact the draft greatly via the amount of picks they would have.

3. Teams with Cap Space Could Change the Dynamic of the Draft

Last off season, the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the league after adding multiple Pro-Bowlers to their roster, led by Nnamdi Asomugha, in a short period of time.

There are teams with plenty of cap space that could make some big moves. In some cases, it could mean giving up draft picks by signing someone like Mike Wallace. Several teams may also pursue some of the elite defensive players, or the Hall of Fame quarterback that could be on the market.

If there is a team that does indeed make a huge splash in free agency, teams will have no choice but to hope that the 2012 NFL Draft has prospects that will make a difference right away.

During the draft, trades could be a popular scenario, with many top prospects improving their value after the NFL Combine.

2. Mario Williams Will Affect Defensive Line Prospects

Aside from Peyton Manning, the biggest name on the market could is All-Pro defensive end Mario Williams.

The Houston Texans appear satisfied with the young defensive talent on their roster, which could lead to Williams' departure.

There are plenty of defensive line prospects that are expected to go early in the first round, but where Williams ends up could alter the position of these top prospects.

The Texans may also try drafting Williams' replacement.

1. Peyton Manning Determines Everything

Peyton Manning holds all the cards when it comes to this year's off season.

If the Colts retain Manning, they will have to decide whether or not drafting Andrew Luck is the answer ( seems a foregone conclusion), or they could shock the nation and head in a different direction.

If Manning does enter free agency, he will command a market that the league has never witnessed. There are clearly many teams in need of a quarterback.

It is also possible that teams who appeared satisfied with their quarterbacks could make a run at Manning.

Wherever Manning plays next season, not only will it affect half the league, but it could have a great effect on the top prospects in this year's draft.