2012 NFL Free Agents: Ranking Top 11 Names on the Market

With less than a week until the 2012 NFL free agency period begins, the top-tier depth of players available has dropped quite a bit in large part due to the franchise tag.

Still, the NFL draft is not until the end of April, which leaves a good amount of time for franchises to scan the market and find the right guy to fit their philosophy.

That being said, here are the top 11 names on the market right now.

11. Peyton Hillis

2011 was undoubtedly a disappointing season for Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis.

He had just come off a season having gained 1,654 total yards and scoring 13 touchdowns in 2010, then the so-called "Madden curse" kicked in after roughly one month last season.

Well, Hillis, after all the running backs who have been franchised, becomes one of the more notable running backs available.

Even though he only played in 10 games last season, Hillis still managed to compile 717 total yards. Not bad for being "cursed," right?

Still, after his 2010 campaign, it would be surprising to see Hillis not get a few looks this offseason.

10. Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn would be higher on the list, however, we have to remember that he has only played in 12 games the past two seasons.

And in 2010, only two of his seven appearances were legitimate contributions. There, Flynn threw for 428 yards, three touchdowns to two interceptions and had a 61.3 completion percentage.

Not until Week 17 in 2011 would we see Flynn make an impact, and it was impressive. Against the Lions, he connected on 70.5 percent of his throws, compiled 480 yards and had six touchdowns to one pick.

All that said, this was against Detroit's No. 22-ranked pass defense, at home and in a meaningless game as the Packers had already locked up the NFC's No. 1 seed. Even the Lions had already clinched a playoff berth at that point.

Flynn has been quite impressive when given the opportunity to play, but before we get too hyped-up about him, just keep in mind that he has limited experience by comparison.

9. Alex Smith

Alex Smith easily had the best season of his career in 2011 with over 3,100 passing yards, 17 touchdowns to just five picks and a 61.3 completion percentage.

Had it not been for his flaky play from 2005-2010, Smith would be a lot higher on the list, but then again, Smith has never had the same offensive coordinator for more than one season.

In 2011, Smith also had a lackluster receiving corps with Josh Morgan out early on, Michael Crabtree's slow start, Braylon Edwards never hitting a rhythm and Ted Ginn Jr. is simply not your ideal NFL receiver.

So, tight end Vernon Davis became Smith's go-to man, and as evidenced by the postseason, it was the perfect connection. Also, Smith upped his play in January with five touchdowns to zero interceptions, 495 passing yards and a 101 rating.

Although the completion percentage wasn't as impressive as the regular season, Smith was careful with the rock and even displayed his inner-"Tecmo Super Bowl" self against the Saints.

Considering how much Smith improved throughout the course of the 2011 season, if San Francisco neglects to re-sign him, he won't be on the market long.

8. Curtis Lofton

One of the more underrated linebackers in pro football, Curtis Lofton is the key ingredient for the Atlanta Falcons to build around on defense.

In his four seasons, Lofton has accumulated almost 500 tackles, forced seven fumbles and has defended 15 passes.

Last season, Lofton also picked off two passes and returned one for a touchdown. So, not only are the instincts and sure-tackling skills in possession, but Lofton has proven the ability to make plays and be a game-changer.

Shockingly enough, though, Lofton has yet to earn a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection. Well, despite that snub, the Falcons can't afford to lose him as they ranked No. 6 against the run (allowed an average of 97 rush yards per game).

If Atlanta decides to part ways, someone is getting a stud middle linebacker who can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 front.

7. Carlos Rogers

A consistently solid performer at cornerback since his rookie season in 2005, San Francisco's Carlos Rogers will make an immediate impact wherever he plays in 2012.

For the sake of 49er fans everywhere, let's hope he remains in The Bay Area.

After all, the man did record a career-high six interceptions last season and returned them for 106 yards, including one for a touchdown.

In addition, Rogers defended 18 total passes, the most for him since 2008 and the second most of his career, which helped make San Francisco one of the most complete defenses in 2011.

Now, he is going to be turning 31 years old before next season, but after his proven consistency since his days with the Washington Redskins, Rogers' age at this point isn't a concern.

With pro football dominating in the passing offense, having a corner like Rogers allows a defense to blitz more often than not.

6. Randy Moss

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Randy Moss had one helluva workout earlier this week.

In the tweet, Glazer states that he was informed that Moss "looked like the old Randy."

If that is in fact the case, then lookout in 2012, because the Moss from 1998-2003 with the Minnesota Vikings, as well as the Moss from 2007-2009 with the New England Patriots is going to have his best season ever.

Obviously all this remains to be seen, however, considering that pro football has become so heavily reliant on the passing game, even presenting Moss on the outside will affect a defense's game plan.

And for anyone who remembers "the old Randy," well, that's a guy who has been named to seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams.

At age 35, perhaps that season off was just the amount of rest he needed to rejuvenate for 2012.

5. Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan may be undersized at 5'10", 190 pounds, but he's a scrapper at the corner position and won't back off anyone who lines up across from him.

If anything, Finnegan's attitude and physical play makes him an appealing free agent. In a pass-happy league, forcing a receiver's route to take longer to develop only favors the defense.

Finnegan is also great for run support, and he's proven this by good press coverage skills and then reacting to the run at the snap. He's stronger than what meets the eye and is a reliable tackler.

With 473 tackles in six seasons and 388 being solo, Finnegan is great in the open field. He also has defended 68 total passes (14 interceptions) and amassed 357 interception return yards.

Whether it's locking down a No. 1 receiver, stuffing the run on the perimeter or making a game-changing play, Finnegan won't be on the market very long.

Defenses need a player with his level of tenacity and relentlessness, otherwise offenses will only takeover the game even more.

4. Mario Williams

Had it not been for an injury-stricken season in 2011, Mario Williams would have a solid case for being the top free agent right now.

He is, however, still easily one of the best after recording five sacks in not even five full games with 10 solo tackles.

Williams is a two-time Pro-Bowler and All-Pro selection, has collected 53 career sacks in six seasons and has forced 11 fumbles. Can you imagine how ridiculous the Texans defense would have been in 2011 with him being 100 percent?

Nevertheless, Williams literally has the size to play anywhere along the defensive line and is a force off the edge in the 3-4 front. It would be a surprise, though, if Houston retained him after how Wade Phillips' defense performed in William's absence.

Obviously he'd keep them strong for depth purposes, but Mario has the ability to start anywhere in the league, and he'll be approached by many franchises when free agency begins.

3. Vincent Jackson

One of the most interesting free agent positions this offseason, Vincent Jackson will be high on many franchises' lists, but it also wouldn't be surprising if he remained in San Diego.

It would definitely be a big blow to the Chargers offense, however, Jackson does have the opportunity to find a championship-caliber team. We have to expect franchises such as New England and San Francisco to pursue him, as both need that stud No. 1 target.

Plus, Jackson has earned an All-Pro selection in two of the past three seasons, so the attractive contract offers are going to come stampeding in.

He's the best receiver on the market, and after catching 128 passes combined during his All-Pro seasons (2009, 2011), Jackson bolted into the upper-echelon of NFL receivers. He can stretch a defense, has the size to outjump any defender(s) and isn't afraid to go over the middle.

It may seem that there's depth at the receiver position in free agency, but not like the skill set Jackson can provide.

2. Carl Nicks

Easily the best offensive lineman available right now, it would be surprising to see the New Orleans Saints split with Carl Nicks.

For one, he's earned a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection each of the past two seasons and was arguably the single best offensive lineman in 2010.

If there's one reason why Drew Brees has had so much success at dicing up defenses, it's in large part due to pass protection. And Nicks has been one of the best, if not the best in the biz since his rookie campaign in 2008.

He's started in 67 consecutive games, including the postseason, and in 2011, the Saints also ranked No. 6 in rushing offense. In other words, Nicks is also an excellent run-blocker, but this aspect goes unnoticed as New Orleans is most known as a passing team.

A complete lineman and, based on his career thus far, only more accolades are on the way.

1. Peyton Manning

Well that was tough, period.

In the history of pro football—which dates back to 1920 when the league was established—there has never been a four-time NFL MVP until Peyton Manning.

Not even Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Sammy Baugh, John Elway or Tom Brady can say that.

And yet, Manning is no longer with the Indianapolis Colts as of Wednesday, according to the team.

With two Super Bowl appearances (one win), countless yards, touchdowns and memories, Manning becomes the best free agent of all time.

Although that's not the way anyone could have imagine how his career would end, Manning is also in good company, with the likes of Montana, Unitas and Joe Namath, all of which ended their Hall of Fame careers in a different uniform.

Despite his age and health concerns, Manning will attract a lot of attention during free agency. Now we just have to wait and see where he'll be taking snaps in 2012.

John Rozum on Twitter.