2012 NFL Free Agents: Where Michael Bush and Other Top RBs Fit Best

Soon the NFL free agency period will begin, and before we know it the 2012 season will be under way.

Despite pro football being a pass-happy league, having that reliable ball-carrier always plays a pivotal role in winning consistently.

Thus, we'll see the market for running backs be rather competitive, especially since after Alabama's Trent Richardson, the running back pool in the NFL draft isn't too deep this year. In turn, here's where the top expected free-agent running backs fit best.

Michael Bush, Detroit Lions

Right now the Detroit Lions don't have that well-established running back who can hit the trenches while breaking tackles for extra yards.

Kevin Smith is a great third-down back for screens, draws and check-downs (much like Jahvid Best), and provided he gets healthy, Mikel Leshoure makes for a solid No. 2 back.

Michael Bush, though, proved this past season that he's worthy to carry the load week in and week out. The man accounted for almost 1,400 total yards and scored eight touchdowns for the Raiders.

Detroit, on the other hand, never had a reliable rushing attack on a weekly basis, but thanks to a stellar passing game, the Lions were able to make the postseason. At 10-6, the Lions ranked No. 29 in rushing offense and had a defense that allowed almost 370 total yards per game.

If Detroit can land Bush, the Motor City will see just that—a motor on a running back allows him to bowl over front sevens, and Bush will be even more productive with the Lions because of their passing game.

Include Smith and Leshoure and Detroit will be set on offense for a legit shot at taking control of the NFC North.

Peyton Hillis, Arizona Cardinals

The Cleveland Browns are in an interesting position. Peyton Hillis fell off in 2011 due in large part to a banged-up offensive line and no threats in the passing game.

It didn't help that he wasn't completely healthy during the course of the year.

Hillis did manage to gain 717 total yards in 10 games played. However, with other Browns running backs such as Brandon Jackson, Montario Hardesty and potentially another via the draft, Hillis may take a back seat in Cleveland.

If he wants another opportunity to showcase his abilities, the Arizona Cardinals will suffice. After all, Hillis ran over them for 99 yards and a touchdown last season. Plus, the Cards finished ranked No. 24 in rushing offense.

Chris Wells gained 1,047 yards on the ground, but 366 of those yards came in two games (Giants, Rams), which roughly equates to 35 percent of his rushing total. In other words, improved consistency is needed, and the addition of Hillis would make for a promising two-back tandem in Arizona.

With receiver Larry Fitzgerald still doing work and a quickly developing defense, the Cardinals will be a team to watch in 2012 if Hillis heads out West.

Ryan Grant, Denver Broncos

Ryan Grant is pushing the dreaded age of 30 for running backs (he will be 30 in December), and he has been subject to injuries and, for the most part of 2011, losing his job to a younger back.

From 2007 to 2009, Grant compiled over 3,400 rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns on the ground. However, 2010 was a year to forget, as he missed basically the entire season, which put him in a limited role for 2011.

There, Grant gained 559 yards and scored two touchdowns, but he had a career high with 268 receiving yards. He's not an expected No. 1 back who can carry the entire brunt of the work; however, Grant does fit well as a reliable No. 2 ball-carrier.

To that end, the Denver Broncos make for a good fit, as they not only are a run-oriented team but do need that veteran to act in a supporting role.

Willis McGahee proved in 2011 he should be the Broncos' No. 1 back. However, without Tim Tebow's scrambling ability, Denver doesn't have another well-established ball-carrier. Lance Ball may have gained over 400 yards, but more production is needed to complement McGahee.

Grant can provide that in Denver and allow the Broncos to line up in a split-back set. Considering his numbers in the passing game, Grant's services will assist on check-downs and screens as well.

Cedric Benson, Philadelphia Eagles

Cedric Benson is an interesting running back. Although he's gained over 1,000 rushing yards each of the past three seasons, the Bengals haven't been viewed as a dominant running team.

Then again, Cincinnati ranked No. 19 in rush offense last season. Benson was productive, and while he's not a standout No. 1 running back, he's also better than your average No. 2 ball-carrier.

Which brings us to the Philadelphia Eagles.

At his size of 5'11", 227 pounds, Benson isn't going to explode for a ridiculous number of yards each week. He's a between-the-tackles punisher and works to move the chains or set up the offense after first down.

Philly already has a strong No. 1 running back in LeSean McCoy, who gained over 1,300 rushing and 300 receiving yards in 2011. But McCoy isn't a slammer like Benson, and the Eagles need that kind of presence in short-yardage situations.

Acquiring Benson would give the Eagles better odds at controlling the line of scrimmage, not to mention it would help set up the passing game even more.

John Rozum on Twitter.